Advancement and recognition in the Boy Scouts of America

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Boy Scouting · Varsity Scouting
 · Order of the Arrow · National Eagle Scout Association
Venturing · Sea Scouting
Advancement & Recognition
Eagle Scout · List of notable Eagle Scouts · Merit Badges
History of the Boy Scouts of America
William D. Boyce · James E. West · Ernest Thompson Seton · Daniel Carter Beard
History of Merit Badges
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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.

Contents

[edit] Cub Scouting

Main article: Cub Scouting youth advancement

Advancement is one of the methods used to promote the aims of character development, citizenship 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.

[edit] Boy Scouting

[edit] Boy Scout Advancement

Main article: Ranks in the Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scout rank badges
Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, Eagle

The advancement program for Boy Scouts has two phases. The first phase of Scout to First Class is designed to teach the boy Scoutcraft 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.[1] Tenderfoot,[2] Second Class[3] and First Class[4] have progressively harder requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit.

Although Eagle is the highest rank, the number of Scouts achieving First Class within one year of joining is still one of the key measures of unit effectiveness. Studies have shown that if a Scout achieves First Class within a year of joining, he typically stays in the Scout program for at least three years. Scouts who do so are more likely to retain Scout values as an adult and achieve the BSA primary mission of "producing useful citizens".[citation needed]

The second phase of Star,[5] Life[6] and Eagle is designed to develop leadership skills and allow the Scout to explore potential vocations and avocations through the merit badge program. The Star and Life ranks require that the boy serve in a position of responsibility and perform community service.

For more details on Eagle, see Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America).

The Eagle Scout rank likewise requires a position of responsibility, as well as a community service project planned and led entirely by the Eagle Scout candidate and the earning of a series of merit badges. After attaining the rank of Eagle, a Scout may earn Palms for additional tenure and merit badges.

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.[7]

[edit] Varsity Scout advancement

Varsity Scout
Letter and Bar
Activity Pins
Denali Award

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.

The Varsity Letter may be earned by participating in or accomplishing at least one high adventure or sports program, according to guidelines determined by the Varsity Coach, meeting attendance requirements and showing Scout Spirit.

The Varsity Letter is cloth patch that can be worn either on the front bottom of a merit badge sash or on the right breast of the Varsity Scout or Boy Scout jacket. This award can be earned every three months by an actively participating Varsity Scout. Subsequent awards are represented by gold bars pinned on the letter. Activity pins can also be pinned on the Varsity Letter.

Varsity Scouts can also earn activity pins in several areas of high adventure and sports. Program resources and official pins are available for backpacking, basketball, bowling, canoe camping, caving, cross-country skiing, cycling, discovering America, fishing, freestyle biking, frontiersman, mechanics, Operation On-Target, orienteering, rock climbing and rappelling, roller hockey, shooting sports, snow camping, soccer, survival, swimming, tennis, triathlon, volleyball, waterskiing, and whitewater canoeing. The requirements for earning an activity pin are determined locally by the team captain and are usually awarded at the conclusion of each ultimate adventure or sports season.

The Denali Award is the highest award in Varsity Scouting. The award is named after Denali, also known as Mount McKinley in Alaska. Requirements include advancing at least one rank in the Boy Scout program (or earning a palm for those who are already Eagle Scouts), serving in a leadership position for six months, taking primary and supportive leadership roles for activities in all five areas of emphasis, living the Varsity Scout Pledge, and completing a progress review.

[edit] Order of the Arrow

Order of the Arrow honors
Founder's Award
Distinguished Service Award
Vigil
Brotherhood
Ordeal

The Order of the Arrow (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.


[edit] Venturing

[edit] Youth advancement

Venturing Awards
Bronze Awards Gold Award Silver Award
Ranger Award TRUST Award Quest Award Quartermaster Award
Shooting Sports Outstanding Achievement Venturing Leadership Awards Young American Award
Note: There are also Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards in the Girl Scouts of the USA.

A Bronze Award[8] may be earned for each category of arts and hobbies, outdoor, 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.[9] To earn the Silver Award,[10] 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[11] (Outdoors); the TRUST Award[12] (Religious Life); the Quest Award[13] (Sports); and the Sea Scouting Quartermaster Award[14] (Sea Scout).

In addition to these awards, there are others, such as the Venturing Shooting Sports Outstanding Achievement Award[15] and the Venturing World Conservation Award. Venturers may also earn other awards common to the Scouting program such as the William T. Hornaday Awards. Venturers may also be recognized for their "excellent achievements and service to their community, state and nation" with the Young American Award.[16]

Male members under the age of 18 may also earn 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.

[edit] Venturing Leadership Award

Both youth and adults are eligible for the Venturing Leadership Award.[33] 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.

[edit] Sea Scout Advancement

 Please help improve this article or section by expanding it.
Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. (May 2007)
Sea Scout advancement
Apprentice
Ordinary
Able
Quartermaster
Small Boat Handler
Qualified Seaman
Long Cruise Badge
SEAL Training Award


In Sea Scouts, the traditional advancement program consits of the Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and finally Quartermaster Award. Quartermaster is the highest Sea Scout Award.

For those Sea Scouts not interested in the traditional advancement program, there is the Small Boat Handler and Qualified Seaman awards. Small Boat Handle is earned by completing 8 hours of seamanship training, Qualified Seaman by completing 16 hours. Only one award is worn on the Sea Scout uniform.

The Long Cruise badge is earned by Sea Scouts of at least Ordinary rank as well as Adults for cruising for at least 2 weeks, or by weekend cruising counting up to 14 days. Additianal Long Cruise badges may be earned and are indicated by a red arch. With the fifth Cruise

[edit] Religious awards

[edit] 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.[17] 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.

[edit] Adult leader awards

[edit] Cub Scout leader recognition

Cub Scout leader awards: Cubmaster Award, Cub Scout Den Leader Award, Tiger Cub Den Leader Award, Webelos Den Leader Award, Pack Trainer Award and Cub Scouter Award

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.[18]

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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[19] is available to any leader, while the Venturing Advisor's Key[20] and Venturing Advisor Award of Merit[21] are only available to the Advisor.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Commissioner recognition

Arrowhead Honor
Distinguished Commissioner Service 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.

[edit] Series awards

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.

Scouter's Training Award
medal, knot and devices
Scouter's Key
medal, knot and devices
Award of Merit
knot and devices

The Scouter's Training Award is a set of recognitions for leaders who meet 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 eaders who meet 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

[edit] Leadership and training awards

[edit] Distinguished service awards

Distinguished service awards are presented at various levels to recognize noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth.

[edit] Service awards

District Award of Merit, International Scouter Award, Community Organization Award

[edit] Conservation awards

  • William T. Hornaday Awards: presented for distinguished service in conservation.
    • 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

[edit] National service awards

The Spirit of Scouting Award

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.[34]

[edit] 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
  • William D Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award

[edit] Memorials

[edit] Unit awards

  • National Den Award
  • National Quality Unit Award
  • National Summertime Pack Award
  • Veteran Unit Emblem
  • BSA Ready & Prepared Award[35]

[edit] Scholarships

  • E. Urner Goodman Scholarship Fund
  • National Jewish Committee on Scouting: Eagle Scout Scholarship Programs[36]
  • AFL-CIO Wood Badge Scholarship Program
  • VFW Wood Badge Scholarship Program
  • William M Minto Memorial Scholarship For Sea Scouts[37]
  • Sons of the American Revolution: Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship[38]
  • Elks National Foundation: Eagle Scout Awards[39]

[edit] Special opportunities

Aquatics
  • Boardsailing BSA
  • BSA Lifeguard
  • Kayaking, BSA
  • Mile Swim, BSA
  • Scuba, BSA
  • Snorkeling, BSA
Conservation
  • Conservation Good Turn
  • Cub Scout World Conservation Award
  • Cub Scouting's Leave No Trace Awareness Award
  • Leave No Trace Awareness Award
  • World Conservation Award
Disabilities
  • Torch of Gold certificate
  • Woods Services Award
Emergency Preparedness
  • BSA Ready and Prepared Award
  • Crime Prevention Awards
  • Emergency Preparedness Award
Scoutcraft
  • Firem'n Chit
  • Paul Bunyan Woodsman
  • Totin' Chip
  • Whittlin' Chip
Tenure
  • Service stars
  • Veteran Scouter Pin
Other
  • BSA Family Award
  • BSA Physical Fitness Award
  • Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award
  • Donor Awareness Patch
  • 50-Miler Award
    Medal
    Medal
  • Historic Trails Award - More than 300 nationally approved historict trails have been approved for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers, and family campers.[40] The trails are meant to educate, as well as promote, "Love of America and devotion to our country."
  • Hometown U.S.A. Award
  • International Activity Patch
  • Interpreter's Strips
  • Recruiter Strip

[edit] Awards from other organizations

[edit] 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
  • Silver Fawn Award- equivalent of the Silver Beaver Award 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)

[edit] Footnotes

  1. ^ Boy Scout Joining Requirements. U.S. Scouting Service Project. Retrieved on 2006-03-23.
  2. ^ Tenderfoot Rank Requirement. U.S. Scouting Service Project. Retrieved on 2006-03-23.
  3. ^ Second Class Rank Requirement. U.S. Scouting Service Project. Retrieved on 2006-03-23.
  4. ^ First Class Rank Requirement. U.S. Scouting Service Project. Retrieved on 2006-03-23.
  5. ^ Star Rank Requirement. U.S. Scouting Service Project. Retrieved on 2006-03-23.
  6. ^ Life Rank Requirement. U.S. Scouting Service Project. Retrieved on 2006-03-23.
  7. ^ Cub Scout Leader Recognition Awards. Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved on 2006-02-06.
  8. ^ Venturing Bronze Award. Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved on March 15, 2006.
  9. ^ Venturing Gold Award. Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved on March 15, 2006.
  10. ^ Venturing Silver Award. Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved on March 15, 2006.
  11. ^ Venturing Ranger Award. Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved on April 20, 2006.
  12. ^ Venturing Trust Award. Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved on April 20, 2006.
  13. ^ Venturing Quest Award. Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved on April 20, 2006.
  14. ^ Sea Scouting Quartermaster Award. Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved on April 20, 2006.
  15. ^ Shooting Sports Outstanding Achievement Award. Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved on March 30, 2006.
  16. ^ Young American Award. Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved on March 30, 2006.
  17. ^ National Court of Honor - Lifesaving and Meritorious Awards. US Scouts.org. Retrieved on 2008-04-28.
  18. ^ Medallions for most awards were discontinued in 2001
  19. ^ Venturing Leader's Training Award. U.S. Scouts Service Project. Retrieved on March 30, 2006.
  20. ^ Venturing Advisor's Key. U.S. Scouts Service Project. Retrieved on March 30, 2006.
  21. ^ Venturing Advisor Award of Merit. U.S. Scouts Service Project. Retrieved on March 30, 2006.
  22. ^ International Scouter's Award
  23. ^ a b "BSA Community Organization Award fact sheet." Retrieved on May 23, 2007.
  24. ^ Cliff Dochterman Award
  25. ^ Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award
  26. ^ Alpha Phi Omega: National Service Fraternity | Herbert G Horton Service to Youth Award
  27. ^ The Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks of the USA: Marvin Lewis Awards
  28. ^ Microsoft Word - 10-USPS Finley Sea Scout Service Award
  29. ^ http://www.sar.org/forms/handbook/SAR_Handbook_Vol_III.pdf
  30. ^ http://www.ruritan.org/publications/scoutLeaderAward.pdf
  31. ^ Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) :: Community Service
  32. ^ Welcome to the American Legion Online
  33. ^ Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
  34. ^ BSA Press Release
  35. ^ Ready & Prepared Award
  36. ^ http://www.jewishscouting.org/awards/eagle.html
  37. ^ Sea Scouting: Opportunities and Activities
  38. ^ NSSAR - Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship Program
  39. ^ The Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks of the USA
  40. ^ Historic Trails Award
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