Advancement and recognition in the Boy Scouts of America
Encyclopedia
Advancement and recognition in the Boy Scouts of America is a tradition dating from the inception of the Scouting movement. A fundamental purpose of advancement is the self-confidence a young man or woman acquires from his participation in Scouting. Advancement is one of the methods used in the "Aims of Scouting"– character development, citizenship training and personal fitness.
There are separate advancement and recognition programs for the three main program divisions: Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing. Each program is designed for its age group and goals.
training, and personal fitness. Everything a Cub Scout does in the advancement program is intended to achieve these aims and aid in personal growth. The program has two tiers of advancement: the classic rank system of Bobcat, Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, Webelos and the Arrow of Light and the newer Academics and Sports Program.
skills, how to participate in a group and to learn self-reliance. Scout is the joining rank, and is awarded when the Scout demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the Scouting ideals. Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class have progressively harder requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit
.
Focus turns toward individual achievement, leadership and community service once First Class is earned. The ranks of Star, Life and Eagle
require a set number of merit badges (minimum of 21 for Eagle Scout, with 12 from a compulsory list), as well as a minimum of time spent in a troop leadership position, and community service requirements, among other things. The rank of Eagle Scout requires the scout plan, develop and lead their own service peoject that benefits their community or an organization other than Scouting. In 2010, the Life Scout rank added a specific teaching requirement, where a Star-rank scout must teach a younger scout certain requirements for one of the early ranks.
Several religious emblems programs are administered by various religious institutions and recognized by the BSA. These are generally recognized by a medal and an embroidered square knot. Many other advancement and recognitions—such as the 50-Miler Award
, Crime Prevention Awards, Emergency Preparedness Award and World Conservation Award —are available to Scouts who show performance in special areas.
Den Chiefs may earn the Den Chief Service Award or the Webelos Den Chief Service Award.
There are also several positions of responsibility within each troop, which is usually divided into patrols, with patrol leaders and assistant patrol leaders. The troop itself has a senior patrol leader as its youth leader, along with an assistant senior patrol leader, and several other positions of responsibility, such as scribe, quartermaster, librarian, instructor, historian and chaplain's aide. Holding some sort of responsibility in the troop is a requirement for higher advancement ranks.
(OA) is a program of the Boy Scout
division of the Boy Scouts of America
(BSA). It is the BSA's national honor society
for experienced campers, based on American Indian
traditions, and dedicated to the ideal of cheerful service.
Awards are separate and distinct from the membership levels of Ordeal and Brotherhood. Awards available through the Order of the Arrow include: Vigil Honor, Founder's Award, Distinguished Service Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Red Arrow Award, E. Urner Goodman Camping Award, E. Urner Goodman, Scholarship Fund, National Service Award. Scholastic awards are also available to Arrowmen to aid in education expenses.
A Bronze Award may be earned for each category of arts and hobbies, outdoor, community and religious life, sea scouting and sports. After earning at least one Bronze Award and meeting tenure, leadership, personal growth and other requirements the Venturer may earn the Gold Award. To earn the Silver Award, the Venturer must earn the Gold Award, earn first aid
and CPR certifications, show leadership and participate in ethics
training.
Venturers may also earn expert awards that build on some areas of the Bronze Awards.
These include the Venturing Ranger Award (Outdoors);
the TRUST Award (Community and Religious Life);
the Quest Award (Sports);
and the Quartermaster Award
(Sea Scouting).
Male members under the age of 18 may also earn Merit Badges and the Star, Life, and Eagle Scout
ranks from the Boy Scouting program if they have earned at least First Class rank in a Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team.
, Silver Antelope Award
, and Silver Buffalo Award
.
In Sea Scouts, the traditional advancement program consists of the 4 ranks in the following order Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and finally Quartermaster
. Quartermaster is the highest Sea Scout Rank and is equivalent to Eagle Scout
or Venturing Silver Award
.
SEAL Training, (Sea Exploring Advanced Leadership), is the highest level of Leadership Training. The program originated in 1996 and at the time was under the name of Sea Exploring, however in 1998 when Venturing was formed the organization was known as Sea Scouts. The name SEAL training did not change. There are about 4-6 course per year held around the country. Participants age over 14.5 to less than 18 years old. Participants must have earned the rank of Ordinary before attending the course. Approximately 80% of participants pass the course. The course is similar to NAYLE
or what was previously known as NJLIC. Upon successful graduation from the course the student may wear the SEAL Pin on their uniform. This the only youth earned pin that an Adult may wear.
Sea Scouts may choose to earn any Venturing awards, advancement, and training if they wish to. A male Sea Scout who has earned the rank of 1st Class in a Boy Scout Troop may complete further Boy Scout ranks and training from within his Sea Scout Ship.
BSA's National Court of Honor is responsible for lifesaving and meritorious awards. All Courts of Honor for Eagle Scout rank are convened as National Courts of Honor also.
Honor Medal With Crossed Palms
Honor Medal
Heroism Award
Medal of Merit
National Certificate of Merit
Local Council Certificate of Merit
Varsity Scout leaders who complete tenure, training and performance requirements may earn the Varsity Scout Leader Training Award. Varsity Coaches may earn the Varsity Coach's Key and the National President's Varsity Scout Coach Award of Merit.
Sea Scout adult leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Sea Scout Leader's Training Award (part of the Scouter's Training Award series) is available to any leader, while the Skipper's Key is only available to Skippers. Seabadge is an advanced leadership program for all Sea Scout leaders. Seabadge can be worn as a pin or a knot with a single trident. Unofficial knots with multiple tridents are sometimes worn to represent a staff member or course director.
Sea Scout adult leaders may also wear the SEAL pin if they, earned it as a youth, served as course director, or served as a course director's mate.
Sea Scout adult leaders may also receive the Venturing Leadership Award
Commissioners
who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Arrowhead Honor is for commissioners who exhibit quality performance and leadership. The Roundtable Staff Training Award (part of the Scouter's Training Award series) is available to Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout and Venturing roundtable staff. The Commissioner's Key (part of the Scouter's Key series) is available for roundtable commissioners, district commissioner, assistant district commissioners, unit commissioners, council commissioners and assistant council commissioners. The Distinguished Commissioner Service Award recognizes commissioners who provide quality service over a period of at least five years.
These awards are part of a series used in several of the BSA programs. They use the same emblems and are differentiated by the use of pin-on devices.
The Scouter's Training Award is a set of recognitions for leaders who complete tenure, training and performance requirements.
The Scouter's Key is a set of recognitions for primary unit leaders who complete advanced tenure, training and performance requirements.
The awards of merit are for Scoutmasters, Coaches and Advisors who meet requirements for tenure, personal training, unit quality and youth training.
Designed for presentation to a noteworthy individual who has performed exceptional and unusual service to young people in hard-to-reach communities over a long period of time.
Whitney M Young Jr.
Service Award
Recognizes outstanding services by an adult individual or an organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds.
¡Scouting ... Vale la pena! Service Award
Recognizes outstanding services by an adult individual or an organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for Hispanic American/Latino youth.
Asian American Spirit of Scouting Service Award
Recognizes outstanding services by an adult individual or an organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for Asian American youth.
ScoutReach National President's Award
Dr. Frank "Tick" Coleman Service Award
A National Service Award for full-time paraprofessional Scouters given every other year, named in honor of Dr. Frank "Tick" Coleman
. Mr. Coleman was highly involved in Scoutreach
.
Conservation
Disabilities
Emergency Preparedness
Outdoors
Scoutcraft
Tenure
Other
There are separate advancement and recognition programs for the three main program divisions: Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing. Each program is designed for its age group and goals.
Cub Scouting
Advancement is one of the methods used to promote the aims of character development, citizenshipCitizenship
Citizenship is the state of being a citizen of a particular social, political, national, or human resource community. Citizenship status, under social contract theory, carries with it both rights and responsibilities...
training, and personal fitness. Everything a Cub Scout does in the advancement program is intended to achieve these aims and aid in personal growth. The program has two tiers of advancement: the classic rank system of Bobcat, Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, Webelos and the Arrow of Light and the newer Academics and Sports Program.
Boy Scout Advancement
The advancement program for Boy Scouts has two phases. The first phase of Scout to First Class is designed to teach the boy ScoutcraftScoutcraft
Scoutcraft is a term used to cover a variety of woodcraft knowledge and skills required by people seeking to venture into wild country and sustain themselves independently. The term has been adopted by Scouting organizations to reflect skills and knowledge which are felt to be a core part of the...
skills, how to participate in a group and to learn self-reliance. Scout is the joining rank, and is awarded when the Scout demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the Scouting ideals. Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class have progressively harder requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit
Scout Spirit
Scout spirit is an ideal attitude that Scouts around the world are supposed to show, based on adherence to the Scout Law and Scout Oath.In the Boy Scouts of America, the Scout's demonstration of Scout spirit is discussed at the Scoutmaster Conference and the Board of Review when the Scout proceeds...
.
Focus turns toward individual achievement, leadership and community service once First Class is earned. The ranks of Star, Life and Eagle
Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America . A Scout who attains this rank is called an Eagle Scout or Eagle. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2 million young men...
require a set number of merit badges (minimum of 21 for Eagle Scout, with 12 from a compulsory list), as well as a minimum of time spent in a troop leadership position, and community service requirements, among other things. The rank of Eagle Scout requires the scout plan, develop and lead their own service peoject that benefits their community or an organization other than Scouting. In 2010, the Life Scout rank added a specific teaching requirement, where a Star-rank scout must teach a younger scout certain requirements for one of the early ranks.
Several religious emblems programs are administered by various religious institutions and recognized by the BSA. These are generally recognized by a medal and an embroidered square knot. Many other advancement and recognitions—such as the 50-Miler Award
50-miler award
The 50-Miler Award is an award of the Boy Scouts of America designed to promote the ideals of Scouting and in Scoutcraft, conservation, self reliance, and physical fitness. The award may be earned by Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers and leaders....
, Crime Prevention Awards, Emergency Preparedness Award and World Conservation Award —are available to Scouts who show performance in special areas.
Den Chiefs may earn the Den Chief Service Award or the Webelos Den Chief Service Award.
There are also several positions of responsibility within each troop, which is usually divided into patrols, with patrol leaders and assistant patrol leaders. The troop itself has a senior patrol leader as its youth leader, along with an assistant senior patrol leader, and several other positions of responsibility, such as scribe, quartermaster, librarian, instructor, historian and chaplain's aide. Holding some sort of responsibility in the troop is a requirement for higher advancement ranks.
Varsity Scout advancement
Advancement is a key part of the Varsity program. Varsity Scouts can earn any award or recognition that is available to Boy Scouts, including merit badges, ranks advancements, and other awards. There are also several awards that are only available to Varsity Scouts, and sometimes their leaders.Order of the Arrow
The Order of the ArrowOrder of the Arrow
The Order of the Arrow is the national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America . It uses American Indian-styled traditions and ceremonies to bestow recognition on scouts selected by their peers as best exemplifying the ideals of Scouting. The society was created by E. Urner Goodman, with the...
(OA) is a program of the Boy Scout
Boy Scout
A Scout is a boy or a girl, usually 11 to 18 years of age, participating in the worldwide Scouting movement. Because of the large age and development span, many Scouting associations have split this age group into a junior and a senior section...
division of the Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 4.5 million youth members in its age-related divisions...
(BSA). It is the BSA's national honor society
Honor society
In the United States, an honor society is a rank organization that recognizes excellence among peers. Numerous societies recognize various fields and circumstances. The Order of the Arrow, for example, is the national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America...
for experienced campers, based on American Indian
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
traditions, and dedicated to the ideal of cheerful service.
Awards are separate and distinct from the membership levels of Ordeal and Brotherhood. Awards available through the Order of the Arrow include: Vigil Honor, Founder's Award, Distinguished Service Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Red Arrow Award, E. Urner Goodman Camping Award, E. Urner Goodman, Scholarship Fund, National Service Award. Scholastic awards are also available to Arrowmen to aid in education expenses.
Youth advancement
| Venturing Awards | ||||||||
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- Note: There are also Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards in the Girl Scouts of the USAGirl Scouts of the USAThe Girl Scouts of the United States of America is a youth organization for girls in the United States and American girls living abroad. It describes itself as "the world's preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls". It was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 and was organized after Low...
.
A Bronze Award may be earned for each category of arts and hobbies, outdoor, community and religious life, sea scouting and sports. After earning at least one Bronze Award and meeting tenure, leadership, personal growth and other requirements the Venturer may earn the Gold Award. To earn the Silver Award, the Venturer must earn the Gold Award, earn first aid
First aid
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by non-expert, but trained personnel to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care...
and CPR certifications, show leadership and participate in ethics
Ethics
Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that addresses questions about morality—that is, concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice and crime, etc.Major branches of ethics include:...
training.
Venturers may also earn expert awards that build on some areas of the Bronze Awards.
These include the Venturing Ranger Award (Outdoors);
the TRUST Award (Community and Religious Life);
the Quest Award (Sports);
and the Quartermaster Award
Quartermaster Award (Boy Scouts of America)
The Quartermaster Award is the highest rank attainable in the Sea Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America.-Award:The award consists of a medal suspended from a blue ribbon; the ribbon is suspended from a silver colored bar bearing the design of a double carrick bend knot...
(Sea Scouting).
Male members under the age of 18 may also earn Merit Badges and the Star, Life, and Eagle Scout
Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America . A Scout who attains this rank is called an Eagle Scout or Eagle. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2 million young men...
ranks from the Boy Scouting program if they have earned at least First Class rank in a Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team.
Venturing Leadership Award
Both youth and adults are eligible for the Venturing Leadership Award. There are three levels of these awards: council (for those at the crew, district, and/or council levels), region (for those at the area or region levels) and National. A limited number of these awards are presented on an annual basis to those involved in Venturing who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing at their particular level and who exemplify the Venturing Code. These awards are similar in scope to the Silver Beaver AwardSilver Beaver Award
The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council...
, Silver Antelope Award
Silver Antelope Award
The Silver Antelope Award is the regional-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America and recognizes outstanding service to young people within one of the four regions of the BSA...
, and Silver Buffalo Award
Silver Buffalo Award
The Silver Buffalo Award is the national-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. It is presented for noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth on a national basis, either as part of, or independent of the Scouting program...
.
Sea Scout Advancement
| Sea Scout ranks: Apprentice, Able, Ordinary, Quartermaster |
 |
| Quartermaster Award medal, badge and knot |
In Sea Scouts, the traditional advancement program consists of the 4 ranks in the following order Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and finally Quartermaster
Quartermaster Award (Boy Scouts of America)
The Quartermaster Award is the highest rank attainable in the Sea Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America.-Award:The award consists of a medal suspended from a blue ribbon; the ribbon is suspended from a silver colored bar bearing the design of a double carrick bend knot...
. Quartermaster is the highest Sea Scout Rank and is equivalent to Eagle Scout
Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America . A Scout who attains this rank is called an Eagle Scout or Eagle. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2 million young men...
or Venturing Silver Award
Silver Award (Boy Scouts of America)
The Silver Award is the highest award in the Venturing program of the Boy Scouts of America. It requires Venturers to first earn one of five Bronze Awards, earn the Gold Award, have one year's tenure in a crew, and fulfill requirements relating to emergency preparedness, leadership skills, and...
.
SEAL Training, (Sea Exploring Advanced Leadership), is the highest level of Leadership Training. The program originated in 1996 and at the time was under the name of Sea Exploring, however in 1998 when Venturing was formed the organization was known as Sea Scouts. The name SEAL training did not change. There are about 4-6 course per year held around the country. Participants age over 14.5 to less than 18 years old. Participants must have earned the rank of Ordinary before attending the course. Approximately 80% of participants pass the course. The course is similar to NAYLE
National Youth Leadership Training
National Youth Leadership Training is the current incarnation of youth leadership development training offered by the Boy Scouts of America . The program is conducted at the council level over a week or over two weekends. It is intended to provide standardized, in-depth training covering a number...
or what was previously known as NJLIC. Upon successful graduation from the course the student may wear the SEAL Pin on their uniform. This the only youth earned pin that an Adult may wear.
Sea Scouts may choose to earn any Venturing awards, advancement, and training if they wish to. A male Sea Scout who has earned the rank of 1st Class in a Boy Scout Troop may complete further Boy Scout ranks and training from within his Sea Scout Ship.
Religious awards
- Youth Religious Emblem
- Adult Religious Award
Lifesaving and meritorious action awards
 |
| Honor Medal, Heroism Award, Medal of Merit knots and devices |
BSA's National Court of Honor is responsible for lifesaving and meritorious awards. All Courts of Honor for Eagle Scout rank are convened as National Courts of Honor also.
Honor Medal With Crossed Palms
- A lifesaving award presented to a registered youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated both unusual heroism and extraordinary skill or resourcefulness in saving or attempting to save a life at extreme risk to self; may be awarded posthumously.
Honor Medal
- A lifesaving award presented to a registered youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated unusual heroism in saving or attempting to save a life at considerable risk to self.
Heroism Award
- A lifesaving award presented to a registered youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated heroism in saving or attempting to save a life at minimum risk to self.
Medal of Merit
- Awarded to youth or adults who have performed an outstanding act of service and exceptional character by putting into practice scouting skills and ideals. It does not need to involve risk to self.
National Certificate of Merit
- This award may be presented by the National Court of Honor to a registered BSA member, youth or adult, who has performed a significant act of service that is deserving of special national recognition. Such action need not involve attempts of rescue or risk to self, but puts into practice Scouting skills or ideals.
Local Council Certificate of Merit
- This may be awarded for meritorious actions.
Cub Scout leader recognition
Cub Scout leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Cub Scouter Award is available to any leader, while the Tiger Cub Den Leader Award, Cub Scout Den Leader Award, Webelos Den Leader Award and the Cubmaster Award are available to those who have held the respective positions. These awards are recognized by a certificate and an embroidered square knot insignia.Boy Scout leader recognition
Boy Scout adult leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Boy Scout Leader's Training Award is available to any leader, while the Scoutmaster's Key and the Scoutmaster Award of Merit are only available to the Scoutmaster.Varsity Scout leader recognition
Adult Varsity leaders may earn the Varsity Letter and activity pins. They meet the same requirements as the youth and must also complete Fast Start and Basic Leader Training (New Leader Essentials and Varsity Coach Leader Specific Training), attend six Varsity Roundtables, and complete a minimum of six months tenure.Varsity Scout leaders who complete tenure, training and performance requirements may earn the Varsity Scout Leader Training Award. Varsity Coaches may earn the Varsity Coach's Key and the National President's Varsity Scout Coach Award of Merit.
Venturing leader recognition
Venturing adult leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Venturing Leader's Training Award is available to any leader, while the Venturing Advisor's Key and Venturing Advisor Award of Merit are only available to the Advisor.Sea Scout leader recognition
 |
| Skipper's Key medal and knot with device |
Sea Scout adult leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Sea Scout Leader's Training Award (part of the Scouter's Training Award series) is available to any leader, while the Skipper's Key is only available to Skippers. Seabadge is an advanced leadership program for all Sea Scout leaders. Seabadge can be worn as a pin or a knot with a single trident. Unofficial knots with multiple tridents are sometimes worn to represent a staff member or course director.
Sea Scout adult leaders may also wear the SEAL pin if they, earned it as a youth, served as course director, or served as a course director's mate.
Sea Scout adult leaders may also receive the Venturing Leadership Award
Commissioner recognition
 |
| Arrowhead Honor |
 |
| Distinguished Commissioner Service Award |
Commissioners
Commissioner Service
Commissioner Service is the group within the Boy Scouts of America that provides direct service to each Scouting unit . Commissioners are experienced Scouters who help chartered organizations and unit leaders to achieve the aims of Scouting by using the methods of Scouting...
who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Arrowhead Honor is for commissioners who exhibit quality performance and leadership. The Roundtable Staff Training Award (part of the Scouter's Training Award series) is available to Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout and Venturing roundtable staff. The Commissioner's Key (part of the Scouter's Key series) is available for roundtable commissioners, district commissioner, assistant district commissioners, unit commissioners, council commissioners and assistant council commissioners. The Distinguished Commissioner Service Award recognizes commissioners who provide quality service over a period of at least five years.
Series awards
  |
| Scouter's Training Award medal, knot and devices Scouter's Key medal, knot and devices |
 |
| Award of Merit knot and devices |
These awards are part of a series used in several of the BSA programs. They use the same emblems and are differentiated by the use of pin-on devices.
The Scouter's Training Award is a set of recognitions for leaders who complete tenure, training and performance requirements.
- Boy Scout Leader's Training Award for the Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmasters, troop committee chairman and troop committee members
- Varsity Scout Leader's Training Award for the Coach, assistant Coach, team committee chairman, team committee member
- Venturing Leader's Training Award for the Advisor, associate Advisors, crew committee chairman and crew committee members
- Sea Scout Leader's Training Award for the Skipper, mates, ship committee chairman and ship committee members
- Roundtable Staff Training Award for the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout and Venturing roundtable staff
The Scouter's Key is a set of recognitions for primary unit leaders who complete advanced tenure, training and performance requirements.
- Scoutmaster's Key
- Varsity Scout Coach's Key
- Venturing Advisor's Key
- Commissioner's Key for roundtable commissioners, district commissioner, assistant district commissioners, unit commissioners, council commissioners and assistant council commissioner
- District Committee's Key for the district committee chairman and members
The awards of merit are for Scoutmasters, Coaches and Advisors who meet requirements for tenure, personal training, unit quality and youth training.
- Scoutmaster Award of Merit
- Varsity Scout Coach Award of Merit
- Venturing Advisor Award of Merit
Leadership and training awards
- PowderhornPowder Horn (Boy Scouts of America)Powder Horn is a high adventure resource course for Venturing, Boy Scouting and Varsity Scouting leaders of the Boy Scouts of America . The goals of Powder Horn are to: help Scout leaders to safely conduct outdoor activities of a fun and challenging nature, provide an introduction to the resources...
- Wood BadgeWood BadgeWood Badge is a Scouting leadership program and the related award for adult leaders in the programs of Scout associations throughout the world. Wood Badge courses aim to make Scouters better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills, and by creating a bond and commitment to the Scout movement...
- Professional Scouter Training Award
- Den Chief Service Award
Distinguished service awards
Distinguished service awards are presented at various levels to recognize noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth.- Silver World AwardSilver World AwardThe Silver World Award is a distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America . It is presented for noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth on an international basis. Recipients must be a citizen of a country with a Scouting program that is a member of the World Scout Conference...
- Silver Buffalo AwardSilver Buffalo AwardThe Silver Buffalo Award is the national-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. It is presented for noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth on a national basis, either as part of, or independent of the Scouting program...
- Silver Antelope AwardSilver Antelope AwardThe Silver Antelope Award is the regional-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America and recognizes outstanding service to young people within one of the four regions of the BSA...
- Silver Beaver AwardSilver Beaver AwardThe Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council...
- Distinguished Eagle Scout AwardDistinguished Eagle Scout AwardThe Distinguished Eagle Scout Award is a distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America . It is awarded to an Eagle Scout for distinguished service in his profession and to his community for a period of at least 25 years after attaining the level of Eagle Scout...
Service awards
EWLINE
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- Colonel Henry Crown Leadership and Service Award: A recognition for unit leaders and assistants.
- District Award of Merit: A recognition for Scouters who give noteworthy service to youth at the district level.
- International Scouter Award
- Community Organization Award
- Cliff Dochterman Award, RotaryRotary InternationalRotary International is an organization of service clubs known as Rotary Clubs located all over the world. The stated purpose of the organization is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help...
- Daniel Carter BeardDaniel Carter BeardDaniel Carter "Uncle Dan" Beard was an American illustrator, author, youth leader, and social reformer who founded the Sons of Daniel Boone in 1905, which Beard later merged with the Boy Scouts of America .-Early life:...
Masonic Scouter Award, Masons - George Meany Award, AFL-CIOAFL-CIOThe American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, commonly AFL–CIO, is a national trade union center, the largest federation of unions in the United States, made up of 56 national and international unions, together representing more than 11 million workers...
(is also part of this category, but retains the use of its original square knot) - Herbert G. Horton Alpha Phi OmegaAlpha Phi OmegaAlpha Phi Omega is the largest collegiate fraternity in the United States, with chapters at over 350 campuses, an active membership of approximately 17,000 students, and over 350,000 alumni members...
Service to Youth Award - Marvin M. Lewis Award, BPOEBenevolent and Protective Order of ElksThe Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is an American fraternal order and social club founded in 1868...
- Raymond A. Finley , Jr. Sea Scout Service Award, United States Power SquadronsUnited States Power SquadronsThe United States Power Squadrons is a non-profit educational organization, founded in 1914, whose mission is to improve maritime safety and enjoyability through classes in seamanship, navigation, and other related subjects. The USPS comprises approximately 45,000 members organized into 450...
- Robert E. Burt Boy Scout Volunteer Award, Sons of the American RevolutionSons of the American RevolutionThe National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution is a Louisville, Kentucky-based fraternal organization in the United States...
- Ruritan Scout Leader Community Service Award, Ruritan National Service ClubRuritanRuritan National is a service club located in small towns and rural areas in the United States. It aims to achieve "Fellowship, Goodwill and Community Service". The local clubs are autonomous from the national organization...
- Scouter's Achievement Award, VFWVeterans of Foreign WarsThe Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a congressionally chartered war veterans organization in the United States. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, VFW currently has 1.5 million members belonging to 7,644 posts, and is the largest American organization of combat...
- Scouting Square Knot Award, American LegionAmerican LegionThe American Legion is a mutual-aid organization of veterans of the United States armed forces chartered by the United States Congress. It was founded to benefit those veterans who served during a wartime period as defined by Congress...
- United States Military Outstanding Volunteer Service MedalMilitary Outstanding Volunteer Service MedalThe Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal is a military award which was created under Executive Order 12830 by George H. W. Bush on January 9, 1993...
, U.S. DODUnited States Department of DefenseThe United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
- Cliff Dochterman Award, Rotary
National service awards
The Spirit of Scouting AwardDesigned for presentation to a noteworthy individual who has performed exceptional and unusual service to young people in hard-to-reach communities over a long period of time.
Whitney M Young Jr.
Whitney Young
Whitney Moore Young Jr. was an American civil rights leader.He spent most of his career working to end employment discrimination in the United States and turning the National Urban League from a relatively passive civil rights organization into one that aggressively fought for equitable access to...
Service Award
Recognizes outstanding services by an adult individual or an organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds.
¡Scouting ... Vale la pena! Service Award
Recognizes outstanding services by an adult individual or an organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for Hispanic American/Latino youth.
Asian American Spirit of Scouting Service Award
Recognizes outstanding services by an adult individual or an organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for Asian American youth.
ScoutReach National President's Award
Dr. Frank "Tick" Coleman Service Award
A National Service Award for full-time paraprofessional Scouters given every other year, named in honor of Dr. Frank "Tick" Coleman
Frank Coleman
Frank "Tick" Coleman was an educator and community volunteer. Born in Washington, D.C., Coleman grew up in its Point Breeze neighborhood. He was one of the first black Eagle Scouts...
. Mr. Coleman was highly involved in Scoutreach
Scoutreach
The Scoutreach Division of the Boy Scouts of America emphasizes service to rural and urban areas and to minority populations. The African American Focus works with African American populations in partnerships with the NAACP, various the African American churches and other groups...
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Support of Scouting awards
- James E West Fellowship Award
- 1910 Society
- Ernest Thompson Seton, Daniel Carter Beard, Theodore Roosevelt and Waite Phillips levels
- Founder's Circle
- Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels
- 1910 Society
- William D. Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award
Unit awards
- National Den Award
- National Quality Unit Award
- National Summertime Pack Award
- Veteran Unit Emblem
- BSA Ready & Prepared Award
Scholarships
- E. Urner Goodman Scholarship Fund
- National Jewish Committee on Scouting: Eagle Scout Scholarship Programs
- AFL-CIO Wood Badge Scholarship Program
- VFW Wood Badge Scholarship Program
- William M Minto Memorial Scholarship For Sea Scouts
- Sons of the American Revolution: Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship
Special opportunities
Aquatics- Boardsailing BSA
- BSA Lifeguard
- Kayaking, BSA
- Long Cruise
- Mile Swim, BSA
- Qualified Seaman
- Scuba, BSA
- Small Boat Handler
- Snorkeling, BSA
Conservation
- Boy Scout World Conservation Award
- Conservation Good Turn
- Cub Scout World Conservation Award
- Cub Scout Leave No Trace Awareness Award
- Leave No Trace Awareness Award
- William T. Hornaday AwardsWilliam T. Hornaday AwardsThe William T. Hornaday Awards are a series of awards presented by the Boy Scouts of America for service in conservation and ecology. The program is designed to encourage learning about natural resource conservation and the environment, teach sound stewardship of the natural resources and the...
- William T. Hornaday Unit Award
- William T. Hornaday Badge
- William T. Hornaday Gold Badge
- William T. Hornaday Bronze Medal
- William T. Hornaday Silver Medal
- William T. Hornaday Gold Badge
- William T. Hornaday Gold Certificate
- Venturing World Conservation Award
Disabilities
- Torch of Gold certificate
- Woods Services Award
Emergency Preparedness
- BSA Ready and Prepared Award
- Crime Prevention Awards
- Emergency Preparedness Award
Outdoors
- 50-Miler Award50-miler awardThe 50-Miler Award is an award of the Boy Scouts of America designed to promote the ideals of Scouting and in Scoutcraft, conservation, self reliance, and physical fitness. The award may be earned by Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers and leaders....
- Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award
- Historic Trails AwardHistoric Trails AwardThe Historic Trails Award is an award of the Boy Scouts of America designed to promote the ideals of Scouting and in Scoutcraft, citizenship, self-reliance, and appreciation of national history. It is awarded for studying about, hiking or camping along, or performing a service project on a...
- National Outdoor Challenge Unit Award
Scoutcraft
- Firem'n ChitFirem'n ChitThe Fireman Chit is a Boy Scouts reward or contract stating that a scout may be able to use, tend, and start a fire. With the Fireman Chit, the Scout are given the right to do the actions stated in the sentence before this. Generally, the process to earn this takes about a half an hour depending on...
- Paul Bunyan Woodsman
- Totin' ChipTotin' ChipThe Totin' Chip is both an award and contract in Boy Scouts of America that shows Scouts understand and agree to certain principles of using different tools with blades. With this, a Scout has the right to carry and use woods tools...
- Whittlin' Chip
Tenure
- Service stars
- Veteran Scouter Pin
Other
- BSA Family Award
- BSA Physical Fitness Award
- Donor Awareness Patch
- Hometown U.S.A. Award
- International Activity PatchInternational Activity PatchThe International Activity Patch is an award of the Boy Scouts of America for participation in an international event. Requirements are developed by each council.-Award:...
- Interpreter's Strips
- Recruiter Strip
- Young American AwardYoung American AwardThe Young American Award is an award of the Boy Scouts of America for outstanding college students ages 19 through 25 who have achieved excellence in the fields of art, athletics, business, community service, education, government, humanities, literature, music, religion, and science; and have...
Awards from other organizations
- Alpha Phi OmegaAlpha Phi OmegaAlpha Phi Omega is the largest collegiate fraternity in the United States, with chapters at over 350 campuses, an active membership of approximately 17,000 students, and over 350,000 alumni members...
offers the Scouting Recognition Certificate - The American LegionAmerican LegionThe American Legion is a mutual-aid organization of veterans of the United States armed forces chartered by the United States Congress. It was founded to benefit those veterans who served during a wartime period as defined by Congress...
offers the Eagle Scout of the Year Award - The United States Department of DefenseUnited States Department of DefenseThe United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
offers the Youth Certificate of Recognition
Obsolete awards
These awards are no longer awarded, but may be worn by those who earned them:- Den Mother's Training Award- awarded from 1956, renamed to Den Leader’s Training Award in 1967
- Den Leader Coach Training Award- awarded from 1967 to 2006, replaced by the Pack Trainer Award
- Explorer Silver- awarded from 1949 to 1964
- Explorer Achievement Award- awarded from 1981 to 1995, replaced by the Explorer G.O.L.D. Award
- Explorer G.O.L.D. Award- awarded from 1995 to 1998
- Explorer Ranger Award- awarded from 1944 to 1949
- Explorer Ace Award- awarded from 1942 to 1954
- National Camping Award- replaced by the National Outdoor Challenge Unit Award in 2010
- Silver Fawn Award- equivalent of the Silver Beaver AwardSilver Beaver AwardThe Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council...
for female leaders issued from 1971 to 1974 - Tiger Cub Coach Award— renamed to Tiger Cub Den Leader Award
- William H. Spurgeon III Award- moved to Exploring (Learning for Life)Exploring (Learning for Life)Exploring is a worksite-based program of Learning for Life, a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America, for young men and women who are 14 through 20 years old...
Sources
- scouting.org - The official BSA Website for Scouting in the US.
- MeritBadge.Org - is a Wikipedia that provides resources to Scouts and leaders in the US.
- USScouts.Org - another volunteer site that provides resources to Scouts and leaders in the US.