Awards & BadgesWho doesn't like being rewarded and recognized for their hard work and achievements? All of our Scouts are working toward the next rank advancement, Tigers -> Wolves -> Bears -> WeBeLoS -> Arrow of Light, but since this journey is often a year-long one, filled with many adventures, we like to recognize those adventures along the way by awarding Adventure Belt Loops or Pins at the monthly Pack meetings.
In addition to the required and elective rank adventures, there are many other programs and badges Scouts can work to achieve. Activities range from the simple family project that a scout can do with mom & dad, to den group events, and even the Pack-focused events such as STEM NOVA & Supernova Awards. Some of these are listed below: |
Outdoor Activity Award
Scouts at every rank have the opportunity to earn the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award. Scouts may earn the award in each of the program years. The first time the award is earned, the Scout will receive the pocket flap award, which is to be worn on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt. Each successive time the award is earned, a wolf track pin may be added to the flap. Read more about the requirements for the Outdoor Activity Award. National Summertime Award
Each year, the pack has at least three summertime events: one each in June, July, and August. Scouts who attend all three designated events will earn the National Summertime Pin. There is a different colored pin for each rank. Pictured from left to right: Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos. Emergency Preparedness Award
When a member has fulfilled the requirements, a completed application is submitted to the council. Upon approval, an Emergency Preparedness pin is awarded. The pin may be worn on civilian clothing or on the uniform, centered on the left pocket flap. Read more about the Emergency Preparedness Award. Pack & Den Leader Awards
Recognition awards are available to Cub Scout leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements. Den Leaders are encouraged to become fully trained and work toward the requirements for the Den Leader Award. Cub Scout World Conservation Award
The World Conservation Award teaches Cub Scouts about our natural world and how to protect the environment. This award may be earned by Wolves, Bears, and Webelos. Requirements include several rank-specific activities, as well as participation in a den or pack conservation project. Learn more here. Conservation Stewardship Award
By completing activities and other scout achievements and providing conservation stewardship service hours through the DNR, Cub Scouts can earn a Conservation Stewardship patch. There are three requirements: 1. Earn the World Conservation Award, 2. earn the Wildlife Conservation belt loop and pin (Tiger, Wolf, or Bear) or the Naturalist and Forester activity pins (Webelos), and 3. perform at least two hours of volunteer service sponsored by the Michigan DNR. Visit the DNR's website to learn more. For service project ideas, see the DNR's Service Projects for Scouts page. Resource Stewardship Scout Ranger Program
Scouts that participate in organized educational programs or volunteer service projects for a minimum of 10 hours at one or more national park sites can receive a free Scout Ranger patch. Upon completion of the program, please notify a National Park Service employee at an NPS visitor center. Open to scouts aged 7-18. Find out more Cyber Chip
BSA's new Cyber Chip program teaches youth how to stay safe while online. There are different requirements for grades 1-3 (Tiger, Wolf, and Bear) and grades 4-5 (Webelos). After the requirements are satisfied, the scout will sign a Cyber Chip pocket card and may receive the Cyber Chip patch. The Cyber Chip should be "recharged" on a yearly basis. SCOUTStrong Programs and Partnerships The SCOUTStrong Healthy Living Initiative integrates active lifestyles, healthy eating, and emotional fitness into everything that the Scouts of America does through alliances, campaigns, and updated programs. Various activities and programs exist to help scouts meet activity and healthy eating goals. Click for more information. |
Nova / Supernova Awards
BSA has created the Nova program to stimulate interest in STEM-related fields and shows how science, technology, engineering and mathematics apply to everyday living and the world around them. For their first Nova award, Scouts earn the Nova award patch. After that, a Scout can earn three more Nova awards, each one recognized with a separate Pi pin-on device that attaches to the patch. The Supernova medal requires a more in-depth exploration of STEM topics. Learn more on BSA's STEM/NOVA website. Download the Nova Guidebook. The STEM program will be taking on an expanded role in 2020 and beyond. We are currently seeking parent volunteers with Science & Technology backgrounds, who would like to help out. Chief Pontiac Little Braves
The Little Braves Program promotes year-round outdoor activities at Great Lakes Council Properties, public parks in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb counties as well as across the state. There are four central patches and 18 segments that may be earned. Find details on the Chief Pontiac Trails Program page. Michigan Badge
In conjunction with the Little Braves program, this adventure teaches scouts all about the state of Michigan's symbols, history, and culture while working toward the Michigan Badge. See requirements and application. BSA Fun for the Family Program
This program offers activities to help strengthen all families. Families can accomplish worthy goals while building and strengthening relationships among family members. All family members are encouraged to participate and may earn these awards. There are five patches (pictured) and five pins focusing on different aspects of family life. See the BSA Fun for the Family activity book for the requirements. By completing two activities in a section of the book, a patch is earned. Complete two more activities in the same area, and the corresponding pin is earned. Religious Emblems
To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, many religious groups have instituted programs that enable adults that mentor youth to earn a religious emblem. The Scouts of America has approved of these programs and allows the emblems to be worn on leaders' official uniforms. However, the emblems are awarded through the various religious organizations rather than the BSA. To learn more, please visit the BSA's Religious Emblems Program page. The BSA's Duty to God Religious Emblems manual goes into more detail. Recruiter Strip
Scouts who recruit a boy or girl into Pack 712 or participate in the Join Scouts Night can earn the Recruiter Strip. Whittling Chip
Cub Scouts are encouraged to learn safety rules and the proper use of a pocketknife. Bears and Webelos may earn the right to carry a pocketknife to designated Scouting functions by completing requirements for the Whittlin' Chip card. Cub Scout-age boys and girls may not use sheath knives. Cubs should wait until they become Scouts before they use any other woods tools. Note: Even though this award is shaped like a pocket patch, it does not go on the uniform. Download the Whittling Chip application form. Boys Life Reading Patch
Boys Life magazine has an annual reading contest. Just write and submit a one-page report titled "The Best Book I Read This Year." 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for each of the three age groups win a gift certificate for Scouting merchandise. Deadline is 12/31. All entries receive a patch. |
For more information on these and other badges scouts and leaders can earn, visit meritbadge.org