Recognising progress or achievement is important. There may be some guidance from National level, such as:
Protocol for presenting the Chief Scout's Award
Requirements for investiture
Criteria for achieving Progress Awards, Adventure Skills Awards and Special Interest Badges
However each Group / Sections has a great deal of discretion about how and when such awards are made, they are important because, if done well they will motivate all of our youth members to pursue their personal development through active participation in the youth programme. Some ideas;
Involve Parents in achievement award ceremonies
Make them simple but meaningful
Use the Group / Sections Symbolic Framework to set the scene
Do them in a special Scouting setting, such as during a hike, camp, sailing trip, caving expedition, etc.
Hold them at a special time in the out of doors, sunrise or sunset can have special significance
Involve those who helped the Scout achieve the award, such as a coach or mentor for Special Interest Badges, Patrol Leader for Personal Progress, etc.