Buffalo Plains Area - Scouting Awards

Honours & Awards - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Scouts Canada Honours and Awards?: Through the Honours and Awards Program we show our appreciation and admiration for the hard, dedicated work carried out by adult volunteers in Scouts Canada. We also recognize members of Scout Canada for their selfless acts of high character and courage, gallantry and meritorious service.

Is there a difference between an "honour" and an "award"?: According to Scouts Canada, there is no real difference between the terms "honour" and "award".

Are there awards offered just by Northern Lights Council?: Northern Lights Council does offer the "ANDY ‘A2Z’ AVDIMIRETZ AWARD". It recognizes those youth in Scouts, Venturers and Rovers for Outstanding Youth Service to both Scouting and the community over and above their section program requirements and demonstrates a consistent pattern of volunteer service over the last 12 months.
Up to 10 youth can be recognized annually and each application is reviewed and approved by the Andy A2Z Committee.

Who can submit an application for an award?: Applications for honours and awards must be submitted by a registered adult member of Scouts Canada. Please refer to the Application Procedures page for details on how to prepare and submit an application for an honour and award.

Can a parent recommend someone for an award?: Yes, however, parents will need to get a registered adult member (leader) to sign the application form. See the Application Procedures page for more details.

Who decides which award is presented?: All honour and award applications are submitted to the Northern Lights Council office where the "Honours and Awards Committee" will review all applications. This committee can approve awards for all youth awards and for the Medal for Good Service, Certificate of Commendation and Medal for Long Service. All other award applications will be forwarded to the Scouts Canada National Honours and Awards Selection Committee.

When are honours and awards presented?: Honours and Awards are normally presented at an Council Awards Banquet in May of each year. Recipients will be notified in advance so they can attend.

Are youth activity awards (6-Star Award, Chief Scout's Award, Queen Venturers Award) part of the "Scouts Canada Honours and Award" system?: Youth Activity Awards are not part of the Scouts Canada Honours and Awards Program, but we include them in this section of the website because there are special application procedures to be followed to ensure that the awards are presented at the annual Council Awards Banquet.

Are the Duke of Edinburgh Awards part of the "Scouts Canada Honours and Award" system?: No. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is endorsed by Scouts Canada and is open to Scouts (14 years old), Venturers and Rovers. Any youth that earns a Duke of Edinburgh Award (D of E Award) while a registered youth member of Scouts Canada can wear the D of E Award on their Scouting uniform. Registered adult members are not permitted to wear the D of E Award on their uniform.

Are there any education scholarships available as part of the "Scouts Canada Honours and Award" system?: No, but the Scouts Canada Foundation does offer the Reginald K. Groome Memorial Scholarship for deserving registered youth members in Scouts Canada. See Scholarships for more details.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?: Parents can contact their Section Leader, our Group Commissioner or Group Administrator, OR you can contact the Council full-time honours and awards support staff member,
Anita Fisher (780-454-8561 Ext 236).