HOME—Troop 97—Scouting Knots

What are those Knots?

Our Scoutmaster wears nine knots on his shirt, along with some wooden bead around his tightly rolled neckerchief. While many Scouting insignia state what they are, knots and beads are mysterious. Knots represent various Scouting awards. Some can be earned (such as for advancement, training, tenure), while others can only be awarded (such as for leadership or heroism). Various numbers of wooden beads (two, three, or four) represent international Scouting's highest training & leadership program. For the rare person who's curious, here's what they signify:

Silver Beaver—awarded in 2000; "for distinguished service to youth" (awarded by the BSA National Court of Honor upon recommendation of the local Council)

District Award of Merit—awarded in 1983; for "outstanding service to youth" within the district area (awarded by the local Council on recommendation of the district)

William D. Boyce New Unit Organizer Award—awarded in 2020; for organizing a new Scouting unit (Committee chair Rick Belt and Scoutmaster Kim Miller also received the award, for the roles all three played in forming Troop 97 for girls)

Adult Religious Award—awarded in 1984; this is for the St George (Episcopal) Award (the highest award of the Episcopal Church, presented by the Presiding Bishop upon nomination by the bishop of the local Diocese; for distinguished service to church & to youth in and out of Scouting)

Unit Leader Award of Merit—awarded in 2010; to exceptional unit leaders (presented by the local Council upon nomination of the unit committee)

Scoutmaster Award of Merit—awarded in 1988; to exceptional Scoutmasters for "Dynamic Boy Scout Troop Operation" (presented by the National Eagle Scout Association upon nomination of the troop committee; discontinued in favor of the Unit Leader Award of Merit with different requirements)

Scouter's Key—earned in 1972; for Scoutmasters and other unit leaders who complete training and serve actively as a unit leader for at least three years; sometimes also called the Scoutmaster's Key

Scouter's Training Award—earned in 1970; for adult leaders who complete basic training and serve actively for at least three years (today, it only requires two years to earn)

Cubmaster Award—earned in 1995; for Cubmasters who complete basic training and serve actively for at least three years (discontinued; Cubmasters today can earn the Scouter's Key)

Oh, and those beads?

Wood Badge (Course Director) Wood Badge—Wood Badge is an international training & leadership course for adults started by Baden-Powell, and is the highest level of training available to Scouters. Upon completion of the practical phase of the course, and a period of successful application, participants receive a lanyard with two wooden beads. Those who serve on Wood Badge staff get three beads, and the course director gets four beads.

2 beads—took course at BSA National Training Center at Schiff Scout Reservation, 1970; received beads 1972
3 beads—served on five Wood Badge staffs, in 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980
4 beads—served as Course Director in 1983

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