William T. Hornaday Award

The William T. Hornaday Award recognizes Scouts and Scouters for their service to conservation and ecology efforts in their communities. There are six different Hornaday awards with an ever-increasing scale of challenge. The youth individual awards are based on earning certain merit badges and completing one or more significant conservation projects.

    The Silver Medal award is the highest possible attainment in conservation for a Boy Scout.  The Gold Medal is the highest possible attainment in conservation for a Scouter. The gold medal may be considered when a qualified Scouter is recommended by his or her council, by an established conservation organization, or by any recognized conservationist. The nominee must have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to the education of youth on a national or international level, reflecting the natural resource conservation/environmental awareness mission of the Boy Scouts of America. Nominations must be approved by the BSA's national conservation committee.
   
     A Unit Certificate can be awarded to a den, patrol, or group of five or more Scouts for a unique, substantial, conservation project, but the square knot is reserved for those earning one of the medals.

Return to the Awards Page