The Eagle Scout story that moves a room to give.
“The most effective story ever told at a Scout fundraising event.”
“The best Eagle story I’ve ever heard.”
He represented all of Scouting on national television — and won.
In 2017, Terry won Fox’s prime-time survival competition Kicking & Screaming as the oldest competitor on the show — outlasting elite military and survival operators half his age in the jungles of Fiji.
He did it representing all of the Boy Scouts of America, in his Scoutmaster uniform, in front of a national audience — living proof of exactly what your council tells donors Scouting builds. That’s the story he brings to your stage.
Not another corporate or sports story. This is a Scouting story.
Terry L. Fossum was born in the poorest city in the United States, surrounded by gangs and drugs. As a boy he found himself staring down the wrong end of an assault rifle in his own back alley. In high school, his father was killed. Before he died, a neighbor told him: “Not a single one of your boys will ever grow up to be anything.”
But Terry and his brothers had Scouting — and Scouting changed their lives.
This 35–45 minute keynote — modeled after his book sold by national BSA — tells that gripping story: how Scouting carried Terry from that back alley to becoming a former U.S. Air Force Captain, a self-made millionaire, a #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author, the #2 New TEDx Talk in the World, an award-winning speaker, and the winner of Fox’s 2017 reality competition Kicking & Screaming — which he won representing the Boy Scouts of America as the oldest competitor on the show — and carried his brother all the way to becoming a U.S. Astronaut. The neighbor could not have been more wrong.
Specifically crafted to inspire volunteers and professionals to enhance their giving of time, talent, and treasure — council after council reports rave reviews and increases in gifting over previous years.
- 01National Top Hands
- 02National Order of the Arrow Conference
- 03National Jamboree — NESA
- 04Councils across the country
See the story that fills the room.
Standing ovations are nice. Bigger gifts are the point.
Terry’s keynote is built to do one thing for your council: move the room to give more than they did last year. The Executives who booked him in their own words.
Terry has a true Scouting story that hits home with volunteers, donors, and corporate executives. His story is entertaining and captures everyone’s attention while making it clear how important Scouting is and the relevance of our program for today’s youth. His speech was interactive with audience participation, multiple applauses and an ending standing ovation. The evening resulted in a 15% increase in donations over previous years. I would gladly use him again and encourage other councils to use his energy and story to expand Scouting.
Our American Values Luncheon saw an attendance increase of over 20% thanks to our partnership with Terry Fossum. His message is excellent for any Scouting groups. He is energetic, easy to work with, and truly cares about growing the program of Scouting! Highly recommended!
As you know, I’ve questioned at times the need/value of a speaker. Let me be the first to say a big WOW about Terry. All other speakers have been excellent, yet he was fantastic and I think made our jobs last night a bit easier. Please pass along my sincere appreciation.
The guest speaker, Terry Fossum, was “Wicked Great.” I spoke to a number of Scouters who have been to many events in Scouting where there have been guest speakers, and by far Terry was the best they had ever seen and heard. I also felt he was the best that I have ever had the pleasure of hearing.
You bring an incredible amount of energy, optimism, and passion to your speeches. I enthusiastically recommend you to any group desiring an interesting and inspiring speaker.
He’s spent more than 45 years in the program he’s asking your donors to support.
Eagle Scout. Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow. Scoutmaster. President and Endowment Chair of his council. When Terry stands up and tells a room why Scouting matters, he isn’t reciting talking points — he’s telling them what it did for him. Donors feel the difference, and they give to it.
Make this year’s event the one they talk about.
Tell Terry about your council, your event, and your date. He books a limited number of Scouting engagements each year and responds to every inquiry personally — and he’ll bring a system designed to increase the attendance at your event.
Taking it to your board or event committee?
Download the one-sheet (PDF)↓