Volunteer Recognition in Scouting America: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Scouting America is built on the dedication of thousands of adult volunteers — den leaders, Scoutmasters, committee members, event coordinators, and countless others.
These leaders run campouts, organize service projects, fundraise, and make sure every youth member has the chance to grow in skills, leadership, and character.

They give their time freely, often sacrificing evenings, weekends, and personal resources. But too often, these same leaders quietly step away from the program — not because they have stopped believing in its mission, but because they no longer feel their efforts are valued.

The Cost of Overlooking Volunteer Recognition

Recognition is not about ego. For most Scouting America volunteers, it’s about feeling that their contributions make a difference.
When appreciation is missing:

• Burnout increases — even among the most passionate leaders.
• Retention drops — units lose experienced adults who are hard to replace.
• Youth programs suffer — fewer leaders mean fewer opportunities and less stability.

Research on volunteerism consistently shows that genuine recognition is one of the strongest motivators to keep people engaged.

What Successful Councils and Units Do Well

Some councils and units in Scouting America have recognition down to a science. They:

• Offer consistent, personal thank-yous
• Present service awards and knots proactively — not only when leaders ask
• Highlight volunteers publicly in newsletters, social media, and events
• Send handwritten notes or make direct calls to say, “We see what you do, and it matters”
• Celebrate milestone achievements like unit growth, community service impact, or JTE awards

These actions cost little but pay major dividends in morale and retention.

Easy Ways to Recognize Volunteers in Scouting America

Recognition doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive. Leaders simply want to feel seen. Here are five practical ideas:

Spotlight a Volunteer Monthly
Share a leader’s contributions in a meeting, email, or Facebook post.

Use Digital Badges or Certificates
Offer shareable digital awards so volunteers can display their service on LinkedIn or social media.

Give Year-End Service Tokens
A small, meaningful item — like a camp mug or challenge coin — can go a long way.

Invite Volunteers to Special Events
Recognize them formally at banquets or campfire ceremonies.

Say Thank You in Front of Youth
Public acknowledgment shows Scouts that giving back is valued.

Recognition Is an Investment in the Future

When Scouting America celebrates its volunteers, leaders feel inspired to keep serving — and that stability directly benefits youth.
Recognition fosters community, strengthens morale, and reinforces that the Scout Law’s call to be loyal and helpful applies to adults as well as Scouts.

If the movement wants its best leaders to stay, recognition should not be an afterthought — it should be part of its culture.