In addition to ranks and merit badges, young men and women in Scouts BSA can earn other awards, including
More details and helps for these awards can be found below:
Scouts BSA Nova Awards and Supernova Awards
Nova Awards are the BSA Awards focused on STEM - science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
National Outdoor Awards – Aquatics Segment Requirements
To complete the requirements for the National Outdoor Award Adventure Segment, a Scout or Venturer must be a proficient swimmer, have some lifesaving skills, complete the mile swim, and spend some time enjoying aquatics adventures such as swimming, paddling, fishing, or scuba diving.
International Spirit Award for Scouts BSA
The International Spirit Award recognizes Scouts who learn more about Scouting around the world. By doing the requirements for this award, members of Scouts BSA learn to appreciate different cultures.
Den Chief Service Award
The Den Chief Service Award recognizes Scouts and Venturers who serve a Cub Scout den for one year, are trained, and are active members of their Troop or Crew. The award is a red, white, and blue cord, which is worn on the left shoulder under the epaulet. A certificate is also available.
Scuba BSA Award
Scuba is a fun way to explore the underwater world. Members of Scouts BSA, Venturers, and adult Scouters can earn the Scuba BSA award by learning to dive safely and putting their skills to use.
50 Miler Award
The 50 Miler award recognizes young men and women in Scouts BSA and Venturing who hike, paddle, or ride a total of 50 miles over at least 5 consecutive days. The trek must be completed without using motors. Riding can be cycling or horseback riding. To earn the award, members of your unit must plan and participate in a service project.
Mile Swim BSA
Scouts who swim a mile under the supervision of a certified BSA Aquatics Instructor may be presented with the Mile Swim BSA award. The patch is meant to be worn on swim trunks, on the left side.
Recruiter Strip Requirements
Have you invited a friend neighbor, relative, or classmate to join Cub Scouts or Scouts BSA? If so, you might be eligible to wear the Recruiter Strip.
Historic Trails Program
This award recognizes young men and women in Scouts BSA and Venturing who have planned and executed a historic outdoor activity in cooperation with a local society.
National Outdoor Awards – Adventure Segment Requirements
To complete the requirements for the National Outdoor Award Adventure Segment, a Scout or Venturer must learn to be prepared during outdoor adventures. He or she must also complete a challenging backpacking, paddling, sailing, climbing, or other high-adventure activity. See the specifics , along with some related helps and awards.
Kayaking BSA Award
The Kayaking BSA Award recognizes Scouts and Venturers who have developed the skills for a safe kayaking experience. Kayaking is so much fun! My husband and I own a couple of kayaks and we love to go out paddling on the water.
Emergency Preparedness BSA Award (Scouts BSA) Helps and Ideas
Scouts BSA can earn this award by creating an emergency plan, earning the First Aid or Emergency Preparedness merit badge, and completing an online course from the Federal Emergency Management Institute (FEMA).
Morse Code Interpreter Strip Requirements and Helps
The Boy Scouts of America offers a special Morse Code interpreter strip for any youth or adult who demonstrates proficiency in Morse Code. The strip may be worn on the uniform.
Stand Up Paddleboarding Award
The Stand Up Paddleboarding Award recognizes Scouts who have developed the skills to safely enjoy the aquatic activity of paddleboarding. I have enjoyed paddleboarding at summer camp. With a little knowledge practice it is a fun aquatics activity. I was surprised that it is easier than it looks!
Scouts BSA World Conservation Award: Helps and Ideas
Scouts BSA earn this award when they earn conservation related merit badges and participate in a conservation project as part of an approved Scouting program totaling at least three hours that addresses a conservation need common to more than one country .
Cyber Chip Program
The BSA Cyber Chip program encourages Scouts to learn how to use their electronic devices safely. Some of the issues the program addresses are protecting personal information, cyber bullying, appropriate use of social media, cell phones, texting, and netiquette.
Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award
Scouts of all ages are guided by the Outdoor Code and the principles of Leave No Trace when they participate in outdoor activities. Members of Scouts BSA, Venturers, and adult Scouters can earn the Outdoor Ethics Awareness award to learn about being responsible citizens while outdoors.
Interpreter Strips Requirements and Helps
An interpreter strip shows which languages a Scout is familiar with. It is worn above the “Boy Scouts of America” strip on the uniform. This emblem can be worn by Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, or adults.