Most Scouters recognize the Silver Beaver as the pinnacle of recognition for service to a council. Silver Beaver awards are given every year.

Scouters who provide exceptional service supporting Scouting with special needs and disabilities are eligible for a similar award: the Torch of Gold. Each council may award one Torch award per year to a deserving Scouter. Use the official form (BSA #512-945), which must be signed by the council’s Scout Executive.

Once the council has chosen the Torch of Gold recipient, the council should also nominate the recipient for the national Woods Services Award, the “Silver Buffalo” of SND Scouting. Transcribe the Torch application onto the Woods Services nomination form (BSA #512-258). The Scout Executive should sign the form and send it to SpecialNeedsChair@scouting.org.

Woods Services nominations must arrive by January 31 in the year it is presented.