Northern Lights Award

The Northern Lights Award recognizes outstanding adult volunteers from each unit in the North District.  There is no set criteria upon which this award is based.  Each unit is responsible for selecting their Northern Lights Award recipients based on their own selection criteria and procedures.

The Northern Lights Award consists of a very distinctive plaque and is presented at the annual North District Dinner.  Units should make every effort to ensure that their recipients are present at the dinner to receive the award.

Units with fewer than 70 registered youth members may select one (1) individual to receive the Northern Lights Award. Units with 70 or more registered youth members may select up to two (2) Northern Lights Award recipients. (Please use a separate form for each nominee.)

Nominations must be submitted by December 15th.

Northern Lights Award Selection Form [94 KB, PDF, 06/22/10]

Akela Award

The Akela Award recognizes outstanding contributions and service by adult volunteers to the Cub Scouting program in the North District. The criteria for this award includes demonstrating the highest levels of leadership and service, completion of appropriate training, commitment to the Cub Scouting program beyond the unit level, and tenure. Recipients are leaders who have given substantially of their time and talent well beyond what is customary for a Cub Scout leader.

The Akela Award consists of an engraved plaque and a distinctive patch. It is presented annually at the North District Dinner. Units should make every effort to ensure that their nominees are present at the dinner.

The number of Akela Awards presented each year is limited. The number of individuals nominated usually exceeds the number of awards presented and nomination does not guarantee an individual will be selected to receive the award.

Nominations must be submitted by December 15th.

Akela Award Nomination Form [98 KB, PDF, 06/22/10]
List of Akela Award Recipients

Polaris Award

The Polaris Award recognizes outstanding contributions and service by adult volunteers to the Boy Scouting program in the North District. The criteria for this award includes demonstrating the highest levels of leadership and service, Scout Spirit, completion of appropriate training, commitment to the Boy Scouting program beyond the unit level, and tenure. Recipients are leaders who have given substantially of their time andtalent well beyond what is customary for a Boy Scout leader.

The Polaris Award consists of an engraved plaque and a distinctive patch. It is presented annually at the North District Dinner. Units should make every effort to ensure that their nominees are present at the dinner.

The number of Polaris Awards presented each year is limited. The number of individuals nominated usually exceeds the number of awards presented and nomination does not guarantee an individual will be selected to receive the award.

Nominations must be submitted by December 15th.

Polaris Award Nomination Form [98 KB, PDF, 06/22/10]
List of Polaris Award Recipients

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District Award of Merit

The District Award of Merit is awarded to outstanding leaders who render significant service to the District, often at the District Committee level.  A nominee must have rendered noteworthy service to youth in Scouting, outside of Scouting, or both.  Consideration is given to the nominee's position, training, tenure, and impact on the youth of the District as well as his or her accomplishments outside of Scouting.  The nominee's attitude toward and cooperation with the District and Council are also considerations.  The award is similar to the Awards of Merit available to Unit Leaders but recognizes service at the District level.

The number of District Awards of Merit is set by BSA policy and nomination does not guarantee an individual will be selected to receive the award.  The award is presented annually at the North District Dinner.  The award consists of an engraved plaque and a distinctive knot worn on the uniform.

Nominations must be submitted by December 15th.

District Award of Merit Nomination Form [127 KB, PDF, 06/22/10]
List of District Award of Merit Recipients

Silver Beaver Award

The Silver Beaver is the highest award for outstanding service by a volunteer leader at the council level.  This is a national award given to a select few individuals in each council.  It recognizes noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth by registered leaders in the territory covered by the local council.  It considers service to youth in Scouting, outside of Scouting, and community standing covering professional, civic, religious, educational, fraternal, veteran, rural, and other fields in which exceptional leadership is also shown.

The National Office approves a limited number of awardees annually.  The award consists of a certificate, a distinctive medal suspended on a blue and white ribbon, and a knot worn on the uniform.

The North District convenes a Silver Beaver nominating committee late each summer to submit nominations to the Council.  Circle Ten Council convenes a Silver Beaver selection committee late each Fall to consider nominations.  Nominations are due in the Council offices by October 10th.  The awards are presented at the annual Council Dinner each Spring.

Questions regarding this award should be addressed to John Bristow.
List of Silver Beaver Award Recipients