Are you ready to recognize the exceptional adult leaders in your Scouting community? We’re excited to announce that nominations are now open for various prestigious Scouting America recognition awards. These awards honor individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, leadership, and commitment to the values of Scouting. Whether it’s a dedicated Scouter who has gone above and beyond or a volunteer who has made a significant impact on their troop or community, there’s an award to celebrate their accomplishments.

Time is running out! Nominations for the Scouting America awards close on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Submit your nomination now and ensure your favorite Scout or leader is considered for this special honor.

Silver Beaver Award

The role of adult leaders in Scouting America has been a cornerstone of the organization since its inception. From the early days of its founding to the present, adult volunteers have provided invaluable guidance, support, and mentorship to countless young people. Without the leadership of caring adults, Scouting ceases to exist and therefore, it is important that we take time to recognize those in our community who have volunteered their time and mentorship to our youth.

One way we honor these leaders is through nominating a Scouter for the Silver Beaver Award, the highest adult recognition a council can bestow. We invite you to think about those in your unit or district who have left a lasting impact on the youth of your community and consider nominating them for the Silver Beaver Award.

North Star

It is not just Scouters and adult volunteers who impact the youth of our community. In 2011 The North Star Award was established to acknowledge the invaluable support of non-Scouters who have contributed to the success of Scouting programs. This includes individuals who have donated time, money, or other resources to Scouting initiatives, as well as those who have provided guidance and leadership. We encourage you to nominate any non-scouters who have left a lasting impact on our Scouting community to be honored at this year’s recognition dinner.

Elbert K. Fretwell Award

The Elbert K. Fretwell Award is a prestigious honor in Scouting that recognizes teachers, educational support staff, and school administrators who have made significant contributions to the lives of young people by instilling Scouting values in their students. The award is named after Dr. Elbert K. Fretwell, a professor of education at Columbia University, an early thinker in the Scouting movement, and the second Chief Scout Executive of Scouting America.

Alumnus Award

The Alumnus Award is a valuable opportunity for former Scouts to stay connected to the organization and continue making a positive impact on their communities. It is a recognition designed to encourage participation and involvement in Scouting America’s alumni relations programs, including NESA activities. It is awarded to Scouting alumni who promote continued engagement with Scouting America.

George Meany Award

The George Meany Award is a national recognition approved by the AFL-CIO Executive Council. It may be presented to any adult union member who has made a significant contribution to the youth of their community through Scouting. Each AFL-CIO city central labor council and each AFL- CIO state federation is permitted to give one award annually. The emphasis of this award is on the importance of being selective. There is no rule that the quota must be used every year. No honorary recognitions should be made. The purpose of this award is to recognize the recipient’s outstanding service to youth through the programs of Scouting America.

Council Duty to God Award

In Scouting America, the Council Duty to God Award is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon registered Scouters who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in supporting and promoting the spiritual foundation of Scouting at the local Council level. Overall, the Council Duty to God Award is a testament to the importance of spiritual growth and leadership within Scouting America. It highlights the organization’s commitment to nurturing the character and values of its members through a strong spiritual foundation.

Veteran Award

Honor the dedicated adults who have served the Boy Scouts of America for five or more years with the Veteran’s Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates those who have consistently contributed to the organization, embodying the values of Scouting and making a lasting impact on the lives of young people.If you or someone you know meets these criteria, we encourage you to nominate them for this well-deserved honor.

Nominate Your Unit’s Leaders! We Need Your Help to Recognize Our District’s Best Volunteers

The Mayflower Council Annual Awards and Recognition Dinner in April is fast approaching, and we need your help to ensure our most deserving volunteers receive the recognition they have earned!

This special event is dedicated to honoring the selfless leaders and Scouters who have gone above and beyond to deliver an outstanding Scouting program this year. We can’t do it without your nominations!

Key Awards Seeking Nominations

We are actively seeking nominations for top district awards. Please consider nominating the dedicated Scouters in your unit, neighborhood, or district for the following:

• The District Award of Merit: The highest volunteer recognition a district can bestow. Nominate an individual who has rendered noteworthy service of an exceptional character to youth beyond their unit responsibilities.
• Unit Leaders of the Year: Recognizes outstanding unit leaders (Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Venturing Advisors) who meet high standards of training, tenure, and performance.
• Spark Plug Awards: Nominate your unit leader that has gone above and beyond to run your unit’s Popcorn sale, Best Campout, Pinewood Derby and more.

📝 How to Nominate

It is quick and easy to honor someone’s service! Please visit the link below to access the nomination forms. We encourage everyone—parents, unit leaders, and fellow Scouters—to take a few minutes to complete a nomination. Your time is the greatest gift you can give to recognize a volunteer.

• Nomination Deadline: December 31, 2025

Don’t wait! Help us shine a spotlight on the volunteers who make Scouting great in our district.

We’re absolutely thrilled to announce a groundbreaking new way to make the adventure of Scouting more accessible and affordable than ever before!

Scout Now, Pay Later!

Scouting is all about moving forward, and so are we. We’ve launched a brand-new, flexible payment option powered by Klarna to make joining the fun easier for every family. Say goodbye to upfront costs and hello to manageable, family-friendly payments!

Look for Klarna at Checkout

When you complete your online membership application, you’ll now see the Klarna option right alongside the usual credit card and digital wallet choices. This is a game-changer that offers more flexibility and removes barriers, making it simple to say “Yes!” to Scouting.

Flexible, Family-Friendly Payments

Klarna lets you choose what works best for your family budget. This ensures Scouting remains accessible to every child who wants to be part of the adventure.

(Please note: Interest or fees may apply for monthly financing, and credit approval by Klarna may be required.)

How to Use Klarna

1. Complete your online membership application.
2. At checkout, simply select Klarna as your payment method.
3. If you have the Klarna app, complete your purchase as usual. If you’re new to Klarna, you’ll fill in a few details to set up your account.

We are incredibly excited to bring you this new option! This is another way we’re committed to making sure that every young person who wants to embark on the journey of a lifetime in Scouting has the chance to do so.

Have Questions?
If you have any questions about the Scout Now, Pay Later program or your membership application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Membership & Unit Service Team by clicking here.