Awards

Awards are an essential part of the scouting experience, recognizing scouts' achievements and encouraging further development in various areas. In Troop 23, we categorize awards into several types to highlight the diverse opportunities for scouts to earn recognition.

Special Opportunity Awards

These awards recognize scouts for participating in unique programs and achieving specific goals.

• National Outdoor Awards: Recognizes scouts who demonstrate exceptional skills and participation in outdoor activities like camping, hiking, aquatics, riding, and conservation. For example, scouts can earn the National Outdoor Award for Camping.
• STEM Nova Awards: Recognizes scouts who explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) topics and complete related merit badges and activities. Learn more about the STEM Nova Awards.
• 50-Miler Award: Awarded to scouts who complete a trek of at least 50 miles over five consecutive days and perform a conservation project. Learn more about the 50-Miler Award.
• Historic Trails Award: Earned by scouts who hike or camp along a historic trail and learn about its significance. Learn more about the Historic Trails Award.

Skill and Safety Awards

These awards certify that scouts have demonstrated knowledge and skills in specific areas of scouting.

• Firem’n Chit Award: Certifies that scouts have demonstrated knowledge and skill in fire safety and proper fire use. Learn more about the Firem’n Chit Award.
• Totin’ Chip Award: Certifies that scouts have demonstrated proper handling, care, and use of wood tools. Learn more about the Totin’ Chip Award.
• BSA Lifeguard Award: Recognizes scouts who complete a rigorous training program in lifeguarding, including swimming, rescue techniques, and first aid. Learn more about the BSA Lifeguard Award.
• Mile Swim BSA Award: Recognizes scouts who complete a one-mile swim in a single session. Learn more about the Mile Swim BSA Award.

Participation Awards

Scouts and Adults can earn awards through participation in various events. Here are a few examples:

• Klondike Derby Patch: Scouts can earn awards for their performance in winter camping and skills competitions during this event. Learn more about our participation in the Klondike Derby in 2024.
• Memorial Day Parade Patch: Participation in community events like the Memorial Day Parade also allows scouts to earn recognition. 
• Camp-O-Ree Patch: Scouts earn awards for their skills and teamwork in themed events like the Zombie Invasion Camp-O-Ree in 2023. 

Conclusion

The examples provided here are just a glimpse into the wide array of awards scouts can earn. Some awards, like the Firem’n Chit and Totin’ Chip, can be earned relatively quickly, while others, like the National Medal for Outdoor Achievement, require years of dedication and hard work. To see more examples of events where scouts can earn awards, please visit our Events page. To learn more about all the advancement opportunities available in Troop 23, please visit our Advancements page.

For more detailed information on the national awards available and how to earn them, please visit the official BSA Awards page. 

Awards are an integral part of the advancement process in scouting, offering invaluable opportunities for growth and exploration. However, they are just one aspect of the broader journey in scouting. To learn more about all the advancement opportunities available in Troop 23, please visit our Advancements page.