BSA  logo
 
 
 
Greater Yosemite Council
4031 Technology Dr.
Modesto, CA 95356
209-545-6320

 

Greater Yosemite Council

 

Distinguished Service Awards

As a movement whose leadership is overwhelmingly volunteer, the Boy Scouts of America recognizes the need to acknowledge the invaluable services that men and women render to youth. Of the hundreds of awards that the BSA presents each year to those on the local council, regional, and national levels, the Silver Buffalo, Silver Antelope, Silver Beaver, and Silver World awards are the most prestigious. Although the criteria are different for each of these awards, there is one common thread: The 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.

Distinguished Service Awards & Recognition

District Award of Merit

Silver Beaver Award

Silver Antelope Award

Silver Buffalo Award

Silver World Award

Order of the Arrow Distinguished Service Award

George Meany Award

Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award

Distinguished Eagle Scout Award

William T. Hornaday Award

¡Scouting...Vale la Pena! Spirit of Scouting Service Award

Asian-American Spirit of Scouting Service Award

District Award of Merit

Instituted: 1973

Knot Number & Description: No. 05013- Silver overhand knot on a dark blue background with silver border. (The silver on this knot is not gray but actually silver tinsel thread.)

Overview: The District Award of Merit is a council award presented by districts or Venturing divisions in the same manner that the Silver Beaver is a national award presented by councils. The award is available to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district or Venturing division level. The award is made available annually on the basis of 1 for each 25 units or fraction thereof. The district or Venturing division need not present all the awards to which it is entitled each year. It is not appropriate to nominate a Scouter who has already received this award. Typically, the selection committee is comprised of previous recipients of this award.

Requirements: (Nominations must be submitted on form No. 33720.)

  • A nominee must be a registered Scouter. (A professional Scouter is ineligible for this award based on professional service; however, a professional Scouter who also serves as a volunteer may be eligible based on volunteer service.)
  • A nominee must have rendered noteworthy service to youth in Scouting, outside of Scouting, or both. (Note: The nature and value of "noteworthy service to youth" may consist of a single plan or decisions that contributed vitally to the lives of large numbers of youth or it may have been given to a small group over an extended period of time.)
  • Consideration must be given to the nominee's Scouting position and the corresponding opportunity to render outstanding service beyond the expectations of that Scouting position.
  • The nominee's attitude toward and cooperation with the district, division, and/or council is to be taken into consideration.
  • Nominations cannot be considered for posthumous awards.

Commentary: Reportedly, the blue twill was actually black (Navy blue?) from 1973 to 1979.

 

Silver Beaver Award

Instituted: 1931 (knot from 1946)

Knot Number & Description: No. 5003 - Blue and white on a tan background, white to the wearer's right.

Overview: The Silver Beaver Award is a national award presented by councils. Annually, the council president will appoint a Silver Beaver Award committee that will consider candidates and make recommendations.

This award may be made each year upon the nomination of chartered local councils. These nominations shall be submitted not fewer than 30 days in advance of the date upon which it is desired to present the awards.

  • The award is made for noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth by registered Scouters within the territory under the jurisdiction of a local council.
  • The award is made for noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth by registered volunteer Scouters within the territory under the jurisdiction of a local council.
  • As evidence of the award there shall be presented: a suitable certificate, duly authenticated by the Boy Scouts of America, pursuant to the action of the National Court of Honor; and a miniature silver beaver suspended by a blue and white ribbon to be worn around the neck.
  • It shall be general policy that no public announcements shall be made by the local council in advance of action by the National Court of Honor with reference to names presented for consideration.
  • These awards shall be made to the recipients by the local council in connection with its annual meeting or other suitable public function.
  • Each chartered local council shall be entitled to one nomination. Councils having more than 60 traditional units shall be entitled to further nominations on the basis of one for each additional 60 traditional units or fraction thereof in their territory, as of December 31 preceding the nomination, according to the records of the national office.
  • Councils not using their full allotment in any year may accumulate the unused portion for use in any subsequent year.
  • In extraordinary cases, the Silver Beaver Award may be made by the National Court of Honor to a Scouter upon the recommendation of Scouting authorities who have supervision of one or more units of the Boy Scouts of America, located outside of the United States, and not under the jurisdiction of a local council.

Requirements: (Nominations must be submitted on form No. 92-103.)

  • Must be a currently registered volunteer member and at least 21 years of age. (Professional Scouters and council employees are ineligible, as are former professional Scouters and council employees within 5 years of their employment with the BSA. - even if employment was on part-time. Also, nominations cannot be considered for posthumous awards.)
  • Nominator must provide a record of the nominee's service in the BSA.
  • Nominator must provide a record of noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth within the territory under the jurisdiction of this council.
  • Nominator must provide a statement covering the nominee's standing in the community, citing activities in which the individual is most active in business, professional, civic, religious, educational, fraternal, veteran, rural, or other fields exclusive of Scouting.

Commentary: The same knot is also authorized for wear by recipients of the Silver Fawn.

More . . .

Silver Beaver
No. 5003

Silver Beaver

Required Form
Silver Antelope Award

Instituted: 1943 (knot from 1946)

Knot Number & Description: No. (see Commentary) - Gold (actually golden-yellow) and white on a tan background, gold to the wearer's right.

Overview: Granted for outstanding service to youth within the territory of a BSA region. The criteria are similar to those for the Silver Buffalo, with one major difference: a recipient must be a registered adult member of the BSA. (Candidates for this award must be nominated; self-nomination disqualifies the candidate. Nominations are made annually by the regional executive committee based upon the recommendations by the Volunteer Recognitions Committee.) A region is entitled to one nomination for each 30,000 registered adults within its territory, as of October 31 preceding the nomination, according to the records of the national office. In the Western Region, the deadline for submission to the region is January 15th.

Requirements: (Nominations must be submitted on form No. 92-105.)
Noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth by registered Cub Scouters, Scouters, Varsity Scouters, and Venturing leaders, 21 and older, within the region's assigned territory. Professional Scouters and council employees are ineligible while serving or within 5 years of their leaving employment with the BSA. (The requirements are very similar to those for the Silver Beaver. Refer to that award for more detailed information)

Commentary: The knot number for this varies, depending on the source used. It is listed as No. 05005 in the Insignia Guide, but as No. 5012A in The Scoutmaster Handbook.

More . . .

Silver Antelope
No. 05005

Silver Antelope medal

Required Form

 

Silver Buffalo Award

Instituted: 1925 (knot from 1946)

Knot Number & Description: No. 5004 - Red and white on a tan background, white to the wearer's right.

Overview: BSA's oldest and highest commendation for distinguished service, the Silver Buffalo is awarded to men and women associated with Scouting, and to others not directly associated with Scouting, for extraordinary and truly noteworthy service of a national or worldwide character to youth. The service can be directly connected with the BSA or independent of the movement. The first Silver Buffalo Award was conferred upon Lord Robert Baden-Powell. Among the other 20 initial recipients who were awarded this honor in 1926 were William D. Boyce and the Unknown Scout. Some of the better known subsequent recipients include Walt Disney, Norman Rockwell, Bob Hope, Neil Armstrong, and Colin-Powell. Fifteen Presidents of the United States have also received this honor. It is customary to present this award to the U.S. President sometime during his term of office, in large measure because of his status as Honorary President of the Boy Scouts of America.

Requirements: (Nominations must be submitted on form No. 92-102.)
Bestowed upon those who give truly noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth. The service must be national in character and can be directly connected with the BSA or independent of the movement. Send nominations to: National Court of Honor, BSA, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, Texas, 75015-2079.

Commentary: None.

More . . .

Silver World Award

Instituted: 1971 (knot from 1982)

Knot Number & Description: No. 5019- Alternating red and white horizontal stripes with a blue world, outlined in silver, centered thereon and containing three silver 5-pointed stars, two oriented to the wearer's right, all within a black frame.

Overview: This award is a distinguished service award similar to the Silver Buffalo, Silver Antelope, and Silver Beaver, But unlike those awards, this one may not be awarded to any registered member of the Boy Scouts of America. It is presented by the BSA to world citizens who give outstanding service to their nation's youth or to young people in other countries. Award recipients must be citizens of countries whose Scouting associations are members of the World Scout Conference. A limited number of awards are presented, based upon on for every 50,000 registered BSA youth members at the end of the proceeding year.

Requirements: Presented in recognition of service of exceptional character to the youth of a one's own country, or on an international basis. United States citizens may receive the recognition only if they are not registered members of the Boy Scouts of America. Nominations are made in writing by letter, containing all the pertinent facts about the individual.

Nominations should be submitted to the International Division of the Boy Scouts of America for consideration of a special selection committee.

Commentary: Prior to 1994. less restrictive criteria resulted in about 40 awards being presented to BSA Scouters. The award elements are reportedly available from the office of the Chief Scout Executive.

More . . .

Silver World award
No. 5019

 

 

Order of the Arrow Distinguished Service Award

Official Name: The Order of the Arrow Distinguished Service Award

Instituted: 1940 (though the knot wasn't approved until 1976)

Knot Number & Description: No. (see Commentary) - White knot on red background.

Overview: Presented to youth & adults for exceptional service to the Order of the Arrow above the lodge level.

Requirements: Recipients must be Arrowmen who have rendered outstanding service to the Order on a sectional, area, regional, or national basis. Awarded primarily for dedicated service over a period of years (usually 10 years or more).

Commentary: The knot number for this award varies, depending on the source used. It is listed as No. 05528 in the Insignia Guide, and as No. 6892 in The Scoutmaster Handbook.

More . . .

OA DIstinguished Service Award
No. 05528

Distinguished Service Award

Required Form

 

George Meany Award

Instituted: 1974 (knot from 1987)

Knot Number & Description: No. (see Commentary) - Blue knot on red and white background, red to wearer's right.

Overview: Established by the AFL-CIO Executive Council for award to any adult union member who has made significant contributions to the youth of their community by volunteering in the programs of the BSA. It is estimated that one out of every four top unit leaders in the BSA is a union member. The award is named for the AFL-CIO's first president, George Meany (1894-1980), who gave strong support to Scouting over the years. More than 1500 awards have been presented since the award was established.

Requirements: (Nominations must be presented using G.M.A. application)
The central labor council or state federation may develop its own standards for judging, but will consider such factors as the nominee's record in:

  • Promoting and expanding the use of the American Labor merit badge.
  • Recruiting youth to earn the American Labor merit badge.
  • Forming Scouting units, especially those to be operated by local unions or other labor groups.
  • Contributing to Scouting in the field of labor relationships, and bring the Scouting and labor movements together to serve the community.
  • Taking Scouter training and setting a good example for youth.
  • Promoting Scouting for all youth, regardless of race, creed, or handicapping condition.

Although a nominee's length of service in Scouting may be considered, no specific number of years should be required. A person's record of accomplishment should weigh more heavily than longevity.

Commentary: Not available from National Supply Division. Available on a restricted basis for recipients only from the Relationships Division at the national office.

More . . .

Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award

Instituted: 1979 (knot from 1989)

Knot Number & Description: No.5027A -Black and white knot on tan background with red border.

Overview: Awarded to a volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution through Scouting to low-income urban/rural youth. Whitney M. Young, Jr. (1921-1971) was the executive director of the National Urban League in the 1960's. In a speech delivered at the 58th. National Annual Meeting of the B.S.A., he challenged Scouting's leaders to tackle the "unfinished task of making real the dream of justice and equality" for American youngsters. Soon afterward, he was chosen by PResident Lyndon B. Johnson to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the nations highest civilian award. Mr. Young died in a drowning accident in 1971. Recipients are approved nationally through nomination to the Scoutreach Division by a local council. A council's annual quota of awards is limited to the number of districts in the council; however, emphasis should be placed on being selective, with no intention that the full quota (which is non-cumulative) must be used every year. A total of 1,754 awards have been presented through late 2003.

Requirements: (Nominations must be presented on form No. 7-427)
Performance of outstanding services by an adult individual or an organization demonstrated through involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for youth from rural or low income urban backgrounds.

Commentary: Also awarded to organizations. The knot number for this varies, depending on the source used. It is listed as No. 05015 in the Insignia Guide, but as No. 5027A in The Scoutmaster Handbook. The award elements, including the knot, are issued on a restricted basis from the Scoutreach Division at the national office to recipients only. Use BSA form No. 7-427 and allow at least two month's lead time for nominations to be processed and approved by the 5-member committee at the national level.

More ...
Distinguished Eagle Scout Award
Created in 1969, the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award is the only distinguished service recognition that depends on one's association with Scouting as a youth. The recipient must have attained the Eagle Scout rank a minimum of 25 years before his nomination, and over those years he must have rendered outstanding service to others.
 
Award recipients have included 38th President Gerald R. Ford; former astronaut Neil Armstrong; cartoonist Milton Caniff; late actor Ozzie Nelson; H. Ross Perot, founder of Electronic Data Systems and The Perot Group; United States Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld; retired General William C. Westmoreland; retired Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr.; Senator Richard G. Lugar; film director Steven Spielberg; former FBI Director William S. Sessions; former United States Representative J. J. Pickle; Donald F. Wright, senior vice president of the Times Mirror Co.; and former Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander.

Central Valley Distinguished Eagle Scout Award Recipients

Roger M. Schrimp

Bert Crane, Senior

John Garamendi

Thomas R. Stone

William H. Spurgeon Award

 

William T. Hornaday Award
Think of it as an Olympic Medal Bestowed by the Earth!

The goal of this awards program is to encourage and recognize outstanding efforts in natural resource conservation and environmental protection.

Conservation and the Boy Scouts of America have been partners for a long time. Camping, hiking, and respect for the outdoors are a part of the Scouting heritage. Many of the requirements for advancement from Tenderfoot through Eagle Scout rank call for an increasing awareness and understanding of the natural sciences. Many former Scouts have become leaders in conserving our environment and protecting it from abuse. Right now Scouts are involved in learning about environmental problems and actively working to make a difference.

This awards program was created to recognize those that have made significant contributions to conservation. It was begun in 1917 by Dr. William T. Hornaday, director of the New York Zoological Park and founder of the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Dr. Hornaday was an active and outspoken champion of natural resource conservation and a leader in saving the American bison from extinction. He named the award the Wildlife Protection Medal. Its purpose was to challenge Americans to work constructively for wildlife conservation and habitat protection. After his death in 1938, the award was renamed in Dr. Hornaday's honor and became a Boy Scouts of America award.

In the early 1970s, the present awards program was established with funding help from the DuPont Company. At that time, the late Dr. Hornaday's idea of conservation was broadened to include environmental awareness.

The Hornaday Awards are highly prized by those who have received them: Only slightly more than a thousand medals have been awarded over the past 70 years. These awards represent a substantial commitment of time and energy by individuals who have learned the meaning of a conservation/environmental ethic. Any Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer willing to devote the time and energy to work on a project based on sound scientific principles and guided by a conservation professional or a well-versed layperson can qualify for one of the Hornaday Awards. Any of the awards will take months to complete, so activities should be planned well in advance.

The fundamental purpose of the Hornaday Awards program is to encourage learning about natural resource conservation and the environment. Understanding and practicing sound stewardship of natural resources and environmental protection strengthens Scouting's emphasis on respecting the outdoors. The goal of this awards program is to encourage and recognize truly outstanding efforts undertaken by Scouting units, Scouts and Venturers, adult Scouters, and other individuals, corporations, and institutions that have contributed significantly to natural resource conservation and environmental protection.

William T. Hornaday Award for Distinguished Service in Conservation Fact Sheet

William T. Hornaday Award

William T. Hornaday medal

Required Form

 

¡Scouting...Vale la Pena! Spirit of Scouting Service Award

The BSA Scoutreach Division has introduced a new recognition to honor volunteers or organizations for service that directly benefits Hispanic-American/Latino young people.

The ¡Scouting...Vale la Pena! Spirit of Scouting Service Awards is modeled after the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award and share similar council procedures and criteria.

Nominees are chosen for outstanding services and demonstrated involvement in developing and implementing Scouting opportunities for Hispanic-American/Latino youth.

Recipients are nominated by local councils and approved nationally. Nomination forms (No. 11-193) is available from local councils.

The forms provide helpful information on the purpose of the awards, complete council procedures, criteria, and forms for ordering awards and optional recognition pieces.

Persons at all levels of Scouting involvement, from executive board to district Scouters to unit personnel, are eligible.

More ...

Asian American Spirit of Scouting Service Award

The BSA Scoutreach Division has introduced a new recognitions to honor volunteers or organizations for service that directly benefits Asian-American young people.

The Asian American Spirit of Scouting Service Award is modeled after the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award and share similar council procedures and criteria.

Nominees are chosen for outstanding services and demonstrated involvement in developing and implementing Scouting opportunities for Asian-American youth.

Recipients are nominated by local councils and approved nationally. Nomination forms (No. 11-194) is available from local councils.

The forms provide helpful information on the purpose of the awards, complete council procedures, criteria, and forms for ordering awards and optional recognition pieces.

Persons at all levels of Scouting involvement, from executive board to district Scouters to unit personnel, are eligible.

More ...


 Home

This is the official web site of the Greater Yosemite Council, Inc. Copyright © 1998-2005.   All rights Reserved Privacy Policy — Page last updated: Tuesday, August 9, 2005Webmaster