Scoutmaster Award of Merit

Background

Shortly after the National Eagle Scout Association was established in 1972, it began to make available a NESA Scoutmaster Award. The award was presented to one Scoutmaster per BSA area each year. These Scoutmasters' records demonstrated proper use of Boy Scout advancement, and a significant number of their Boy Scouts attained the Eagle Scout rank. This award was discontinued on December 31, 1987.


The president of the Boy Scouts of America requested that NESA convert its award into a Scoutmaster Award of Merit that could be earned by all Scoutmasters. His rationale was that there is a need for recognizing Scoutmasters relatively early in their work in that position, before they qualify for the Scouter's Key.


Requirements

The nominee need not be an Eagle Scout but must:

  1. Be a currently registered Scoutmaster who has served in that position for at least 18 months.
  2. Have achieved the Quality Unit Award or Centennial Quality Unit Award at least once during the period of service.
  3. Have completed Boy Scout Leader Fast Start Orientation, New Leader Essentials, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
  4. Have a record of proper use of the Boy Scout advancement program, resulting in a majority of Boy Scouts in the troop attaining the First Class rank.
  5. Have a record of
    • Development of youth leadership through the patrol method
    • Positive relations with the troop's chartered organization
    • An extensive outdoor program including strong summer camp attendance
    • A positive image of Scouting in the community
    • A troop operation that attracts and retains Boy Scouts

Procedure

The chair of the troop committee has the responsibility of nominating the Scoutmaster on behalf of the patrol leaders' council and the troop committee. Download the nomination form pdf


The nomination is certified by the unit commissioner and forwarded to the local council service center.


The nomination should be approved by the Scout executive and either the council NESA chair or the council commissioner.


The Scout executive will forward the nomination to the director of the National Eagle Scout Association at the national office.


Award

A full-color certificate will be provided by NESA free of charge. A cost of $1.50 per certificate will be charged for a certificate with the recipient's name laser-printed. Payment should accompany the order.


The National Eagle Scout Association will send the certificates to the Scout executive via pouch mail. Please allow two to four weeks for turnaround time.


A full-color, 6-inch jacket patch, No. 00147, is available through the Supply Division.


A square knot (white on tan) for the uniform, No. 05001, is available through the Supply Division.


Presentations

The award may be presented at an appropriate chartered organization or unit function with acknowledgment at a district or council event or at a district or council recognition event.


Note: Nominees may earn the Scoutmaster Award of Merit one time only.