Leader Awards

William D Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award – The William D. Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award is presented to recognize volunteers who organize one or more traditional Scouting units. The award may be worn on the adult uniform. The award is a square knot placed over the three colors representing the three phases of our program—Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting. A volunteer can earn the knot by organizing one traditional unit, and a program device can be earned for up to three additional units organized.

District Award of Merit – The District Award of Merit is available to registered Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the District level. It is presented to registered adult volunteers by Districts in the same manner that the Silver Beaver is, as a National Award presented by Councils (it is not appropriate to nominate a Scouter who has already received this award). The award is made available annually on the basis of 1 for each 25 traditional units or fraction thereof, and is not required to present all they are eligible to present. A professional Scouter or other council employee may not receive this award based on employment service. However, a professional Scouter or employee who also serves as a volunteer Scouter may be eligible, based on volunteer service.

Silver Beaver Award – The Silver Beaver Award is the highest award a local council can bestow on a volunteer. it is a  distinguished service award of the Scouting America. Upon nomination by their local Scout council and with the approval of the National Court of Honor, recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council.  The Silver Beaver is an award given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service. It is given to those who do not actively seek it.

Unit Leader Award of Merit – The Unit Leader Award of Merit recognizes outstanding Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Venturing Advisors, and Sea Scout Skippers who provide quality leadership and help deliver a strong Scouting program. Nominations are submitted by the unit committee and approved through the council. Recipients receive a certificate, recognition emblem, and square knot with the appropriate program device. The award may be earned separately for service in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts.

Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Award – National Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Awards recognize registered youth and adult members who demonstrate exceptional courage, skill, or heroism while helping others in extraordinary circumstances. These honors recognize actions that reflect the values of Scouting, with special consideration given to skills learned through the Scouting program. 

• Different Levels of Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Awards – Click this link to view the guide to learn about the different levels of Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Awards and the types of actions recognized by each award.