Youth Programs#
[This section under active development – please check back often]
The SAR actively sponsors a wide variety of youth-oriented programs designed to educate school-aged children and promote American patriotism. These programs include generous awards and recognition for exceptional effort.
Promote character
Increase confidence
Foster civic responsibility
Develop critical thinking skills
Participants must write an original oration of not less than five minutes, or more than six minutes. The oration must be delivered from memory and without the use of notes or any kind of props. The subject of the oration shall deal with an event, a personality, or a document pertaining to the Revolutionary War with a mention of our nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. It is essential that each oration show the relationship it bears to America today. Evidence of historical research and creative presentation are also important. The oration will be judged based upon its composition, delivery, significance, historical accuracy, and relevance to our 250th anniversary.
Three cash/scholarship awards are given: the National First Place Winner receives $8,000; the 2nd Place Runner-up receives $5,000; and the 3rd Place Runner-up receives $3,000 cash prize. Each also receives an Olympic-sized medal. The three non-placing finalists are each awarded $500 cash. All other non-finalist national contestants are awarded $200 cash.
Please be aware that the local and state application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details.
More formation on the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Historical Oration Contest can be found on the National SAR Website.
The SAR invites all high school students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. The contest is open to all U.S. citizen students attending home schools, public, parochial, or private high schools in grades 9 through 12. To participate, students must submit an original 800 to 1,200-word essay based on an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. The deadline for submissions is December 31 of each school year.
More formation on the Knight Contest can be found on the National SAR Website.
Michigan middle school students (including 9th grade) are invited to participate in the Sgt. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest. Any middle school student from a public, private, or accredited home school is eligible. Individuals belonging to Scout programs as well as members of the C.A.R. are also eligible provided they meet age requirements. The deadline for submission for the competition is December 31 of each year.
More formation on the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest Contest can be found on the National SAR Website.
Michigan elementary school students are invited each year to participate in the SAR Americanism Poster Contest. The purpose of the competition is to stimulate interest in American history in support of the Elementary School curriculum, which is generally when the subject of the American Revolution is taught. This contest is endorsed by the National Art Education Association (NAEA). The deadline for submissions is December 31 of each school year.
More information on the SAR Americanism Poster Contest can be found on the National SAR Website.
This award fosters the principle of “citizen-soldier” as exemplified by the American Revolution’s Minuteman. Selection process begins with the JROTC Unit’s Senior Military Instructor (SMI). Selection criteria includes demonstrated leadership potential, military bearing, and scholastic achievement. Each cadet must submit an original essay on a topic designated by the SAR ROTC / JROTC & Services Academy Liaison Committee. The unit’s JROTC Commanding Officer will select the winning Outstanding JROTC cadet.
xxxxx
Competition is open to all Eagle Scouts registered in an active unit. The year that the scout received the Eagle rank is unrestricted. Application year is 01 January to 31 December and conducted in three phases, local (Chapter), State (Society), and National levels. Judging begins at the local Chapter with the submitted entry that includes an application form, four-generation ancestry chart, and a 500-word patriotic themed essay. First place winner will receive recognition and presented either a cash award or scholarship to an educational institution at the SAR Annual Congress.
Awards are as follows: National First Place Winner receives $10,000; 2nd Place – $6,000; 3rd Place – $4,000; 4th Place – $2,000; 5th Place – $1000; 6th thru 10th – $500; and 11th thru 15th – $200. The First Place Winner will be asked to appear at the SAR Annual Congress, held in June or July, to be recognized and receive the award. Travel and lodging allowance will be provided.
The awards may be taken as either a cash award, or as a scholarship to an educational institution.
An Eagle Scout may apply for the contest in more than one year if they meet the age requirements, but no more than $10,000 total will be awarded to any one Eagle Scout. Prizes and recognition may also be awarded at the SAR Chapter and State Society level. Each Eagle Scout must complete an application form, a four-generation ancestor chart, and a 500-word patriotic themed essay.
This award is presented to C.A.R. members who have performed outstanding service in the furthering of the principles of freedom, and knowledge about and appreciation of the American Revolution, and in supporting C.A.R. goals at local Chapter, State Society, and National levels.
The National Society of the Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) is an organization of persons through 21 years of age who are lineal descendants of a patriot of the American Revolution. The C.A.R. is an independent organization which looks to the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and General Society of the Sons of the Revolution (SR) for its leadership and financial support. The C.A.R. needs adult leaders, financial support, and members. SAR members may hold a “Senior Leader” office in a local-, state-, regional-, or the national-levels of the C.A.R. Direct descendants of SAR and DAR members (from birth to 22 years of age) are eligible for C.A.R. membership.
Every SAR chapter and state-level society should have a C.A.R. Chairman or Liaison Officer who focuses support and encouragement on this very worthwhile youth organization. It is encouraged to award the SAR, DAR, and C.A.R. members who give their time and effort toward supporting the C.A.R. This recognition can be given through the SAR or C.A.R. Medals of Appreciation or other appropriate medals for support and service to the C.A.R. Please complete the application form which can be found in the Consolidated Youth Awards Form and Instructions to enter your SAR state-level society in the C.A.R. Activity Award
