Scouting does not run on facilities, forms, or funding. It runs on the backs of volunteers. Scouting in the U.S. is a 95% volunteer-driven organization. If we fail to recognize the adults who give their time, energy, and leadership to our youth, we undermine the entire foundation of Scouting. Adult recognition is not optional. It is leadership.
When volunteers feel seen and appreciated, they stay. They give more. They mentor better. When they feel invisible, they quietly–and often quickly–burn out. Recognition is about retention, morale, strengthening your bench of future volunteers, and modeling gratitude for the youth we serve. We ask Scouts to live the values of kindness and respect. Our units should demonstrate those same values toward the adults who make everything possible.
Recognition does not need to be elaborate. But it does need to be intentional.
Start Simple
Every unit can (and should!):
- Publicly thank leaders at Courts of Honor or Blue & Gold banquets
- Present certificates of appreciation annually
- Write personal thank-you notes from youth leadership
- Recognize milestone years of service
- Highlight volunteer contributions in newsletters and social media
Small, consistent recognition goes a long way, builds culure, and strengthens your unit.
Give Official Awards
Scouting provides numerous formal recognitions that many units underutilize, including training Awards and position-specific recognition knots worn on the adult uniform:
- Scouter’s Training Award
- Scouter’s Key
- Den Leader Training Award
- Scoutmaster / Advisor Awards of Merit
- District Award of Merit (nominated through the district)
- Silver Beaver (council-level recognition
These recognitions exist for a reason. If a leader has earned one, nominate them. Do not assume someone else will.
Our commissioners can help provide background and forms for knots and other official awards.
Order of the Arrow (Adults)
Adults with qualifying experience may be nominated into the Order of the Arrow when their membership will directly benefit youth and the lodge. Adult nominations are not honorary gestures; they are intended for leaders who will actively support the program and its Scouts. If you have adults who embody service and can strengthen the Lodge, consider whether nomination is appropriate.
Make Recognition Part of Your Culture
Ask annually:
- Who went above and beyond this year?
- Who completed major training?
- Who quietly held the unit together?
- Who is approaching a milestone anniversary?
If you wait for perfection, you will never recognize anyone. Recognize service while it is happening — not years after someone steps down.
A strong unit celebrates youth advancement. An exceptional unit also celebrates the adults who made that advancement possible.
