Square Knot Resume

The picture at the beginning of my blog shows the front of a Scout uniform featuring insignia known as square knots.

Truth be told I have never sewn these on my uniform because I am not doing this for recognition. As Mark Twain said "It is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not to deserve them." I put them here because they have some 'street cred' in Scouting. Other scouters know they mean a fairly long tenure ( Scoutmaster since 1984), recognition of work I have done at the district and council level, and participation in training. In short; I've done this work faithfully all of my adult life.

Here is what the square knots represent;

Top to bottom, left to right

Silver Beaver
Presented for distinguished service to young people within a BSA local council.

Inclusive Scouting Award
The Inclusive Scouting Award identifies scouters who are supportive of those currently threatened with exclusion from Scouting. Not an official BSA award the knot is worn to promote inclusion and tolerance.
Notes

(6/08) Since I posted this two and a half years ago this square knot has garnered a fair number of comments. Some supportive and some from those who disagree. The most perplexing comments come from those who castigate me for wearing an unofficial award. They seem to miss the mention that I don't wear any square knots to begin with. It's my preference, it is within the rules,  others may certainly do as they please.

(12/08) Many people have asked me how they can get the Inclusive Scouting Award. Unfortunately the folks that offered these are no longer around as far as I can tell. 

District Award of Merit
Awarded for five or more years service to youth in the District. The nominee's attitude toward and cooperation with the district, division, and/or council is to be taken into consideration.

Boy Scout Leader's Training Award
Recognizes that a scouter has completed a course of intensive training.

Scoutmaster Award of Merit
Awarded to Scoutmasters who have a record of proper use of the Boy Scout advancement program, resulting in a majority of troop Boy Scouts attaining the First Class rank, Development of boy leadership through the patrol method, Positive relations with the troop's chartered organization, extensive outdoor program including strong summer camp attendance, positive image of Scouting in the community and a troop operation that attracts and retains Boy Scouts.

I should also mention that I staffed at our summer camp for twelve years in various directorships including two seasons as the camp director. I have worked with literally thousands of scouts and leaders and have administered a staff of eighty counselors. Beyond that I have also staffed many training sessions. I am a Vigil Honor member of The Order of the Arrow.

It has been quite an education.