In October 2020, the BSA retired the William T. Hornaday awards for older Scouts and adults. Replacing them is the BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Awards program. The intent: to encourage more conservation advocacy and service through a modernized, streamlined program. Don’t confuse “streamlined” with “simple,” however; the new awards are just as challenging as the ones they replaced.
WHAT AWARDS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are three awards. Youth members in Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts earn the BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award. Adult Scouters receive the BSA Distinguished Conservationist Award. Organizations and other individuals receive the BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award Certificate.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SCOUTS BSA MEMBERS?
A Scout must be a First Class Scout, earn seven conservation-related merit badges (five required plus two elective), plan and carry out two conservation projects from two different categories and pass a board of review conducted by the local council’s conservation committee.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTURERS AND SEA SCOUTS?
A Venturer or Sea Scout must complete a series of research requirements, share their knowledge with others, plan and carry out two conservation projects from two different categories, and pass a board of review conducted by the local council’s conservation committee.
WHAT ARE THE PROJECT CATEGORIES?
Air and water pollution control; energy conservation; fish and wildlife management; forestry and range management; hazardous materials disposal and management; invasive species control; pollinator management; resource recovery; and soil and water conservation.
IF A SCOUT HAS ALREADY STARTED ON THE WILLIAM T. HORNADAY BRONZE OR SILVER MEDALS AND HAS MOST OF IT COMPLETE, CAN THEY STILL EARN THE AWARD?
If a Scout had at least two of the required projects completed (of the three required for Bronze or four for Silver) by Oct. 13, 2020, they can still work on the Hornaday medals. Please be aware that all work must be completed by June 30, 2021.
IF A SCOUT HAD STARTED THE WILLIAM T. HORNADAY BRONZE OR SILVER AWARDS BUT HAD NOT COMPLETED AT LEAST TWO OF THE REQUIRED PROJECTS, CAN THEIR WORK BE TRANSFERRED TO THE BSA DISTINGUISHED CONSERVATION SERVICE AWARD?
Yes. Please complete the requirements for the BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award, complete the application form, and submit it to your Council’s Conservation Committee. Then request a board of review.
WHO DOES THE BSA DISTINGUISHED CONSERVATIONIST AWARD HONOR?
This award is for adult Scouters who have rendered exemplary service to natural resource conservation and environmental improvement on a regional, national or international level for 20 or more years. Nominations are accepted from recognized conservation and environmental organizations.
WHO DOES THE BSA DISTINGUISHED CONSERVATIONIST AWARD CERTIFICATE HONOR?
This certificate is for organizations and individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to teaching natural resource conservation and environmental improvement to young people on a regional, national or international level. Nominations are accepted from recognized conservation and environmental organizations.
HAS THE WILLIAM T. HORNADAY UNIT AWARD BEEN REPLACED?
Units should pursue the Conservation Good Turn Award instead.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?
Click here for requirements, frequently asked questions, forms and more.
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