Those of us who live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law understand the importance of Scouting. We became Scouting volunteers because we believe in the character-building experience that the Scouting Movement provides youth. Scouting Alumni has developed a commemorative medallion to celebrate the years of service provided by Scouting alumni.

 This Commemoration serves to recognize Scouting alumni for service to youth via their community, their profession, their religion, and other youth-serving organizations, as well as to Scouting. This is not an award per se, but rather a recognition of service. Thus, there are no forms, no record keeping, no signatures or review, and no approval. It represents and celebrates the good deeds of recipients, the contributions that take many different forms: serving in national, regional, council, district or unit capacities, supporting the movement through financial donations or donations in-kind; and living an extemporary life guided by the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Calculating years of service is on the “On my honor” system and begins when one first enters the Scouting program as a youth or an adult.

 Because of the deep impact of Scouting, this commemoration recognizes that duty and service to others by recipients is based in part on training, experience and challenges that Scouting provides.

 This very special medallion features the founder of Scouting, Lord Baden Powell, and service to youth.  The idea behind this tribute is to allow units, districts, or councils to present them in a public setting, but without a formal process. Presentations should be simple, with honor, respect and dignity.

Scouting teaches many things to not only the Scouts participating within the program but also to those who help those young people along the way. Once learned, many take these skills and apply them to their daily lives, especially their vocation and other avocations in life.

The Council Distinguished Alumnus Award is granted by Scouting Alumni, through recommendation of the local council’s Alumni committee. This prestigious recognition honors those alumni who have demonstrated and inspired others through their positive actions, accomplishments and devotion to their profession, hobby, community, and beliefs. In other words, it recognizes Scouting alumni who use the skills they have learned from Scouting to make a positive impact in the community.

The Council Distinguished Alumnus Award is primarily for those Alumni who have distinguished themselves in their vocation or advocation. The Council Alumnus of the Year is primarily for those who have given service to the Alumni Effort.

Eligibility

Nominations are submitted to the local council to go through a council-run selection process and once selected, subsequently submitted to Scouting Alumni to be confirmed. The Council’s Scout Executive, President and Scouting Alumni Chair must endorse the nomination before it is submitted to Scouting Alumni. In very rare cases, Scouting Alumni may originate nominations.

Each recipient’s record of service and accomplishments should elevate the public stature and reputation of Scouting overall by the nominee’s association with Scouting. Service to Scouting is not required. Many worthy recipients may not have been involved since their time as a young person.