Adult Awards in Scouts

Scouting runs on the dedication of volunteers. To celebrate that, there are a range of formal awards to recognise training, good service, and exceptional contributions.

The Wood Badge

• What it is: The internationally recognised training award for volunteers.
• Who it’s for: Most team members and leaders complete it as part of their role.
• How it’s earned: Through learning modules, practical validation, and support from the District Training Team.
• Why it matters: Shows you’re fully trained, confident, and making Scouting happen.

Length of Service Awards

• What it is: Recognition of your continued commitment over time.

• When it’s given: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70-year intervals

• How it’s awarded: Automatically processed through My Membership — no nomination needed.

Good Service Awards

These celebrate volunteers who go above and beyond in supporting young people or fellow volunteers. They’re all nominated and approved by the relevant Awards Team or HQ.

• Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service – Typically for 5+ years’ noteworthy service.

• Award for Merit – For outstanding service of a consistently high standard.

• Bar to the Award for Merit – For further outstanding service after receiving the Award for Merit.

• Silver Acorn – For specially distinguished service, usually with at least 20 years’ service.

• Bar to the Silver Acorn – For further distinguished service after receiving the Silver Acorn.

• Silver Wolf – The unrestricted award for service of the most exceptional nature. This is the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout.

Gallantry, Meritorious Conduct & Special Thanks

• Gallantry Awards – For acts of bravery, sometimes at personal risk.

• Meritorious Conduct Awards – For courage or devotion to duty under suffering.

• Commendation Award– Local recognition given by a District, County, or Regional Lead Volunteer for exceptional effort.

• Chief Scout’s Personal Award – Given directly by the Chief Scout for outstanding personal commitment.

• Thanks Badge – A simple but meaningful way to thank anyone (including non-members) who has supported Scouting.

How to Nominate Someone

• Speak to your Group Lead Volunteer or District Awards Team Leader first.

• In Wimbledon and Wandle, Lesley Bixby oversees the awards team and is the person to go to if you think someone should be nominated.

• A small write-up of what the volunteer has done (with examples) is usually needed.

For more information about volunteer awards, click here: