Special Awards & Recognitions
In addition to badges of rank and merit badges, scouts are eligible to earn a number of other awards that reflect their achievements.
Boy Scout | Adult Volunteer | Troop
Boy Scout Awards
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50-Miler AwardPresented for participating in a troop event involving a wilderness trip covering at least fifty (50) miles over at least five (5) consecutive days. |
Akela AwardRecognition for a combination of outstanding performance as a Webelo and as a new scout. |
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BSA Boardsailing |
BSA Emergency PreparednessThe emergencies of today’s world demand more than ever that our young people and adults be trained as individuals and as units to meet emergency situations. This program fosters skills in our youth and adult members so that they can participate effectively in this crucial service to their families, communities, and nation. |
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BSA Kayaking |
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BSA Lifeguard |
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BSA Mile Swim |
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BSA Physical FitnessThe BSA Physical Fitness Award is designed to heighten fitness awareness and to help change the lifestyles of American youth and adults to improve the quality of their lives. |
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BSA Scuba |
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BSA Snorkeling |
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Crime Prevention AwardThe Boy Scouts of America’s Crime Prevention Program assists neighborhoods and communities in their efforts to prevent crime. |
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Firem’n ChitThis certification grants a Scout the right to carry matches and build campfires. |
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Historic Trails AwardHike and camp for two (2) days and one (1) night along a historic trail or historic site and learn about its significance. |
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Hornaday AwardsThe William T. Hornaday Awards are for distinguished service in natural resources conservation. There are five awards:
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Interpreter stripsInterpreter strips are earned by scouts who can converse in a foreign language, write a letter in a foreign language, and translate orally and in writing from one language to another. |
Keep America Beautiful Inc. Hometown USA AwardsThe Hometown U.S.A. Award is a joint program between Keep America Beautiful Inc. (KAB) and the Boy Scouts of America. It is designed to give recognition to the outstanding efforts of Scouts in their communities in regard to citizenship and environmental improvement. |
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Leave No Trace Awareness Award |
Lifesaving AwardsThe National Court of Honor presents awards for rare scout-like action and for saving life.
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Meritorious Action AwardsRecognition may be given to a youth member or adult leader where the evidence presented to the National Court of Honor, in accordance with prescribed regulations, shows that a significant or outstanding act of service of exceptional character was performed.
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Paul Bunyan Woodsmen |
Religious EmblemRecognition developed by faith groups for special service and learning. |
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Totin’ ChipWhen a scout deomonstrates that he knows how to handle woods tools, he/she may be granted totin’ rights. |
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World Conservation AwardEarned by completing the following merit badges:
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Young American AwardA council-level award is given to young adults between the ages of 15 and 25 to highlight publicly the importance of their excellent achievements and service to their community, state and nation. |
Adult Volunteer Awards
Distinguished Service AwardsThe recognitions are granted by one’s own peers in Scouting for distinguished service to youth. Other BSA awards, by comparison, are granted only to those who have completed a prescribed course of study or have participated in special training sessions. There are five awards each with different criteria:
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Community OrganizationCommunity Organization has seven awards which fall into this classification:
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Troop Awards and Recognitions
Quality Unit |
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National Honor Patrol |
