Advancement and recognition in the Boy Scouts of America

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 main program divisions: Cub Scouting (ages six through 10), Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouting) (11-17), Venturing (14-20), and Sea Scouting (14-20) (and, formerly, through the now discontinued Varsity Scouting (14-18)). Each program is designed for its age group and goals.

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. For advancement, the program has a rank system of Lion, Bobcat, Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, Webelos and the Arrow of Light, which are age/grade-based ranks.

Scouts BSA

Scouts BSA Advancement
Main article: Ranks in Scouts BSA

The advancement program for Scouts BSA (formerly known as Boy Scouting) has two phases. The first phase of Scout to First Class is designed to teach the 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.

Focus turns toward individual achievement, leadership and community service once First Class is earned. The ranks of Star,[5] Life[6] and Eagle[7] require a set number of merit badges (minimum of 21 for Eagle Scout, with 13 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 project 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, BSA Aquatics Awards, Outdoor Ethics Awards, Crime Prevention Award, Emergency Preparedness Award and World Conservation Award —are available to Scouts who show performance in special areas.

Scouts may earn the Den Chief Service Award for their service as a Cub Scout Den Chief.[8]

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.

Order of the Arrow

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.

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.[9]

Varsity Scouting
Main article: Varsity Scouting (Boy Scouts of America) § Advancement and recognition

Advancement was a key part of the Varsity program. Varsity Scouts could earn any award or recognition that were available to Boy Scouts, including merit badges, ranks advancements, and other awards. There were also several awards that were only available to Varsity Scouts, and sometimes their leaders. Due to the decision by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to cease participation in the Varsity Scouting program, the Boy Scouts of America decided to end the Varsity Scouting program, effective January 1, 2018.[10]

Venturing
Main article: Venturing (Boy Scouts of America) § Recognition

Youth advancement

A Bronze Award[11] 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.[12] To earn the Silver Award,[13] 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[14] (Outdoors); the TRUST Award[15] (Community and Religious Life); the Quest Award[16] (Sports); and the Quartermaster Award[17] (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.

Venturing Leadership Award
Main article: 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 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 Award, Silver Antelope Award, and Silver Buffalo Award.

Sea Scouting

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 Scout Experience Advanced Leadership Training ), 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 is 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

Lifesaving and meritorious action awards

BSA's National Court of Honor is responsible for lifesaving and meritorious awards.[18][19] 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 BSA member (youth 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 BSA member (youth 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 BSA member (youth or adult leader) who has demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save life at minimal personal risk.[20]
Medal of Merit
Awarded to BSA members (youth or adult leaders) 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 leader) 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 (No. 606760)
This may be awarded by local BSA councils for individual meritorious actions by a registered BSA member (youth or adult leader) that do not merit national recognition.

Nova and Supernova Awards

These STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) awards are for all three levels of youth scouting.[21] Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers may all earn up to four Nova awards, each based on one of the four STEM principles. The Supernova award is a culmination of the youth's work on the Nova award and there are a number of various Supernova awards that the scout may earn.

Adult leader awards

Cub Scout leader recognition

Cub Scout leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Cub Scout Den Leader Training Award is available for Den Leaders, the Scouter's Training Award is for any registered Cub Scout leader, and the Scouter's Key is for Cubmasters. These awards are recognized by a certificate and an embroidered square knot insignia with the appropriate square knot device pin (indicates program or rank for which the award was earned).

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

The Boy Scouts of America ended the Varsity Scouting program, effective January 1, 2018.

Adult Varsity leaders were able to earn the Varsity Letter and activity pins. They met the same requirements as the youth and also had to 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 completed tenure, training and performance requirements were able to earn the Varsity Scout Leader Training Award. Varsity Coaches were able to 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[22] is available to any leader, while the Venturing Advisor's Key[23] and Venturing Advisor Award of Merit[24] are only available to the Advisor.

Sea Scout leader recognition

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

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.

Scouter's Training Award

The Scouter's Training Award is a set of recognitions for leaders who complete tenure, training and performance requirements.

  • Cub Scout Leader's Training Award for the Cubmaster, Den Leaders, pack committee chairman and pack committee members
  • Boy Scout Leader's Training Award for the Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmasters, troop committee chairman and troop committee members
  • 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
  • Professional Scouter Training Award

Scouter's Key

The Scouter's Key is a set of recognitions for primary unit leaders who complete advanced tenure, training and performance requirements.

  • Cubmaster's Key
  • Scoutmaster'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

Unit Leader Award of Merit

The Unit Leader Award of Merit is for Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Venturing Crew Advisors, and Sea Scout Skippers who meet 7 requirements for tenure, personal training, unit quality and youth training.

  • Cubmaster Award of Merit
  • Scoutmaster Award of Merit
  • Venturing Crew Advisor Award of Merit
  • Sea Scout Skipper Award of Merit

Leadership and training awards

Distinguished service awards

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

Service awards

National service awards
Whitney Young Service Award

Named after Whitney M Young Jr., and 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

A National Service Award for full-time paraprofessional Scouters given every other year, named in honor of Dr. Frank "Tick" Coleman.[37] Dr. Coleman was highly involved in ScoutReach.

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

Memorials

Unit awards
  • National Den Award
  • National Summertime Pack Award
  • Journey To Excellence (JTE) Award (formerly National Quality Unit Award)
  • Veteran Unit Award
  • BSA Ready & Prepared Award[38]

Scholarships
  • American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year Scholarship
  • Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting scholarships
  • Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Scout Scholarship for Catholic Scouts
  • National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) scholarships
  • Mervyn Sluizer Jr. Scholarship for Philadelphia-area Scouts
  • National Jewish Committee on Scouting Eagle Scout Scholarship Programs[39]
  • Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship[40]
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Scout of the Year Scholarship
  • William M. Minto Memorial Scholarship For Sea Scouts[41]
  • The E. Urner Goodman Scholarship program has been suspended and is no longer available.

Wood Badge Scholarships for Scouters

  • AFL-CIO Wood Badge Scholarship Program
  • VFW Wood Badge Scholarship Program
  • some American Legion Departments (e.g., North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Illinois, etc.) offer Wood Badge Scholarships

Special opportunities
Aquatics
  • Boardsailing BSA
  • Kayaking BSA
  • Mile Swim BSA
  • Scuba BSA
  • Snorkeling BSA
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding BSA
  • Whitewater Rafting BSA
  • BSA Lifeguard

Sea Scout Specific Awards

  • Long Cruise
  • Qualified Seaman
  • Small Boat Handler
Conservation
  • The Conservation Good Turn Award for Cub Scout Packs, Scout Troops and Venturing Crews
  • Cub Scout World Conservation Award
  • Boy Scout World Conservation Award
  • Venturing World Conservation Award
  • Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award
  • Outdoor Ethics Action Award
  • William T. Hornaday Awards
    • William T. Hornaday Unit Award
    • William T. Hornaday Badge - Scouts
    • William T. Hornaday Gold Medal - Scouters
    • William T. Hornaday Bronze Medal - Scouts
    • William T. Hornaday Silver Medal - Scouts
    • William T. Hornaday Gold Badge - Scouters
    • William T. Hornaday Gold Certificate - organizations or individuals
Disabilities
  • Torch of Gold Certificate - To recognize youth and adult members who have provided outstanding service in the area of Scouts with special needs
  • Woods Services Award - A national-level recognition for volunteer adults who provide outstanding service to Scouts with special needs
Emergency Preparedness
  • Crime Prevention Awards
  • Emergency Preparedness Award
Outdoors
Scoutcraft
Tenure
  • Service stars
  • Veteran Scouter Pin
Other
  • BSA Family Award - Cub Scouts
  • BSA Donor Awareness Patch
  • BSA Hometown U.S.A. Award
  • International Activity Patch
  • Interpreter's Strips (17 languages including ASL and Morse Code)
  • Recruiter Strip - all Scouts

Awards from other organizations

Obsolete awards

These awards are no longer awarded, but may be worn by those who earned them:

  • BSA Physical Fitness Award
  • BSA Ready and Prepared Award
  • BSA Young American Award[42]
  • Cub Scout Leave No Trace Awareness Award
  • 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
  • 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
  • National Camping Award- replaced by the National Outdoor Challenge Unit Award in 2010
  • 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
  • Varsity Scout Leader's Training Award for the Coach, assistant Coaches, team committee chairman, team committee member
  • Varsity Scout Coach's Key
  • William H. Spurgeon III Award- moved to Exploring (Learning for Life)

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.

Footnotes
  1. "Boy Scout Joining Requirements". U.S. Scouting Service Project. Retrieved March 23, 2006.
  2. "Tenderfoot Rank Requirement". U.S. Scouting Service Project. Retrieved March 23, 2006.
  3. "Second Class Rank Requirement". U.S. Scouting Service Project. Retrieved March 23, 2006.
  4. "First Class Rank Requirement". U.S. Scouting Service Project. Retrieved March 23, 2006.
  5. "Star Scout Rank Requirements". U.S. Scouting Service Project. Retrieved March 15, 2010.
  6. "Life Scout Rank Requirements". U.S. Scouting Service Project. Archived from the original on April 16, 2010. Retrieved March 15, 2010.
  7. "Eagle Scout Rank Requirements". U.S. Scouting Service Project. Archived from the original on April 12, 2010. Retrieved March 15, 2010.
  8. "Cub Scout Leader Recognition Awards". Boy Scouts of America. Archived from the original on April 5, 2008. Retrieved February 6, 2006.
  9. Scholarships, Grants and Prizes 2007. Peterson's. 2007. p. 494. ISBN 978-0-7689-2314-8.
  10. Swenson, Jason; West, Camille (May 11, 2017). "Church Replacing Varsity and Venturing Scouting with New Activities Program". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Intellectual Reserve. Retrieved September 1, 2018. The First Presidency has announced that effective January 1, 2018, the Church will discontinue its Varsity and Venturing Scouting programs for young men ages 14–18 in the United States and Canada, replacing them with a new activities program.
  11. "Venturing Bronze Award". Boy Scouts of America. Archived from the original on March 3, 2008. Retrieved March 15, 2006.
  12. "Venturing Gold Award". Boy Scouts of America. Archived from the original on March 3, 2008. Retrieved March 15, 2006.
  13. "Venturing Silver Award". Boy Scouts of America. Archived from the original on March 3, 2008. Retrieved March 15, 2006.
  14. "Venturing Ranger Award". Boy Scouts of America. Archived from the original on March 3, 2008. Retrieved April 20, 2006.
  15. "Venturing Trust Award". Boy Scouts of America. Archived from the original on March 3, 2008. Retrieved April 20, 2006.
  16. "Venturing Quest Award". Boy Scouts of America. Archived from the original on March 3, 2008. Retrieved April 20, 2006.
  17. "Sea Scouting Quartermaster Award". Boy Scouts of America. Archived from the original on March 3, 2008. Retrieved April 20, 2006.
  18. "National Court of Honor — Lifesaving and Meritorious Awards". US Scouts.org. Archived from the original on April 16, 2008. Retrieved April 28, 2008.
  19. "National Court of Honor will fete the scouts of the Little Sioux Scout Ranch". Missouri Valley Times. September 12, 2008. Retrieved October 31, 2008.
  20. Bryan Wendell (August 29, 2018). "BSA reinstates Heroism Award, one of three national-level lifesaving awards". Bryan on Scouting. Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved September 1, 2018. The Heroism Award was first presented in 1977 and discontinued in late 2012. Its official reinstatement came after a vote by the National Executive Board in February 2018.
  21. Boy Scouts of America. "Stem/Nova". Boy Scouts of America. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
  22. "Venturing Leader's Training Award". U.S. Scouts Service Project. Archived from the original on June 13, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2006.
  23. "Venturing Advisor's Key". U.S. Scouts Service Project. Archived from the original on November 4, 2007. Retrieved March 30, 2006.
  24. "Venturing Advisor Award of Merit". U.S. Scouts Service Project. Archived from the original on March 3, 2008. Retrieved March 30, 2006.
  25. "International Scouter's Award". Archived from the original on February 26, 2008. Retrieved February 26, 2008.
  26. "BSA Community Organization Award fact sheet." Retrieved on May 23, 2007. Archived March 7, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  27. "Alpha Phi Omega: National Service Fraternity | Herbert G Horton Service to Youth Award". Archived from the original on August 29, 2007. Retrieved July 13, 2007.
  28. Welcome to the American Legion Online
  29. The Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks of the USA: Marvin Lewis Awards Archived July 13, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  30. Cliff Dochterman Award Archived October 19, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  31. Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award
  32. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 4, 2006. Retrieved October 4, 2006.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  33. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 27, 2007. Retrieved July 13, 2007.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  34. Microsoft Word - 10-USPS Finley Sea Scout Service Award
  35. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) :: Community Service Archived July 10, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  36. "Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal". Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved July 13, 2007.
  37. BSA Press Release
  38. Ready & Prepared Award
  39. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on February 12, 2006. Retrieved February 10, 2006.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  40. "NSSAR - Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship Program". Archived from the original on February 8, 2006. Retrieved February 10, 2006.
  41. "Sea Scouting: Opportunities and Activities". Archived from the original on January 6, 2006. Retrieved February 10, 2006.
  42. "Young American Award". Boy Scouts of America. Archived from the original on February 27, 2008. Retrieved March 30, 2006.
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