This “Awards” page is your guide to the many patches, certificates, knots, and recognitions available to the Scouts, leaders, and the troop as a whole. Scouting is rich with opportunities to celebrate accomplishments, from individual milestones to collective achievements. This page highlights the awards that recognize skills, service, leadership, and dedication, showcasing the vibrant journey of growth and learning that Scouting offers.
Here, you’ll discover awards tailored to youth and adults alike, ranging from merit badges and rank-specific honors to service awards and leadership recognitions. Additionally, this page will detail troop-level achievements, such as unit awards and recognitions for outstanding participation or program excellence. Whether you’re looking to set your sights on your next goal or simply curious about the possibilities, this page is your roadmap to Scouting’s meaningful rewards.
National Outdoor Achievement Award
The National Outdoor Achievement Award recognizes Scouts who excel in outdoor activities and demonstrate a strong commitment to adventure and conservation. It is earned by completing significant achievements in all of the 6 different areas, such as:
- Camping
- Aquatics
- Hiking
- Riding
- Adventure
- Conservation
After successful completion of all 6 areas and some more rigorous requirements, the Scout is finally awarded the National Medal for Outdoor Achievement, the highest honor presented for outdoor excellence in Scouting.
More info found here: National Outdoor Awards Program – Scouting America
Historic Trails Award
The Historic Trails Award encourages Scouts to explore, learn about, and preserve the history of the areas they visit. To earn this award, Scouts must research a historic trail, participate in a significant hike or camping experience along the trail, and complete a service project that benefits the trail or its associated historical site. This award promotes understanding of our nation’s heritage while fostering a sense of stewardship for historic landmarks.
More info found here: Historic Trails Program – Scouting America
National Honor Patrol Award
The National Honor Patrol Award recognizes patrols that demonstrate exceptional teamwork, Scout spirit, and active participation in troop activities. To earn this award, a patrol must meet specific criteria over three months, such as holding regular patrol meetings, attending troop events, completing service projects, and achieving high levels of individual and collective advancement. This award encourages patrols to work closely together, fostering leadership and camaraderie among Scouts.
More info found here: National Honor Patrol Award – Scouting America
Outdoor Ethics Awareness and Action Awards
Guided by the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace principles, millions of Scouts have enhanced their awareness of the natural world around them, minimizing impact to the land. For Scouts who have a deep interest in the outdoors, nature, and the environment, Scouting’s outdoor ethics will give you an ever-deeper appreciation of the richness of the land and how we fit into it. If you are prepared to venture down the path of really becoming aware of your surroundings, of building the skills that will allow you to leave no trace on the land, then the Outdoor Ethics Awareness and Action Awards are for you.
Awareness Award
- Recite from memory and explain the meaning of the Outdoor Code.
- Watch the National Park Service Leave No Trace video.
- Complete the Leave No Trace online course and print the certificate.
- Complete the Tread Lightly! online course and print the certificate.
- Participate in an outdoor ethics course, workshop, or training activity facilitated by a person who has completed the Scouting America outdoor Ethics Orientation course or is a Scouting America Outdoor Ethics Trainer/Master.
Action Award
- Do all of the following:
a. Unless already completed, earn the Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award.
b. Complete the Scouting America Outdoor Ethics Orientation course.
c. Explain how each of the four points of the Outdoor Code guides your actions when outdoors.
2. Do all of the following:
a. Read Chapter 7 of the Scouting America Handbook on Outdoor Ethics.
b. Teach a skill related to the Outdoor Code or Leave No Trace to another Scout in your troop or another Scouting unit.
3. Complete one of the following:
a. Successfully complete a term as your troop Outdoor Ethics Guide.
b. Participate in an outing that emphasizes the complete set of Leave No Trace or relevant Tread Lightly! principles. All members of the troop participating in the outing should use the outdoor ethics and the specific skills needed to minimize impacts from their use of the outdoors.
4. Follow the Outdoor Code, Leave No Trace, and Tread Lightly! principles on three outings. Write a paragraph on each outing explaining how you followed the Outdoor Code, Leave No Trace, and Tread Lightly! Share it with your unit leader or an individual who has completed the Scouting America Outdoor Ethics Orientation course.
5. On a troop outing, help your troop on a service activity that addresses recreational impacts related to the type of outing. The project should be approved in advance by the landowner or land manager and lead to permanent or long-term improvements.
6. Participate in a report at a court of honor or similar family event on the service activity in Requirement 5.
Interpreter Strips
Interpreter Strips are a special recognition awarded to Scouts and adult leaders who demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language and use that skill to assist others. The strips are worn on the Scout’s uniform and represent the ability to interpret for other Scouts, leaders, or the community, helping bridge communication gaps in various settings such as campouts, troop meetings, or community events. The award highlights both the importance of language skills and the Scout’s commitment to service.
To earn an Interpreter Strip, a Scout must complete a language proficiency test or demonstrate their ability to interpret in a meaningful context. This could include translating for non-English speakers, helping to facilitate communication in a multicultural environment, or even assisting with foreign language requirements during Scouting activities. The strip is not only a badge of skill but also an acknowledgment of a Scout’s role in promoting understanding and inclusivity.
Recruiter Strip
Scouting America’s Recruiter Strip is an award given to Scouts who actively recruit new members to join their troop or other Scouting programs. Scouts earn this strip by bringing in at least one new Scout who officially registers with the troop or unit. The Recruiter Strip is a symbol of a Scout’s commitment to expanding the movement and sharing the values of Scouting with others.
The award encourages Scouts to be proactive in promoting the benefits of Scouting and helps strengthen their community by introducing new individuals to the program. The Recruiter Strip is typically worn under the right pocket flap as a reminder of the Scout’s efforts in building the troop and contributing to the growth of the Scouting program.
Firem’n Chit, Totin’ Chip, and Paul Bunyan Award
The Firem’n Chit certifies that a Scout has demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and safety procedures necessary to safely use, tend, and extinguish campfires. Scouts who earn this award learn fire safety principles, proper use of fire-starting tools, and responsible behavior when building and managing campfires. The Firem’n Chit encourages Scouts to respect fire as a valuable tool while understanding its potential dangers.
The Totin’ Chip certifies a Scout’s ability to safely handle and use wood tools, such as knives, axes, and saws. Scouts must demonstrate their understanding of safety rules, proper maintenance of tools, and responsible use in various outdoor settings. The Totin’ Chip empowers Scouts to develop practical skills while emphasizing personal responsibility and safety.
The Paul Bunyan Award builds upon the skills learned through the Totin’ Chip. Scouts earning this recognition complete advanced training in wood tool use and complete a conservation project using these tools. This award is named after the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan, symbolizing the importance of skill, strength, and stewardship of the environment.
Knots
Knot awards are special recognitions in Scouting, symbolizing achievements, service, and leadership across various areas. These embroidered rectangular patches are worn on the adult uniform to signify earning specific awards, such as the Scoutmaster’s Key, Eagle Scout recognition, or training accomplishments. Each knot represents a deeper story of dedication, whether it’s a youth reaching significant milestones or an adult volunteer providing exceptional guidance and service. Knot awards highlight the diverse contributions and successes within the Scouting community, inspiring others to strive for excellence and embody the values of Scouting.
Eagle Scout Award, awarded for earning the Eagle Scout rank as a youth
Arrow of Light Award, awarded for completing the Cub Scouts program
Religious Emblem, purple background and white knot if earned as a YOUTH
Religious Emblem, white background and purple knot if earned as an ADULT
Scouters’ Training Award, awarded for completing basic training, tenure, and performance requirements in a Scouting position
Scouters’ Key Award, awarded for completing advanced training and leadership tenure requirements in a PRIMARY ROLE (Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Advisor, Skipper, etc.)
Den Leaders’ Training Award, awarded for completing training and tenure requirements as a den leader
Unit Leader Award of Merit, awarded for providing outstanding service in a PRIMARY ROLE (Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Advisor, Skipper, etc.)
Sea Badge Award, awarded for completing Sea Badge, an advanced training program sponsered by the Sea Scouts
Alumni Award, awarded for fostering alumni engagement and support
William D. Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award, awarded for successfully organizing a new Scouting unit
Community Organization Award, awarded for contributions to Scouting by affiliated community organizations
Order of the Arrow Distinguished Service Award, awarded for exceptional service to the Order of the Arrow
James E. West Fellowship Award, awarded for contributions* of at least $1,000 to the Scouting America endowment fund
*can be awarded individually or to a unit as a whole
District Award of Merit, awarded for outstanding service at the district level
Silver Beaver, awarded for distinguished service to youth at the council level
Silver Antelope, awarded for exceptional service to youth at the regional level
Silver Buffalo, awarded for outstanding service to youth at the national level
Medal of Merit, awarded by the National Council for heroism with little or no risk to life
Heroism Medal, awarded by the National Council for heroism with less risk to life
Honor Medal, awarded by the National Council to those who risk their lives to save another
