Other Scouts BSA Awards
Scouts BSA has many awards that go beyond ranks and merit badges. These awards give Scouts new ways to learn and grow. Some focus on outdoor skills, while others teach safety, service, or leadership. They are a good way to try something different. Many of these awards fit well with activities your unit is already doing.
These awards often encourage Scouts to take part in real experiences. A Scout might plan a trip, help with a service project, or learn a new skill. Some awards focus on water activities, while others are about history or conservation. Each one helps Scouts build confidence. They also give youth a chance to explore their interests.
Many of these awards are flexible. Scouts can work on them at their own pace. Some can be done as a group, while others are individual efforts. This makes them easy to include in meetings, outings, or special events. Leaders can use them to add variety to the program. Scouts can choose the ones that interest them most.
Earning these awards also helps Scouts prepare for the future. They learn skills they can use in everyday life. They also practice planning, teamwork, and responsibility. These lessons stay with them long after the award is earned. The patches are a reminder of what they have learned and done.
Outdoor Adventure Awards
These awards focus on getting outside and trying new activities. Scouts build skills while hiking, paddling, swimming, or diving. Many of these awards involve real experience on the water or trail.
Kayaking Scouting America Award
This award teaches Scouts how to kayak safely. They learn basic strokes, balance, and how to handle a kayak on the water. Scouts also learn safety rules and how to respond to problems. This helps them enjoy kayaking with confidence.
This award introduces Scouts to paddleboarding. They learn how to stand, balance, and move across the water. Scouts also practice safety skills and proper use of equipment. This makes the activity safe and enjoyable.
This award teaches Scouts how to dive safely. They learn how to use scuba gear and follow safety rules Scouts also explore underwater environments. This gives them a new way to enjoy the outdoors.
This award is for a long outdoor trek. Scouts must travel 50 miles over at least five days. They also complete a service project during the trip. This adds a focus on helping others.
This award is earned by swimming one mile. It must be done under proper supervision. Scouts build endurance and confidence. It is a strong test of swimming ability.
National Outdoor Awards
These awards recognize ongoing outdoor participation. There are six segments, including Adventure and Aquatics. Scouts work on skills over time and track their progress.
National Outdoor Award – Adventure Segment
This segment focuses on high-adventure activities. Scouts must prepare for and complete a challenging outdoor experience. They learn skills needed for trips like backpacking or climbing. This builds confidence and readiness.
National Outdoor Award – Aquatics Segment
This segment focuses on water skills. Scouts must be strong swimmers and learn lifesaving skills. They also take part in aquatics activities. This helps them become comfortable in the water.
National Outdoor Award – Camping Segment
This segment focuses on camping experience. Scouts must complete a number of nights camping outdoors. They learn skills like setting up camp and cooking outside. This builds independence.
National Outdoor Award – Hiking Segment
This segment focuses on hiking. Scouts must complete a set number of miles on foot. They learn how to plan and complete hikes safely. This builds endurance and navigation skills.
National Outdoor Award – Riding Segment
This segment focuses on riding activities. Scouts can earn it through cycling, horseback riding, motorboating, or skating. They track miles and build skill over time. This encourages regular outdoor activity.
National Outdoor Award – Conservation Segment
This segment focuses on conservation work. Scouts must take part in service that helps the environment. They learn how to protect natural resources. This builds responsibility and awareness.
Safety, Ethics, and Conservation
These awards teach Scouts how to act responsibly and stay safe. They also focus on caring for the outdoors and making good choices.
Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award
This award teaches Scouts how to care for nature. It is based on the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace. Scouts learn how their actions affect the environment. They practice ways to reduce their impact.
Scouts BSA World Conservation Award
This award focuses on protecting the environment. Scouts earn conservation-related merit badges. They also take part in a conservation project. This helps them understand global needs.
Citizenship, Culture, and History
These awards help Scouts understand people and the past. They focus on respect, service, and learning about different cultures and communities.
This program connects Scouts with local history. They plan an outdoor activity tied to a historic site. Scouts often work with a local group. This helps them learn about their community.
This award helps Scouts learn about Scouting around the world. It focuses on global awareness. Scouts explore different cultures and traditions. This builds understanding and respect.
James M. Stewart Good Citizenship Award
This award teaches good citizenship. Scouts learn about the life of James M. Stewart. They practice values like respect and service. This helps them grow as citizens.
Leadership and Communication
These awards recognize Scouts who lead and share skills with others. They encourage helping younger Scouts and building communication abilities.
This award is for Scouts who help lead a Cub Scout den. They serve for a year and support younger Scouts. They must be trained and active in their unit. This builds leadership skills.
This strip is earned by inviting someone to join Scouting. It recognizes helping the unit grow. Scouts learn how to share the program with others. This builds confidence and outreach skills.
These strips show which languages a Scout can use. They are worn on the uniform. Scouts earn them by showing language skills. This encourages communication.
This strip is for Morse Code skills. Scouts must show they can send and receive messages. It is a fun way to learn communication. It also connects to Scouting traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are other Scouts BSA awards?
These are awards that are not ranks or merit badges. They give Scouts more ways to learn and grow. Many focus on outdoor skills, safety, service, or leadership. They are optional but very helpful.
Do Scouts have to earn these awards?
No, these awards are not required. Scouts can choose the ones that interest them. They are a good way to try new things and build skills outside of rank advancement.
Can these awards be earned as a group?
Yes, many of these awards can be done with your troop or crew. Activities like hikes, service projects, or water trips often count. Some parts may still need to be done individually.
How do Scouts get started on an award?
A Scout should read the requirements and talk to a leader. The leader can help plan how to complete the steps. Some awards also need trained supervision or special instruction.
Are these awards hard to earn?
Some are simple, while others take more time and effort. It depends on the award. Many can be done during normal Scouting activities with a little planning.
Do these awards count toward rank advancement?
Most do not count directly toward rank. However, the skills learned can help with merit badges and rank requirements. They still add value to the Scout’s experience.
Where are these awards worn on the uniform?
It depends on the award. Some are patches worn on the uniform. Others are temporary patches or special items like cords or strips. The placement follows Scouting America uniform guidelines.
Can adults earn any of these awards?
Yes, some awards are open to adult leaders. Examples include Outdoor Ethics Awareness and some aquatics awards. Adults can learn alongside youth and set a good example.
Why should Scouts work on these awards?
These awards help Scouts try new activities and build confidence. They add variety to the program. Scouts also get recognition for their effort and skills.
How do leaders use these awards in their program?
Leaders can include these awards in outings and meetings. They help add structure and purpose to activities. They also give Scouts clear goals to work toward.
Patches Beyond the Basics
Scouts BSA offers many awards that are not ranks or merit badges. These awards give Scouts more chances to learn new skills and try new activities. They cover areas like outdoor adventure, safety, leadership, and service. Scouts can explore topics that interest them and build skills at the same time.
Some awards focus on hands-on experiences. Scouts might paddle a kayak, hike a long trail, or take part in a conservation project. Others teach important life skills, such as emergency planning or safe use of technology. These activities help Scouts grow in confidence. They also make the program more fun and active.
These awards can be done in many ways. Some are earned as part of troop activities, while others are done on a Scout’s own time. This makes them easy to work into a busy schedule. Leaders can use them to support their program goals. Scouts can pick awards that match their interests and goals.
In the end, these awards add depth to the Scouting experience. They help Scouts learn by doing. They also give recognition for effort and achievement. While they are not required, they are a great way to get more out of the program. Many Scouts enjoy the challenge and the chance to try something new.
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