1 Non-Advancement Opportunities for Boy Scouts Wood Badge 100 N Fox Patrol

Now, the rest of the story… There are numerous other non-advancement programs and awards for Boy Scouts. These can be used to round out your current program or be used as a change from an advancement heavy focus. They can also be used for the Scout who likes scouting but is turned off by merit badges and rank advancement. 2

How to apply? Depending on your Troop, the adult can mentor the SPL to approach these opportunities one of two ways. –Make earning the award the goal and design a program to meet the requirements. –Create a program where the award is earned by the youth are not aware they are earning “a patch”. For the disenchanted Scout, option #2 may be best. 3

SPL and PLC Creating a program around these awards can be an unique learning experience for the SPL and PLC. –Depending on the award, EDGE training of scouts by senior scouts can definitely be utilized. Many times, focusing on the big activity of the award is a main driver for creating the program. Let the youth brainstorm how to accomplish the award. 4

Awards Summary These awards are easily researched on the internet. 50 Miler Award Boardsailing BSA BSA Lifeguard Cyber Chip Den Chief Service Award Emergency Preparedness Award Firem'n Chit Card Historic Trails Award 5

International Activity Badge Interpreter's Strips Kayaking, BSA Lifesaving and Meritorious Awards Mile Swim, BSA National Outdoor Achievement Medal 6

National Outdoor Badges –Camping –Aquatics –Hiking –Riding –Adventure 7

National Outdoor Badges These have an activity (hiking, camping, etc.) as a major task for the badge. They do require a certain Rank and certain Merit Badges to complete. –May not be the appropriate way to go for the disenchanted scout. 8

Nova and Supernova Awards –Great for STEM motivated scouts! Outdoor Ethics Action Award for Boy Scouts Outdoor Ethics Action Award for Varsity Scouts Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award for Boy Scouts Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award for Varsity Scouts Paul Bunyan Woodsman Recruiter Strip 9

Religious Emblems –Very well developed programs. – is a central database. –A good source for more religious based units. –As an aside, religious focus will be more prominent in Scouting in

Scuba, BSA Snorkeling, BSA Stand Up Paddleboarding Totin' Chip Card William T. Hornaday Awards World Conservation Award 11

Conclusion There are many opportunities for scouts outside rank and merit badges that focus on the outdoors, activities, STEM, and so forth. These may enhance your unit’s program and/or deal with specific scout concerns. Having a baseline knowledge of these allows the adult leadership to counsel the SPL/PLC in the hopes SPL/PLC investigate them further. Adult leaders may need to EDGE train SPL/PLC on how to create a program that accomplishes the award’s requirements. 12

Contact Info If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at Thank you from the Fox Patrol, Wood Badge N