Leadership Awards
Recognize your top-notch Scouts & Scouters for these top-tier awards.Deadline for All Award Nominations is January 1, 2026
Submit all Award Nominations to specialawards@cpcscouting.org
The Silver Beaver Award
The Silver Beaver Award recognizes registered Scouters of exceptional character who have provided outstanding service to youth within the Council. Anyone may nominate any deserving registered Scouter to the council, which selects recipients for the following year. Introduced in 1931, the Silver Beaver Award is the highest council recognition awarded to registered adults.
Silver Beaver Nomination Tips
- Read the form carefully. Go through the official nomination form and instructions.
- Start early. Allow at least six months to gather information and feedback, especially for service outside Scouting. Aim to submit at least 30 days before the deadline.
- Highlight community service. The nominee should have volunteer service to both youth and the broader community, not just Scouting.
- Focus on volunteer impact. Professional achievements matter, but volunteer service carries the most weight. Be clear about what was done as a volunteer versus as part of their job.
- Gather insights. Reach out—discreetly—to colleagues, family members, or organizations where the nominee serves for additional perspective.
- Consult with your District Key 3. They can offer input, guidance, and even review your submission before it’s sent.
Quick Links
Key Contacts
Carrie Hutchcraft – (503) 225-5726
Program Assistant
The Venturing Leadership Award
The Venturing Leadership Award is presented by councils, areas, regions, and the BSA National Council to Venturers and Venturing Advisors who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing and who exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Venturing Leadership Award Qualifications
- Be registered and involved as a Venturer or Venturing Advisor for at least one year.
- Hold a leadership position or an office at the unit, district, council, territory, or national level (as appropriate for the level of the award presented).
- Show exceptional dedication and give outstanding leadership and service to Venturing and to Venturers (on the level appropriate for the award).
Venturing Leadership Award Guidelines
- Attach letters of recommendation from Venturers, Scouters, acquaintances, teachers, place of worship, etc.
- Youth nominations may be submitted for up to one year past the youth’s 21st birthday.
Sea Scout Leadership Award
The Sea Scout Leadership Award is presented by councils, territories, and the BSA National Council to Sea Scouts and Sea Scouters who have made exceptional contributions to Sea Scouting and who exemplify the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, and the Sea Scout Promise.
Sea Scout Leadership Award Qualifications
- Be registered and involved as a Sea Scout or Sea Scouter for at least one year.
- Hold a leadership position or an office at the unit, district, council, council service territory, or national level.
- Show exceptional dedication and give outstanding leadership and service to Sea Scouting and to Sea Scouts (at the level appropriate for the award).
Sea Scout Leadership Award Requirements for Nominations
The following must be included in the nomination packet:
- A narrative that justifies the nomination, including where the nominee went “above and beyond.”
- For National level awards, up to 3 letters of recommendations. For CST level awards, two letters of recommendations. Letters should come from different areas of the nominee’s life to give a more well-rounded view of the nominee. These could include an instructor, coach Skipper/Commodore/Boatswain, or a church/community leader.
- A list of all of Scouting positions (specifically list all Sea Scout positions and year held). Even if the position did not have a title, serving as the chair of a large project should be listed. Please do not include a resume or copy of the nominees BSA training record.
- A list of any involvement outside of the Scouting program (sports, community groups, etc.).
- A list of awards received in Scouting.
- Nominations carry more weight if a youth submits the nomination form.
- Parents/guardians and spouses are not allowed to submit nominations for their own child or adults.
- This is a personal award, not a group award.
- The nominee nor any of their family members should not be made aware of the nomination.
- The nomination form must be signed and submitted by a registered Sea Scout Youth member or registered Sea Scouter.,
Duty to God Award
The Council Duty to God Award was created to recognize registered Scouters who have demonstrated an exemplary history of transformational leadership in supporting and promoting the spiritual foundation of
Scouting at the local Council level. It acknowledges the unswerving dedication to faith, fellowship, and service of those whose character embodies the moral principles and shared ideals of Scouting America. Nominations are open to candidates from all faiths and religious groups.
Council Duty to God Eligibility and Award Criteria
- Be currently registered as an active, participating adult member of Scouting America.
- Have five or more years of volunteer or professional leadership with service to Scouting at the Council and/or territorial level or other organizations or institutions, and the nominee’s respective faith tradition.
- Have received faith-appropriate adult religious recognition from the nominee’s religious organization prior to this nomination, or adult religious recognition from another religious organization whose youth the candidate has served.
- Have demonstrated an outstanding record of transformational, spiritual, moral, and ethical leadership, and edifying service within the community and Council in the advancement and promotion of a Scout’s duty to God and shared values, regardless of faith tradition.
Council Duty to God Nomination Recommendations
The nominator(s) must provide and attach to the application no fewer than three (3) letters of recommendation for the nominee including from the following people:
- A registered scout leader who can document the nominee’s service in scouting to Duty to God at the Council level.
- A current, active member(s) in a leadership role from nominee’s place of worship or affiliated religious organization.
Nominator must provide a summary narrative on a separate sheet describing and detailing examples of the nominee’s service to faith and youth, as well as personal character relevant to the purpose and standards set forth to receive this recognition.