Today we’re looking at two important categories in SCOUTS South Africa’s Awards and Recognition Programme: Service Awards and Merit Awards. Although both recognise valuable contributions to Scouting, they recognise different things:
Service Awards
Service Awards recognise an individual Adult volunteer’s verified years of service to SCOUTS South Africa. This includes their time in uniform but could also extend to the years served on a Committee or contributed as a Parent Helper before becoming a uniformed Scouter, that service may count towards a Service Award, provided it can be verified. And there is something many members may not know, you can submit your own Service Award application. Members don’t have to wait for someone else to remember their years of service or put their name forward.
Merit Awards
Merit Awards are different. They are not awarded because someone has held a particular role, completed their responsibilities or been involved in Scouting for a long time. Merit recognition is about going beyond expectations. It recognises Adult volunteers who have consistently exceeded what would normally be expected of them, demonstrated exceptional commitment or dedication, and made a significant contribution to Scouting. You could nominate for the Certificate of Merit. The Medal of Merit, and the Bar to the Medal of Merit. So, when you’re thinking about nominating someone for a Merit Award, ask yourself three questions: Have they gone beyond their role? Have they made a significant contribution? Have they demonstrated exceptional commitment or dedication?
By Angus Hay, GT TS Adventure 2025
Not sure to nominate for Service or Merit? Think of it this way: Service recognises the contribution of your Scouting journey. Merit recognises exceptional contribution along that journey. Both are important. Both celebrate volunteers. And both help us recognise the people who make Scouting stronger.