Recognizing our Volunteers
Silver Beaver
The Silver Beaver Award is the highest recognition a Scout council can bestow. It is awarded for distinguished service within a council by registered adult Scouters of exceptional character and is given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service.
The Silver Beaver Award is given to those who do not seek it. To receive the Award, a Scouter must be nominated by a registered Scouter on a Nomination Form provided by the National Office. Recommendation Letters are encouraged to be included with submitted Nomination Forms. The number of Awards that can be given each year is based on the number of units in the council. The Virginia Headwaters Council may bestow two Silver Beaver Awards annually.
The Silver Beaver Award was introduced in 1931. A certificate is presented with a medal consisting of a silver beaver pendant suspended from a blue and white ribbon worn around the neck. Recipients may wear the corresponding square knot, with a white strand over a blue strand, on their Scout uniform. There is also a lapel pin authorized and available for civilian wear.
Completed nomination forms may be submitted via email along with any letters of recommendation to silverbeaver@virginiaheadwaters.org and are due by November 30 each year.
The Silver Beaver nomination form is available here.
Other Awards
There are a variety of awards that can both be earned as well as awarded at the Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA levels.