Square knot insignia
Scout association insignia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Square knot insignia are embroidered cloth patches that represent awards of the Scout associations throughout the world.
| Square knot insignia | |
|---|---|
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The Scout Association of the United Kingdom uses a "figure-eight" knot and many Scouting organizations of the Commonwealth countries follow suit. The World Organization of the Scout Movement uses military-style ribbons. Scouting America uses a square knot made of colored ropes is depicted; the colors are generally dictated by the award the insignia is associated with.[1][2]
History
In the earliest days of the Scouting Movement military veterans were urged into service as Scoutmasters. The first Scout uniforms therefore resembled military uniforms. It was common for these veterans to wear their military decorations on their modified Boy Scout uniform — a national uniform was not to be developed until the early 1920s.[2]
Military tradition dictated that the actual medal from a military award was only worn on ceremonial occasions — at other times, it was replaced with a thin ribbon bar with the same ribbon style as found attached to the medal. This carried over to Scouting, whose awards were medals, similar to the military, but were most often worn as ribbons.
The first country to switch over from military ribbons to a unique parallel was the United Kingdom, which introduced its knot emblems in 1922.[3]
Scouting America
The Boy Scouts of America likewise moved away from allowing Scouters to wear military ribbons, but kept the style, introducing their own ribbons in place of medals in 1934. The BSA introduced its own square knot insignia in lieu of the military-style ribbons in 1947. The choice of the square knot as the common emblem was made by James E. West, who is said to have chosen it for its use as the knot associated with first aid, thereby reminding Scouts to continue to be of service to others.[2]
The first eight awards with square knot insignia in the BSA were the Eagle Scout Award, Quartermaster Award, Scouter's Training Award, Scouter's Key, Silver Beaver Award, Silver Antelope Award, Silver Buffalo Award, and Honor Medal.
Since the introduction of square knot insignia, over forty new awards have been added, then combined, and some retired. Currently, there are 32 nationally authorized square knot insignia representing various medals, medallions, certificates, plaques, and other awards.
There are a few cases of local Council-approved square knots and various popular unofficial or spoof knots.
In Scouting America, square knot insignia are worn in rows of three across the top of the wearer's left pocket. Though there is no rule limiting the number of such insignia that may be worn, some suggest limiting to three rows of three. When fewer than three knots are worn in a particular row, knots are generally centered to the pocket, or the row below.[4]
Dates indicated in the chart below indicate the use of the square knot insignia for the particular award, and may not correspond to the history of the award itself. For example, the first Eagle Scout Award was presented in 1912, and there was a ribbon bar for it from 1934. It was among the first eight awards given square knot insignia in 1947, so that later date is indicated.
Achievement Awards
These awards are generally earned by the Scouts themselves.
These represent the highest youth rank or achievement in each respective program of Scouting America.
| Insignia | Title | Started | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Arrow of Light (Cub Scouts) | 1979 | Highest rank of the Cub Scouting program (ages 5-11) |
 | Eagle Scout (Scouts BSA) | 1947 | Highest rank of the Scouting program (ages 11-18) |
 | Eagle Scout with Life Membership in NESA | 2008 | Indicates lifetime membership in the National Eagle Scout Association |
 | Quartermaster Award (Sea Scouts) | 1947 | Highest rank in the Sea Scouting program (ages 14-20) |
 | Silver Award / Summit Award (Venturing) | 1999 | Highest rank in the Venturing program (ages 14-20) |
Distinguished service
These awards are generally granted via nomination and review; they cannot be earned or applied for by Scouts or Scouters directly.
| Insignia | Title | Started | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Unit Leader Award of Merit | 2010 | Unit-level quality leader recognition award |
 | District Award of Merit | 1971 | District-level distinguished service award |
 | Silver Beaver Award | 1947 | Council-level distinguished service award |
 | Silver Antelope Award | 1947 | Territory-level distinguished service award |
 | Silver Buffalo Award | 1947 | National-level distinguished service award |
 | Silver World Award | 1976 | International-level distinguished service award |
Heroism
These awards are generally granted via nomination and review; they cannot be earned or applied for by Scouts or Scouters directly.
| Insignia | Title | Started | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Medal of Merit | 1952 | Performed an act of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others.
|
 | Heroism Award | 1983 | Demonstrated heroism and skill in averting serious injury or saving or attempting to save life at minimum risk to self. Discontinued late 2012; reinstated February 2018 |
 | Honor Medal | 1947 | Demonstrated unusual heroism and skill or resourcefulness in saving or attempting to save life at considerable risk to self. Awarded with crossed palms for situations with extreme risk to self. |
Leadership and training
These awards are generally earned by the Scouters themselves.
| Insignia | Title | Started | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Den Leader Training Award | 1989 | |
 | Scouter's Training Award | 1947 | |
 | Scouter's Key | 1947 | |
 | Commissioner Award of Excellence in Unit Service | 2011 | |
 | Doctorate of Commissioner Science | 2008 | |
 | Philmont Training Center Masters Track Award | 2008 | |
 | Professional Training Award | 1980 |
Special achievements
These awards are generally earned by the Scouts and Scouters themselves.
In one case (James E. West Fellowships) nomination by others is also possible.
| Insignia | Title | Started | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Youth Religious Emblems[5] | 1971 | |
 | Distinguished Conservation Service Award | 2020 | Replaced William T. Hornaday Awards |
 | James E. West Fellowship | 1993 | |
 | International Scouter Award | 2002 | |
 | William D. Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award | 2005 | |
 | Alumni Award | 2011 | Presented to Scouting alumni who promote continued engagement with Scouting America |
Special service recognition
These awards are generally granted via nomination and review; they cannot be earned or applied for by Scouts or Scouters directly.
| Insignia | Title | Started | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Adult Religious Awards[6] | 1973 | Distinguished Service to Scouts and Youth associated with a religious community or organization |
 | Order of the Arrow Distinguished Service Award | 1976 | Distinguished service to the Order of the Arrow |
 | Distinguished Commissioner Service Award | 1987 | Distinguished Service as a Commissioner at the unit, district, or council level |
 | Community Organization Awards[7] | 2002 | Distinguished Service to Scouts and Youth affiliated with a non-religious community organization |
 | Venturing Leadership Award | 2004 | Distinguished Service to Venturing and Venturers |
 | Scouting Service Award [8] | 2017 | Distinguished Service to Scouts of a specific ethnic or special needs identity; Incorporates - Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award, Scouting ... Vale la pena! Service Award, Asian American Spirit of Scouting Service Award, American Indian Scouting Association Grey Wolf Award, Special Needs Scouting Service Award |
 | Military Service Knot | 2026 | Military veterans and active-duty service members |
Order of precedence
There is no official direction on the order of precedence of these awards by Scouting America, other than that those deemed most important should be worn on his or her own right (closest to the heart).[9]
Prevailing Scouting custom tends to follow the military recognitions order of precedence in some ways, prioritizing honor and valor awards highest, distinguished selective recognition over broad participation, long time service over single event or action achievements, the scope of impact, the length of service, and service over training, as well as awards that require nomination over those that can be earned directly by the individual.
Discontinued
These awards have been completely discontinued or combined and represented by current award knots.
| Insignia | Title | Started | Ended | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William T. Hornaday Medals | 1991 | 2020 | Superseded by Distinguished Conservation Service Award |
 | Skipper's Key | 1947 | 1949 | Superseded by Scouter's Key |
 | Exploring Ranger Award | 1933 | 1951 | Superseded by "Ranger" bar |
 | Air Scout Ace Award | 1950 | 1954 | |
 | Exploring Silver Award | 1954 | 1958 | |
 | Exploring Awards Knot[10] | 1954 | 1998 | |
 | William H. Spurgeon III Award[11] | 1989 | 2007 | Recognition for individuals and organizations contributing significant leadership to the Exploring program[11] |
 | Scoutmaster Award of Merit | 1987 | 2010 | Superseded by Unit Leader Award of Merit |
| Venturing Advisor / Varsity Coach Award of Merit | 1999 | 2010 | Superseded by Unit Leader Award of Merit |
 | Pack Trainer Award | 2006 | 2011 | Superseded by Scouter's Training Award[12] |
 | Cubmaster Award | 1989 | 2012 | Superseded by Scouter's Key |
 | Cub Scouter Award | 1989 | 2012 | Superseded by Scouter's Training Award |
 | Den Leader Coach Award | 1989 | 2012 | Superseded by Den Leader Training Award |
 | Webelos Den Leader Award | 1989 | 2012 | Superseded by Den Leader Training Award |
 | Tiger Cub Den Leader Award | 1992 | 2012 | Superseded by Den Leader Training Award |
 | George Meany Award | 1987 | 2011 | Incorporated in Community Organization Award |
 | Sea Badge | 1989 | 2012 | Superseded by Seabadge Trident pin |
 | Asian American Spirit of Scouting Service Award | 2003 | 2016 | Incorporated in Scouting Service Award |
 | ¡Scouting...Vale la Pena! Service Award | 2003 | 2016 | Incorporated in Scouting Service Award |
 | Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award | 1989 | 2016 | Incorporated in Scouting Service Award |
 | Speakers Bank Award | 2007 | 2011 | Discontinued |
The Scout Association (UK)
The British Scout Association introduced the idea of a cloth 'knot' insignia in 1922, modeled after the military use of ribbons to represent medals and other citations. Many of the Scouting organizations of the Commonwealth of Nations either copy the British system or simply use the British awards and insignia.
Gallantry
| Insignia | Title | Started | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Bronze Cross | Year | The Bronze Cross is the highest gallantry award given by the Scout Association UK for special heroism or action in the face of extraordinary risk. |
 | Silver Cross | Year | The Silver Cross Award is a prestigious accolade within the UK Scout Association, awarded for gallantry in circumstances of considerable risk. This award is a testament to the recipient's bravery and commitment to duty, often in challenging and perilous situations. |
 | Gilt Cross | Year | The Gilt Cross Award is a prestigious accolade within the UK Scout system, awarded for gallantry in circumstances of moderate risk. It is a symbol of bravery and acts of heroism where life is at risk. |
 | Cornwell Scout Badge | Year | is a gallantry award of The Scout Association of the United Kingdom and some of its branches in other countries. It is awarded in recognition of devotion to duty, courage and endurance. |
Meritorious Conduct
| Insignia | Title | Started | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Medal for Meritorious Conduct | Year | The Chief Scouts Medal for Meritorious Conduct is the highest award for acts of bravery and service within the UK Scouts. |
 | Chief Scout's Commendation for Meritorious Conduct | Year | The Chief Scout's Commendation for Meritorious Conduct is one of the highest awards within the UK Scouts. It is awarded for acts of bravery, dedication, and outstanding service to the Scouts. |
Service
| Insignia | Title | Started | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Silver Wolf | Year | The Silver Wolf is the highest award made by The Scout Association (UK) "for services of the most exceptional character." It is an unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout. |
 | Silver Acorn | Year | The Silver Acorn is awarded after at least 20 years’ service, which should be specially distinguished and appreciably better than outstanding. |
 | Award for Merit | Year | The Award of Merit is awarded for outstanding service. It implies keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service over a sustained period, of at least 10 years duration. |
 | Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service | Year | The Chief Scout's Commendation is awarded in respect of not less than 5 years good service, which stands out. It should be regarded as the Chief Scout's recognition of the very real contribution made to the Scouts by the individual concerned. |
 | Chief Scout's Personal Award | Year | The Chief Scout's Award is a prestigious recognition in the UK Scouting system, awarded to individuals for their outstanding contributions to Scouting. The award is available in various levels, each representing a different age group and level of achievement. |
 | Commissioner's Commendation Award | Year | The Commissioners Commendation Award in the UK is a local award used to recognize individuals, including youth members, adult members, and non-members, for their contributions to Scouting. |
 | Length of Service Decoration | Year | The Chief Scout's Length of Service Awards in the UK are presented to recognize the significant contributions of adult members to the Scout Association. These awards are given at intervals of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 years of service. |
World Organization of the Scout Movement
| Insignia | Title | Started | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Bronze Wolf Award | 1935 | The World Organization of the Scout Movement offers only one award to scouters, the Bronze Wolf Award and it is considered the highest honor that can be bestowed on an adult scout leader throughout the world. There is approximately one award given for every 2,000,000 scouts.
A rare variation of this is the Gold Wolf Award, a unique distinction that has been awarded only three times. First in 1917 to Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, by Lord Robert Baden-Powell. Second, in 1953, to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of her patronage of The Scout Association in the United Kingdom. Finally, in 2026 to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, for five decades as Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation and tireless commitment to Scouting. |
External links
- "Awards Central". Scouting.org. Boy Scouts of America.
- "Awards-Knots". U.S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
- Crowl, George. "Illustrated History of BSA Square Knot Evolution". BSA Badge History.
- Crowl, George. "Knots, Pins, and Insignia of the Boy Scouts of America". Crowl Family Webpages. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- Kauffmann, Michael. "Scouter Knots". MeritBadge.org. Archived from the original on March 10, 2019.
- Walton, Mike. "Knot Emblems of the BSA". Badge and Uniform Site.
Further reading
- Whitman, Gary (2014). Ribbon Bars & Knot Awards of the Boy Scouts of America (7th ed.). CreateSpace. ISBN 978-1499201277.