Youth Programs

Voice of Democracy

The Voice of Democracy is designed to foster patriotism and to allow students the opportunity to voice their opinion in a three to five minute essay based on an annual theme. Created in 1947, the scholarship program annually provides more than $3 million in scholarships. Each Department's first-place winner receives an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., plus the opportunity to compete for national scholarships. The first-place national winner receives a $30,000 scholarship and has the potential to win $40,000 after all funds are disbursed. The Naperville VFW winners get $1,000 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third. Contact our post for application information.

Patriot's Pen

Patriot's Pen, is a youth-essay writing contest that gives students in grades 6,7 and 8 the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy.
Contestants write a 300-400 word essay based on an annual patriotic theme. The first-place winner receives a $10,000 savings bond and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. The top national winners each receive a savings bond anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000.

Scouting Program

The Boy Scouts of America and the VFW share a common bond: belief in God, respect for others, honesty and patriotism. Judd Kendall helps promote these ideals by sponsoring Troop 111 in Naperville.
The VFW annually recognizes outstanding Scouts and awards the national winner with a $5,000 scholarship and a trip to the VFW's National Convention, which is held annually at a select host city. Second- and third-place winners are awarded $3,000 and $1,000 respectively.