What is the current state of award shipments?
Please note that Scouts Canada no longer sends individual, ad-hoc recognition awards. All recognition items are now consolidated into two (2) shipments one in the Fall (November) and one in the late Spring (May).
This year's certificates and awards within the Outstanding Service Awards framework, Long Service Awards for 10 years of service, 50-year pins, as well as Nomination-based Awards including certificates were printed, packaged, and mailed in batches by Nov 30th, 2026, and May 28th, 2027.
Deadline to submit nominations for the Fall shipment is October 5th and for the Spring shipment is April 5th.
If you have a general recognition question, you can still reach out to us by submitting a request. Our Recognition Team will do their best to support you; however, delays are to be expected especially during busy registration season Aug - Nov.
Which certificates are printed by Scouts Canada and which ones do groups print?
All certificates associated with Outstanding Service Awards and Nomination based Awards are still printed and shipped by Scouts Canada while Certificates of Commendations and Years of Service Certificates (please utilize Years of Service Certificate Generator for this purpose) are to be printed at the Group level.
Are scouters who are pending in Myscouts eligible to receive awards in the shipments?
No, scouters must be active in Myscouts to be eligible to receive Outstanding Service Awards and Nomination based Awards.
How do we get Commendation Flashes?
Commendation Flashes are available for purchase at the Scout Shop. Groups are responsible for printing the Certificate of Commendations and purchasing the flash for presentation.
How do you get replacement awards that have been lost or stolen?
If a Scouter needs to replace a lost award, they are available for purchase at the Scout Shop.
How can I get someone a higher-level award than they already have?
There are two ways to elevate a fellow Scouter’s award:
- Through the Thanks button. By using the Thanks Button when they have done something that you appreciated, you can move them up closer to the next Outstanding Service Award.
- Please also utilize Award Nomination Form for Fortitude, Gallantry and Medal of the Maple Awards.
Are all Thanks button submissions counted as equal?
Yes, all submissions are treated equally. The answer is always YES!
Are youth eligible for Thanks button submissions?
Absolutely! All registered members (including Youth) and employees can, and should, be thanked by using the Thanks Button.
How often should Scouters be recognized through the Thanks button?
Of course, there is no maximum, and you will have Scouters in your Groups/Sections who are the backbone of that Group or Section. They should be thanked often. As a minimum, every Scouter should be recognized at least once a year.
Should we be doing more than just the Thanks Button and the National awards?
Yes, every Group should have its own recognition program, which reflects its unique characteristics. The important part is that your Group maintains a culture of appreciation and gratitude for the efforts of your Volunteers - what that looks like, is up to you!
I want to present my Scouter with their years of Service Pins. Where do I get them?
The 5-year and 15-year through 50-year pins are the responsibility of the Groups. Pins can be purchased from the Scout Shop and you can utilize Years of Service Certificate Generator to print out the certificate. If a Group is only ordering a few pins, please contact Scout Shop directly beforehand to see if they can be shipped in the same envelope, which normally costs less than $5.00.
The 10-year Long Service Medal and Flash are sent out to the Group Commissioners annually.
How and when can Groups Stock up on Recognition Items from the Scout Shop?
There are many recognition items available for purchase at the Scout Shop including Years of Service Pins, Badges & Crests and various Medal Flashes.
Could these medals be produced in Canada?
It is not cost-effective for the medals to be produced in Canada. Most Canadian medal suppliers manufacture overseas because the cost of producing them in Canada is much higher. Scouts Canada has partnered with a Canadian company that manufactures in audited factories overseas to keep costs down while maintaining the quality of the product.
Is there a Guide by Scouts Canada covering Recognition?
The Commissioners Handbook for Recognition is an excellent resource.
There is also National Recognition Guide, a guide for parents, scouts, community members and youth.
Who do I go to if I have Recognition questions?
Please submit a request selecting Awards & Recognition support type if you have questions or concerns.
Please see attached guides/documents under Attachments on the right.
Support Centre
Still need help? Please feel free to contact the Scouts Canada Support Centre:
