Scouting Awards

From as young as five, youth members can participate in achievement pathways for their age group. The emphasis is on the youth member’s own interests, and personal development to cater for young minds, eager to learn and explore. Each section has a peak award, which has been designed to challenge youth members, but still be achievable for those willing to put in additional effort. Details for each Award are outlined in publications and digital materials.

Achieving the peak award in each youth section follows a similar structure. Young people must complete:

Milestone 3 in the Program Essentials
Outdoor Adventure Skills requirements
6 Special Interest Areas
An Adventurous Journey
A Personal Reflection with peers

Joey Scout Challenge Award

To earn the Joey Scout Challenge Award, Joey Scouts must complete the above requirements, including Stage 1 in each of Bushcraft, Bushwalking and Camping.

Cub Scout Grey Wolf Award

Cub Scouts who have completed a Leadership or Personal Development Course, completed the above requirements including Stage 3 in each of Bushcraft, Bushwalking and Camping (and eight Stage progressions in total during the section) may receive the Grey Wolf Award.

Australian Scout Award

The Australian Scout Award can be earned by Scouts who have achieved the above requirements including Stage 5 in each of Bushcraft, Bushwalking and Camping (and ten Stage progressions in total during the section) and a weekend long Leadership or Personal Development Course.

King’s Scout Award

Venturer Scouts achieve the King’s Scout Award through completing the above requirements, including Stage 5 in each of Bushcraft, Bushwalking and Camping (and 12 Stage progressions in total during the section (at least 4 of these should be of Stage 4 or above), or since achieving the Australian Scout Award (not a pre-requisite)) and a weekend long Leadership or Personal Development Course.

*Please Note: this award was previously known as the Queen’s Scout Award, and officially changed name on the first anniversary of the King’s Coronation in May 2024.

Baden-Powell Scout Award

Rover Scouts earn the Baden-Powell Scout Award through completing the above requirements, including Stage 5 in each of Bushcraft, Bushwalking and Camping (and 14 Stage progressions in total during the section (at least 6 of these should be of Stage 4 or above), or since achieving the King’s (or Queen’s) Scout Award (not a pre-requisite)) and a weekend long Leadership or Personal Development Course.

On World Scout Day, 1 August each year, Scouts Australia reflects on the remarkable contribution each member and supporter of Scouting makes every day. On this day, Scouts recognises those Leaders and Supporters who have earned particular mention for their achievements.

Special Service Award

Awarded to both Adult Members and Supporters for the successful support, development or management of a Section or Formation, or for an intense contribution over a period of at least 12 months to the success of a major event or major activity. ‘Special Service’ is defined as making a noteworthy contribution in their role. This Award can be made in the first three year assignment / period of service.

Meritorious Service Award

Awarded to both Adult Members and Supporters for meritorious or praiseworthy service to Scouts Australia for a period of around six to eight years. ‘Meritorious Service’ is defined as performing to a higher standard for longer or more intensely, than would be reasonably expected.

Silver Wattle

Awarded for outstanding service to Scouts Australia as an Adult Member in an active Leadership role, for a period of around ten to twelve years. ‘Outstanding service’ is defined as a performance at a consistently high standard, normally over a number of assignments, all of which have provided positive outcomes for Scouting. This person’s contribution to Scouting clearly stands out from that of his / her peer group.

Outstanding Service Award

Awarded for outstanding service to Scouts Australia for a period of at least twelve years, to non-uniformed Members and Supporters.

Silver Koala

Awarded for distinguished service to Scouts Australia as an Adult Member in an active Leadership role, for a period of around 14 to 16 years. It is expected that such distinguished service is at a consistently high level, normally over a number of assignments, resulting in a significant contribution to the wellbeing of Scouting and that the recipient is respected and highly regarded throughout the District / Region / Branch or Nationally.

Silver Emu

Awarded for further distinguished service to Scouts Australia by an Adult Member in an active Leadership role, for a period of at least four or five years since the Award of the Silver Koala. It is expected that such further distinguished service is at a consistently high level, over a number of assignments and at a number of levels within a Branch or at a National level, resulting in further significant contributions to the wellbeing of Scouting.

Distinguished Service Award

Awarded for distinguished service to Scouts Australia as an Adult Member or Supporter for a period of around 18 to 20 years. It is expected that such distinguished service is at a consistently high level, providing significant and valuable support to a Group or higher Formation and that the recipient is respected and highly regarded throughout the District / Region / Branch or Nationally.

Silver Kangaroo

Awarded for eminent achievement and exceptional service to Scouts Australia by an Adult Member in an active Leadership role, over a long period, in a number of roles at various levels within the organisation, or for a unique and highly valued contribution to the wellbeing of Scouting.

National President’s Award

Awarded for eminent achievement and exceptional service to Scouts Australia by Adult Members and Supporters, over a long period in a number of significant roles within the organisation, or for a unique and highly valued contribution to the wellbeing of Scouting