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 card or form
     The applications for training knots come in several formats, and all are equally accepted.  For some training knots, cards are available on card-stock.  These cards are often distributed by the GAD training team at the end of each major training course.  These cards can also be obtained at the Scout Office and at the monthly Roundtable meetings.
     The application forms are also available on 8.5x11 inch sheets that can be downloaded from various websites.  The Leadership Training Committee Guide (available at Scout Shop) has the forms/cards on pages 50-64.  Other booklets have a single page showing requirements for the most common training knots.
     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 or forms signed
     As you complete each item on the application card or form, get an appropriate leader to sign and date the item.  At Akela's Trail and University of Scouting, a separate participation card is given, and a copy of this participation card can be attached to the application card or form.
     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 or form 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 or form should be hand-delivered, mailed, faxed, or emailed to the GAD Training Chair.  For the name and contact information of the current GAD Training Chair, click on "District Committee" in the index below.  You can find the GAD Training Chair at most Roundtable meetings.
     After approval by the GAD, the training knot and a certificate may be presented at Roundtable or another appropriate event, or mailed to the Unit or to the recipient.  The recipient should tell the GAD Training Chair how he/she prefers to receive the training knot and certificate.  Approval at the district level and certificate preparation usually takes about a week.

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.
     From time to time, BSA modifies and replaces the adult training courses.  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:  May 2010