Scouting has awards for youth members or registered adult leaders who perform lifesaving or other meritorious actions. Nominees for these awards must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America at the time the action takes place in order to be eligible.

Applications for lifesaving and meritorious service awards are available at the Volunteer Service Center. Following acceptance of the application by the council, an investigative committee, including members from the district, will be convened to determine whether an award will be given, and what type of award is appropriate.

The final decision for granting a Lifesaving or Meritorious Action award is made by the National Court of Honor. The awards that may be given are as follows:

Lifesaving Awards

• Honor Medal with Crossed Palms may be awarded in exceptional cases to a youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated both unusual heroism and extraordinary skill or resourcefulness in saving or attempting to save human life at extreme risk to self.
• Honor Medal may be awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated unusual heroism in saving or attempting to save human life at considerable risk to self.
• Heroism Award may be awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save human life at minimum risk to self.

Meritorious Action Awards

• Medal of Merit. The Medal of Merit may be awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has performed an act of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the wellbeing of other people.
• National Certificate of Merit.The National Certificate of Merit may be awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has performed a significant act of service that is deserving of special national recognition.

Local Council Certificate of Merit

A Local Council Certificate of Merit is available for recognizing acts that the council committee does not feel qualify for national recognition but should receive some recognition. The council advancement committee should conduct the investigation and review carefully to maintain the integrity of the certificates.