Able Scouts

Scouters who support Scouting with special needs through service to units, youth training, leader training, or organization, may be nominated for the Torch of Gold or Woods Services Award. Both of these require nomination. The Torch is presented by each council once a year, and the Woods Services is presented nationally every year.

The Special Needs Scouting Service Award (SNSSA) does not require nomination, and may be presented to any adult who earns it. The SNSSA recognizes either adult volunteers or Scouting professionals who actively support Scouting with special needs and disabilities.

• The SNSSA is similar to the Scouter’s Key in that the individual earns it through tenure, training, and service requirements. Here are some frequently asked questions about the award:
• Must recipients be nominated?
  No. This is an earned award similar to the Scouter’s Key. Both volunteer Scouters and BSA professionals may earn the award.
• Is there an application to fill out?
  Yes. The application is posted on Awards Central at Scouting.org.
• Who approves the award application?
  This award is approved at the council level, by the Scout Executive or designee.