Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is an organization for boys between the ages of 7 and 18, and for both young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21, based in the United States of America, with some presence in other countries. BSA is part of the global Scouting movement and national member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. More than 110 million boys have passed through the organization.

Awards, honors and symbolism

The BSA offers many awards and honors, such as:

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• 20, 40, 60 and 100 Nights under the Stars awards (Nights under the Stars include all forms of camping.);
• 50 Miler awards for hiking or watercraft trips of 50 miles, plus 10 hours of hiking-related community service;
• The Mile Swim award, for swimming one mile nonstop;
• The Heroism Award, for heroic action such as saving a life;
• The Honor Medal, for resourcefulness and skill in saving or trying to save a life.
• Square Knot awards are given for significant good deeds. Patches may have different color schemes according to the good deed done. Most Square Knot awards can be earned by adults only, with the exception of the youth religious emblems.
• The Totin' Chip card is given to Scouts who have learned how to safely use sharp-edged tools.
• The Firem'n Chit card is given to Scouts who have learned how to safely build and light a campfire.
• Religious emblems are granted in conjunction with various religious denominations.
• The Young American Award is given by the national BSA organization to youth who best embody the ideals of scouting, whether or not they are actually members of the BSA.

Adult leaders may earn some of the same awards as youth (e.g. 50 Miler award) but not others (e.g. rank awards, merit badges). There are also awards specifically for adults, such as the District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver, and Silver Buffalo awards.

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Merit badges may be earned in any of more than one hundred different subjects. Some merit badges relate to personal development and adult living; others represent Scout skills; many are handicrafts or hobbies; most are potential career options.

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Sub-organizations within Scouting, such as the Order of the Arrow, also bestow awards of their own. These include the Vigil Honor, the Founders' Award, and the Distinguished Service Award, the last being awarded every two years at a National Order of the Arrow Conference (the next ones being in 2006, 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015--the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the OA.).

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