Awards & Insignias

Cub Scout National Summertime Awards

Pack - The purpose of the National Summertime Award is to encourage packs to provide a year-round program by continuing to meet during the time periods when school is out of session for several months. A pack can qualify for the National Summertime Pack Award by planning and conducting three pack activities - one each in June, July, and August. Qualifying packs receive a colorful streamer for their pack flag.

Scout - Boys who participate in three summertime pack events (one each in June, July, and August) are eligible to receive the National Summertime Award pin. The pin is worn on the right pocket flap of the Cub Scout Uniform, pinned onto the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award, if present. Multiple pins may be displayed for each year the award is earned.

Youth Religious Emblem

Many religious-faith groups have programs of intensive religious education for individual Cub Scouts (Tiger, Wolf,Bear, Webelos, Boy Scouts, and Venturers). Religious Emblems are designed to recognize youth and adults who demonstrate faith, observe the creeds or principles of the faith, and give service. Religious emblems are not Scouting awards; they are presented by religious groups to boys who earn them.

The Religious Emblems programs are administered by various religious institutions and recognized, but not sponsored, by the BSA. If earned as a cub scout, this emblem can be transferred / worn on a Boy Scout Uniform.

STEM is an acronym representing

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

About the Nova Awards Program

The Boy Scouts of America's NOVA Awards program incorporates learning with cool activities and exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. The hope is that the requirements and activities for earning these awards stimulates interest in STEM-related fields and shows how science, technology, engineering and mathematics apply to everyday living and the world around them. Counselors and mentors help bring this engaging, contemporary, and fun program to life for youth members.

There are awards designed for youth in the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing programs, and are optional in each program. Requirements must be completed while registered in the BSA in the appropriate program and subject to standard age limitations.

The Nova Awards

There are four Nova awards for Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts, four ofr Boy Scouts, and four for Venturers and Sea Scouts. Each award at each program level covers one component of STEM - science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

• Cub Scout and Webelos Scout Nova awards:
  • Science Everywhere,
  • Tech Talk,
  • Swing!, and
  • 1-2-3 Go!

The requirements for this award are too extensive to list. Please see STEM/Nova Requirements on the Scouting.org website.

For their first Nova award, Scouts earn the distinctive Nova award patch shown above. After that, a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturer, or Sea Scout can earn three more Nova awards, each one recognized with a separate pi (π) pin-on device, shown to the left, that attaches to the patch . The patch and the three devices represent each of the four STEM topics - science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Donor Awareness Patch

For a number of years, BSA has offered to Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts the Donor Awareness Patch shown above. It is worn on the right pocket of the uniform as a temporary insignia.

BSA has reduced their emphasis on this program, but has not discontinued it completely. The patch is still being produced, but some Scout Shops™ may not routinely stock the patch. To avoid disappointing Scouts, CHECK FIRST to see if any are available in your area before promoting this program and patch. Of course, promoting

Donor Awareness is still a valid project for Scouts, and can be done, even without the opportunity to get this patch.

There are NO formal requirements for these patches. Each Unit establishes the procedure for awarding the strip. Usually, a Donor Awareness Patch is awarded to a Cub Scout or Boy Scout the first time he is successful in getting an adult family member, friend, relative, or other acquaintance to agree to become an organ donor, and to fill out and carry an Organ Donor Card.

Typically, a unit will award only ONE patch to a boy while a member of that unit.

Emergency Preparedness Award

From its beginning, the Scouting movement has taught young people to do their best, to do their duty to God and country, to help others, and to prepare themselves physically, mentally, and morally to meet these goals. The basic aims of Scouting include teaching young people to take care of themselves, to be helpful to others, and to develop courage, self-reliance, and the ability to be ready to serve in an emergency.

The Emergency Preparedness BSA Award, first introduced in 2003 and updated in 2014, was designed with the aims mentioned above in mind. The award has been earned by tens of thousands of Scouts and Scouters individually, with their unit, or at a large event such as a jamboree. By developing these lifelong skills, Scouts have been instrumental in helping their communities recover from emergencies.

When an emergency does occur, it can affect every BSA youth and adult member in the immediate area. Earning the award teaches participants to respond first, as an individual; second, as a member of a family; and third, as a member of a Scouting unit serving their neighborhood and community. This award will allow all Scouts and Scouters to become informed, be prepared, and act promptly and appropriately in the event of emergencies, whether they are natural or man-made.

Scouts and adult leaders can earn the individual Emergency Preparedness Award. Meanwhile, units, districts, and councils can work toward earning the bronze, silver, or gold achievement level. The awards are available at local Scout shops once specific requirements for each rank or achievement level have been met.

When a member has fulfilled the requirements, a completed application is submitted to the council. Upon approval, an Emergency Preparedness pin is awarded. The pin may be worn on civilian clothing or on the uniform, centered on the left pocket flap. The award may be earned more than once; for instance, as a young person advances through the ranks and is capable of more complex preparedness activities, but only one pin may be worn.

All emergency activities carried out by Scouting units must be appropriate for the ages and abilities of the young people involved. Units should participate only under the supervision of their own leaders, and plans for unit help must be coordinated with community agencies responsible for disaster preparedness.

Tiger Cub Requirements

• Cover a family fire plan and drill, and what to do if separated from the family.
• Discuss a family emergency plan with the family.
• Create, plan, and practice summoning help during an emergency.
• Take a nationally recognized first-aid course geared toward children such as American Red Cross First Aid for Children Today (FACT).
• Join a safe kids program such as McGruff Child Identification, Internet Safety, or Safety at Home.
• Show and tell your family household what you have learned about preparing for emergencies.

Wolf Cub Scout Requirements

• Create a checklist to keep your home safe.
• Discuss a family emergency plan with the family.
• Create, plan, and practice summoning help during an emergency.
• Learn emergency skills and care for choking, wounds, nosebleeds, falls, and animal bites. The emergency skills should include responses for fire safety, poisoning, water accidents, substance abuse, and more.
• Join a safe kids program such as the McGruff Child Identification program. Put on a training program for your family or den on stranger awareness, Internet safety, or safety at home.
• Make a presentation to your family on what you have learned about preparing for emergencies.

Bear Cub Scout Requirements

• Create, plan, and practice summoning help during an emergency.
• Learn how to shut off utilities to your home in an emergency.
• Learn simple rescue techniques.
• Learn emergency skills and care for choking, wounds, nosebleeds, falls, and animal bites. The emergency skills should include responses for fire safety, poisoning, water accidents, substance abuse, and more.
• Put together a family emergency kit for use in the home.
• Organize a safe kids program such as the McGruff Child Identification program. Put on a training program for your family or den on stranger awareness, Internet safety, or safety at home.
• Make a small display or give a presentation for your family or den on what you have learned about preparing for emergencies.

Webelos Scout Requirements

• Learn rescue techniques.
• Build a family emergency kit, with an adult family member participating in the project.
• Take a first-aid course.
• Learn to survive extreme weather situations.
• Learn about stranger awareness, Internet safety, or safety at home.
• Give a presentation to your den on preparing for emergencies.

Recruiter Strip

Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts may be awarded, and wear, below the right pocket on their uniforms, the Recruiter Strip shown above

There are NO formal requirements for these strips Each Unit establishes the procedure for awarding the strip. Usually, a Recruiter Strip is awarded to a Cub Scout or Boy Scout the first time he is successful in getting a friend, relative, classmate, or other acquaintance to join his unit.

Typically, only ONE strip is awarded to a boy while he is a Cub Scout, and another may be awarded while he is a Boy Scout.

Interpreter Strips

Youth and Adult members (Cub and Webelos Scouts, Boy and Varsity Scouts, Venturers, and Sea Scouts, plus Scouters in all programs) may wear this strip if they show their knowledge of a foreign language or the sign language for the hearing impaired by:

1. Carrying on a 5-minute conversation in this language.
2. Translating a 2-minute speech or address.
3. Writing a letter in the language (Does not apply for sign language)
4. Translating 200 words or more from the written word.

Pro Archer / Marksman Certificate

(Archery / BB-Gun Shooting)

Archery and BB-Gun shooting, is a camp program. Boys can earn Archery and BB-Gun Shooting recognition items only at council / district day camp, resident camp or council-managed family camping programs. Archery and BB-Gun Shooting programs are not permitted at den and pack activities. The Archery and BB-Gun Shooting belt loop and pin can only be awarded by a BSA range-trained shooting-sports director.

Requirements: Earn Belt Loop & Pin (see requirements for those)

Cub Scout Shooting Sports Award Certificate Requirements

Before firing the Pro Archer course, the camper is to complete the following:

1. Explain how to string your bow and explain the use of archery equipment.
2. Be able to list and discuss nine points in "Shooting Techniques."

Pro Archer Level

Shoot five groups (three arrows per group) trying to group each set within a circle the size of the nine-ring. (No specific score is required.)

Then fire for the Pro Archer score.

In Cub Scout archery, the camp awards the certificate when the Cub Scout or Webelos Scout qualifies for the different levels of recognition. It is possible to earn four certificates if every level of marksmanship has been accomplished.

Cub Scout Shooting Sports Award Certificate Requirements

Before completing the Pro Marksman requirements below, the following criteria must be met:

1. Instruction: Complete a basic BB gun marksmanship safety course.
2. Shooting: Fire five groups of shots (three shots per group) that can be covered by a quarter, and then adjust the BB gun sights so that the group is centered on a bull's eye. (No specific score is required.) Then fire the Marksmanship levels shown below.

Marksman Level

Score Requirements for BB-Gun Recognition Certificate

Certificates may be awarded to the Cub Scout or Webelos Scout at any time he achieves a level of marksmanship. It is possible to earn five certificates if every level of marksmanship has been accomplished.

Honor Awards

Cub Scout Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award

Cub Scouts and their leaders interested in learning more about outdoor ethics and Leave No Trace should begin by exploring the Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award.

Requirements:

• Describe what the Outdoor Code means to you.
• Complete the Leave No Trace online course and print the certificate.
• Complete the Tread Lightly! TL! Kids Outdoor Quiz and print the certificate. Click on the "Outdoor Quiz" arrow.
• Participate in an outdoor ethics activity facilitated by a person who has completed the BSA outdoor ethics orientation course or is a BSA outdoor ethics trainer or master.Cub Scouts earn this award by working with their families to complete these activities

Note: Requirement No. 4 for the Cub Scout Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award says to "participate in an outdoor ethics activity facilitated by a person who has completed the BSA outdoor ethics orientation course or is a BSA outdoor ethics trainer or master." The person who can facilitate the outdoor ethics activity in Cub Scout Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award requirement No. 4 is any person who is any of the following: a Leave No Trace Master Educator or Trainer, a Tread Lightly! Master Tread Trainer or Tread Trainer, a person who has completed either the BSA outdoor ethics orientation course (in beta testing) or the BSA Leave No Trace 101 course, or any person who has earned the BSA Leave No Trace Awareness Card. It's also allowable for any individual designated by a council outdoor ethics advocate or, in the absence of an advocate, the Scout executive or his or her designee, to facilitate the "outdoor ethics activity."

Contact Cheryl Baylor or Kimberly Schoolcraft for details.

Medal of Merit - The Medal of Merit may be awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has performed some outstanding act of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others.

Heroism Award - The Heroism Award may be awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save life at minimum risk to self.

Honor Medal - The Honor Medal may be awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated unusual heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save life at considerable risk to self.

James E. West Fellowship Award - Scout or Scouter. For a donation of $1,000 or more to a council endowment. This award may be presented to a registered Tiger,Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts.

Unit Awards

Conservation Good Turn Award - The Conservation Good Turn Award is an opportunity for Scout units to join with conservation or environmental organizations (federal, state, local, or private) to carry out a conservation Good Turn in their home communities. Working together in the local community, the unit and the agency plan the details and establish the date, time and location for carrying out the project. It may be earned by all registered Tiger,Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts.

Hornaday Unit Award - The Hornaday Unit Award may be earned by a Cub Scouting pack, Boy Scouting troop, Varsity Scouting team, Venturing crew or Sea Scout ship that plans and carries out at least one conservation project. This award may be earned by all registered Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts.