Fellow Algonquin Scouters:
We all know that recognizing the achievements of our Scouts through awards and insignia is a central part of the Scouting program. In addition to recognizing our youth members, we are able to recognize our Scouting leaders who have committed themselves to serving the Scouts through their training and activities.
At the annual Algonquin District Awards BBQ, we hand out a series of training awards, with accompanying square knot patches for wear on the uniforms, to Scouting leaders who have qualified for these awards.
For you or other leaders in your unit to be recognized at this year’s Awards BBQ, which will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Crawford Park in Rye Brook, we need to receive applications by May 18, 2025.
Scouter’s Training Awards for Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, or Venturing Leaders are available to any registered Scouting volunteer who has served in any adult leader position in a Pack, Troop, or Crew for at least two years, has completed the training for their position and taken supplemental training, and has met some other requirements.
Den Leader Training Awards are available to Cub Scout Den Leaders who have served for at least one year, completed Den Leader Training, and met some other training and performance criteria.
Cubmaster’s, Scoutmaster’s, and Advisor’s Keys are available for unit leaders who have served in those positions for at least three years (or two years as Cubmaster and one year as Assistant Cubmaster), are fully trained may and meet some other requirements.
Each of these awards require approval of the unit Committee Chair, but they can be originated from anyone in the Unit, including the recipient him or herself. Application forms listing the requirements for each of these awards are available at Training Awards and Recognition | Boy Scouts of America.
Note that the for the awards that have a requirement for attendance at a University of Scouting, since the Council did not hold a University of Scouting this year, we will accept another training or Scouting education activity, either as a trainer or trainee. Also, for the awards that have a requirement that the unit achieve a council assigned performance objective, this is a Bronze Journey to Excellence level for the Scouter’s Training Award and Silver for the Keys (either formal award of the JTE, or an equivalent computation). Our objective is to be able to give the awards to qualifying Scouters, so if there is any question, please contact me to work out how we can find appropriate options to have your Scouters qualify.
In addition to Training Awards, outstanding Cubmasters, Scoutmasters and Crew Advisors who have served at least 18 months can be nominated by their Committee Chairs for the Unit Leader Award of Merit. Information is available at Unit Leader Award of Merit | Boy Scouts of America.
Please see if you or anyone else in your unit might qualify, so that we can get everyone the recognition that they deserve. I’m happy to answer all questions about the requirements and process.
Applications and questions can be directed to me at william_geller@yahoo.com or 917-680-4632, mailing address 9 Winthrop Drive, Rye Brook, NY 10573.
Yours in Scouting,
Bill Geller
Algonquin District Training Chair
Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader