Leadership Awards Can Help You Be a Better Leader

This story was originally published in the January-February 2020 issue of Scouting magazine.

Since kids don’t grow up overnight, it sometimes can be hard to tell from week to week how much of a difference you’re making as a Scouting volunteer. The BSA’s training awards and keys can help you track your progress and help you be more successful.

WHAT IS A TRAINING AWARD?

A training award is a position-specific recognition earned by Scouters who meet certain tenure, training and performance requirements.

WHAT TENURE IS REQUIRED?

One year for den leaders; two years for all other positions.

WHAT TRAINING IS REQUIRED?

Basic training for your position plus specified supplemental training depending on your position. For example, a den leader must attend a pow wow, a University of Scouting or at least four roundtables, while a Sea Scout leader must attend a boating safety course.

WHAT PERFORMANCE IS REQUIRED?

You must do four or five things, which vary by position, such as participating in an annual unit-planning meeting or giving primary leadership in meeting a Journey to Excellence objective.

WHAT RECOGNITION ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE?

Most recipients receive a medal (No. 922) that features a fleur-de-lis superimposed over an “A” suspended from a green ribbon with a narrow white stripe. Den leaders receive a medal (No. 615864) that features a fleur-de-lis superimposed over a diamond suspended from a blue and gold ribbon. For everyday wear for den leaders, there’s a gold knot on a blue background (No. 5016); for everyday wear for other Scouters, there’s a green knot on a tan background (No. 5008). Small pins, called devices, go on the knot to indicate the specific program(s) in which the award was earned.

WHAT IS A SCOUTER’S KEY?

A key is a more advanced award earned by the top leader in a unit (i.e., Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Advisor or Skipper).

WHAT TENURE IS REQUIRED?

Three years as the top unit leader within a five-year period. (Tenure used to earn the Scouter’s Training Award can be included.) In Cub Scouting, one of the three years can be as an assistant Cubmaster.

WHAT TRAINING IS REQUIRED?

As with the training awards, a Scouter’s Key requires basic training for your position plus specified supplemental training.

WHAT PERFORMANCE IS REQUIRED?

Your unit must achieve at least the Silver level of Journey to Excellence for at least two years; you must participate in at least one additional supplemental or advanced training event; and you must complete one or two other program-specific requirements.

WHAT RECOGNITION ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE?

Most recipients receive a medal (No. 924) that features a fleur-de-lis superimposed over a key suspended from a green ribbon with a wide white stripe. Sea Scout Skippers receive a similar medal (No. 616990) that has a blue ribbon instead. For everyday wear, there’s a green and white knot on a tan background (No. 5006). Devices go on the knot to indicate the specific program(s) in which the award was earned.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

Visit scouting.org/training/adult.