Written by Adv. Andrew Campbell, Chair: National Awards Committee

We think it is clear to all that in Scouting we have the hardest working, passionate, skilled, and caring adult volunteers. Without them, SCOUTS South Africa would not be the awesome organisation it is today.

Many of our amazing volunteers do this work out of dedication to children, youth, and the communities in which they live. They do so without asking for any recognition and are not thanked enough for what they do! For this reason, we encourage all of you – Scouts, Scouters, Rovers, parents, fellow volunteers – to consider nominating the special volunteers around you for an award as a way of saying “THANKS!”

All members can nominate others!

Any member of SSA can nominate another member for an Award, and there are plenty to choose from! These Award nominations are processed Regionally and then by the National Awards Committee. Depending on the type of Award, your volunteer could receive it any time during the year, or they might need to wait for your Regional Awards ceremony.

What Award Options are there?

You can find all the Award Options and how to nominate your volunteer here: https://www.scouts.org.za/members/adult-leaders/ssa-recognition-awards/

But to give you some ideas, here are some of the categories to choose from:

Service Awards:

These Awards are to recognise people with more than 5 years of Adult Service to SSA. Nominations can be done throughout the year and upon receival can be handed out by your Group at a meeting or special event.

Commendations:

All members, non-members, Groups, or external organisations are eligible for the Regional Commissioners Commendation for outstanding short-term intervention or acts of service to the Movement, public or community.  Nominations can be submitted throughout the year, but usually these are handed out at a Regional Award Ceremony.

All members, non-members, Groups, or external organisations are eligible for the Chief Scouts Commendation for outstanding service to the Movement, public or community where the service is of National or exceptional significance. Nominations can be submitted throughout the year, but usually these are handed out at a Regional Award Ceremony.

Merit Awards:

The Merit Award aims to recognise above average service to SSA over a period of time, usually 5 years or more.  Nominations are accepted throughout the year, but these are usually handed out at the Regional Awards Ceremony.

Meritorious Conduct Awards:

The Meritorious Conduct Awards are given to members who render their services to SSA under difficult circumstances (for example ill health). At any time of the year nominations are accepted and depending on the circumstances, the Award can be handed out prior to a Regional Award Ceremony.

 Gallantry Awards:

We have seen members do the most extraordinary things to save the life of another. This Award recognises acts of bravery and selflessness in the face of danger by Youth and Adult members. Nominations can be submitted at any time during year. Depending on the circumstances, these awards can be handed out at a special event or at a Regional Awards Ceremony.

People outside of the Movement that help SSA members

National Citations:

National Citations can be awarded to non-members and external organisations for exceptional assistance or service rendered to SSA or its members over a period of time.

We really hope you will consider nominating your great volunteers and members and look forward to helping you recognise them for their dedicated service to the people and the Movement we all serve.

If you are unsure of which award would be best for your volunteers, drop us an email on info@scouts.org.za and we will put you in touch with your Regional Awards Team.