Etowah District - Adult Awards

Square Knot Awards

In March of 1946 the Boy Scouts of America announced the first six square knot awards. These knots were to replace the ribbon bars that were being earned at the time. The list of knots has continued to grow; some awards have been discontinued and others have been added. At present there are over 30 awards represented by knots. These knots are worn on the Scouting uniform in place of the plaque or medal that they represent. Included in the array above are a number that are no longer awarded, but may still be observed on the uniform of well-tenured Scouters. It might be worth noting that one does not earn a "knot," but, rather, an award represented by a knot on the uniform.

Generally, the knots are worn by adult leaders, but there are a few that may be worn by youth members. Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts may wear the Universal Religious Emblem and the Lifesaving and Meritorious Award knots. Explorers may display on their uniforms the same honors, plus the Explorer Achievement Award knot. Venturers may wear the knot corresponding to the Venturing Silver Award, and both adult and youth members of Venturing are eligible for the Venturing Leadership Award

Leadership & Training Awards
	Cubmaster Award How do you get it? Meet these requirements.
	Cub Scouter Award How do you get it? Meet these requirements.
	Den Leader Award How do you get it? Meet these requirements.
	Tiger Cub Den Leader Award How do you get it? Meet these requirements.
	Webelos Den Leader Award How do you get it? Meet these requirements.
	Scouter's Training Award How do you get it? Click the position below... Recognizes Boy Scout Leaders, Venturing Leaders, Varsity Leaders and Round Table Staff, who have taken the recommended training for these positions and have achieved a high standard of performance over three years.
	Scouter's Key Award How do you get it? Click the position below... Recognizes Scoutmasters, Coaches, Advisors, Skippers, Unit Commissioners, Round Table Commissioners, and District Committee members who have taken the recommended training for these positions and have achieved a high standard of performance over three years.
	Pack Trainer Award How do you get it? Meet these requirements.
Honor Awards for Outstanding Service
	District Award of Merit - Presented to Scouters at the District level for outstanding dedication and service. Download the nomination from here. Awards are presented at the District Recognition Dinner.
	Silver Beaver Award - Presented to Scouters at the Council level for outstanding dedication and service. Awards are presented at the Council Recognition Dinner.
	Scoutmaster's Award of Merit - Shortly after the National Eagle Scout Association was established in 1972, it began to make available a NESA Scoutmaster Award. The award was presented to one Scoutmaster per BSA area each year. These Scoutmasters' records demonstrated proper use of Boy Scout advancement, and a significant number of their Boy Scouts attained the Eagle Scout rank. This award was discontinued on December 31, 1987. The president of the Boy Scouts of America requested that NESA convert its award into a Scoutmaster Award of Merit that could be earned by all Scoutmasters. His rationale was that there is a need for recognizing Scoutmasters relatively early in their work in that position, before they qualify for the Scouter's Key.
	The William T. Hornaday Award - Recognizes Scouts and Scouters for ecology efforts and service to conservation in their communities. To earn the Hornaday Award as an individual, youth members must earn a series of merit badges followed by a concentrated series of conservation and/or environmental education projects to be conducted in the member's community or nearby, under the advise of a trained conservation, naturalist, or environmental engineering expert.
Support of Scouting
	The William D. Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award - Presented to recognize volunteers who organize one or more traditional Scouting units. The award may be worn on the adult uniform. The award is a square knot placed over the three colors representing the three phases of our program—Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing. A volunteer can earn the knot by organizing one traditional unit, and a program device can be earned for up to three additional units organized.
	James West Fellowship Award - probably the one award that sparks the most misunderstanding when spotted on a uniform. Some folks immediately assume that the award was simply purchased, which is not accurate. This award is presented to individuals based on a contribution of $1000 or more to the local Council's West Fellowship Fund. Only registered Scouters or youth members receive and wear the square knot.