Golden Arrow District

Process for Receiving Knot Awards

    The process varies based on the type of award.

Training knots - These are the awards that individuals apply for themselves. See below for details.

District Award of Merit - This award is based upon nomination by others, and the recipients are selected annually by a committee of the Golden Arrow District. For nomination form, click here .

Silver Beaver - This award is based upon nomination by others, and the recipients are selected annually by a committee of the Sam Houston Area Council.

Religious awards - As each religion has its own awards and procedures, you need to check with your religious group. Generally, these awards are presented based upon nomination by the Chartered Organization Representative, a member of the clergy, or some other religious leader.

Other awards - The Scout Office and various BSA websites can provide guidance for the other awards not described here.

   Process for Applying for Training Knots *
(Applicable only to the Golden Arrow District of the SHAC)

Click to download the
following instructions
(prints on one page)
This is a PDF document and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader
which can be downloaded for free from www.adobe.com

Application cards
     The cards are often distributed by the GAD training team at the end of each major training course. The cards can also be obtained at the Scout Office and at the monthly Roundtable meetings. The leaders of some units also keep a supply of the cards.
     As an alternative, the Leadership Training Committee Guide (available at Scout Shop) has the cards on pages 50-64. These 8.5x11 inch sheets can be copied and trimmed. Other booklets have a single page showing requirements for the most common training knots, and these forms can be used instead of individual cards.
     The requirements for each training knot are divided into three groups - training, tenure and performance. The requirements can be satisfied in any order.

Getting the cards signed
     As you complete each item on the application card, get an appropriate leader to sign and date the item. At Cub Pow Wow and University of Scouting, a separate participation card is given, and a copy of this participation card can be attached to the application card.
     Each requirement needs the month and year of completion and the initials of the approving leader. The box with the diagonal line is often too small, so the date or initials can be in the margins.
     When you have completed all requirements, submit the application card and any supporting items for review and approval by your unit's Committee Chair or your Cubmaster, Scoutmaster or Crew Advisor.

District action
     After completion of the requirements and obtaining your unit's approval, the application card can be given to the GAD Training Chair or to one of the GAD professionals. You can find these individuals at most Roundtable meetings.
     After approval by the GAD, the training knot and a certificate are presented at Roundtable. Approval at the district level and certificate preparation usually takes about two months, but is sometimes faster or slower.

What if the requirements change?
     The requirements for the training knots are revised from time to time. Each knot is awarded on the basis of the requirements in effect on the date your completed application is submitted. If the requirements change after you have started getting portions of your card signed, you must meet the new requirements but you can attach the old card to a newer version instead of getting every item signed again. Older versions of the application cards are still in circulation, so try to get the most current version.
     Starting in September 2001, the training courses conducted by the GAD have been substantially revised. Completion of either the older or newer training course for your scouting position is acceptable for the training knots.
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* There procedures apply to the following awards: Tiger Cub Den Leader Award, Cub Scout Den Leader Award, Webelos Den Leader Award, Cubmaster Award, Cub Scouter Award, Boy Scout Leader's Training Award, Scoutmaster's Key, Varsity Leader Coach's Key, Varsity Leader Training Award, Varsity Leader Letter, Venturing Advisor's Key, Roundtable Staff for the Scouter's Training Award, District Committee Key, and the Arrowhead & Commissioner Key for Roundtable, District, Asst District and Unit Commissioners.
Last revised: October 2001