Leader Knots
Leader training awards and keys are designed to recognize unit Scouters for tenure, training, and performance in their leadership roles. Most adult awards and recognitions have certificates, pins or medals, and a patch usually with a square knot embroidered on it in different colors. Adult leaders wear these square knot patches on their uniform over the left pocket. The order that they are worn is up to the individual.
Scouter's Training Award
This award can be presented to registered adult leaders who have two years’ tenure in the troop, have completed position-specific training, and other performance requirements.
Scoutmaster's Key
This award is a recognition for Scoutmasters who have completed advanced tenure, training, and performance requirements as a SM.
Religious Emblems
Most of the major religious bodies in the United States have programs to recognize adult volunteers who demonstrate faith, observe their creeds or principles, and give service.
The religious emblems are not Scouting awards; however, they may be worn on the upper left pocket of the adult leader uniform.
Interpreter Strip/Award
Scouting is a worldwide organization and encourages youth and adults to share their culture and heritage with others. The interpreter strip informs others that you can communicate in a foreign language, American sign language, or Morse code. Youth and adults may wear this strip if they show their knowledge of a foreign language or the sign language for the hearing impaired by:
Carrying on a five-minute conversation in this language
Translating a two-minute speech or address
Writing a letter in the language (does not apply for sign language)
Translating 200 words from the written word
There are many leader square knot awards that you'll see Scouters wearing on their uniform. The above are the awards that a typical Troop adult leader would be eligible for. To see a complete listing, click here.