Branching Out - Family of the Year Award (district level)
The family is an important part of Scouting. Family support for each youth is vital to his or her success in Scouting. Those parents who volunteer as leaders are a vital support for other kids, as well as their own. The extra effort that parents put forth as leaders, in addition to their family responsibilities, deserves to be recognized. But when the whole family is involved in Scouting, they deserve recognition all the more. The Family of the Year award is a way to honor these families by selecting, from those nominated, the family whose work as a team in Scouting has made the greatest difference in the Big Cypress District.
Cut Above the Rest - Partners in Scouting Award (district level)
Our Scouts and Scout units rely on support from our community to provide a successful program. Their contributions of time, manpower, facilities, and funding often are behind the scenes. These people, businesses, organizations, and groups provide support and encouragement for our Scouts and Scouters. We would like to recognize these partners who have generously supported our Scouts, Scouters, and events in the Big Cypress District. The Partners in Scouting Award will honor the most outstanding Scouting partner for the year. Please nominate these organizations for the Partners in Scouting Award, so their outstanding support as a cut above the rest can be recognized. Two awards are presented annually.
Sapling - New Scouter Award (unit level)
Given to an adult whose first year in the unit has significantly impacted the youth and adults in the unit. Many new Scouters join a unit and automatically plug in and make significant and lasting contributions, despite being "green." The expectation is that they'll continue to serve in a variety of capacities serving their unit. The Big Cypress Sapling Award is intended to properly recognize individuals new to your unit whose first year of service has had a significant impact on the youth, program, or committee on a unit level. One nomination per unit.
Tree of Life Unit Adult Recognition Award (unit level)
Given to an adult whose service has enabled unit growth, provided adult inspiration, and positively impacted youth over the tenure served. Many Scouters have a tremendous impact upon Scouting in their neighborhood, but may not be well known throughout the district. Their work is very important and directly affects the quality of Scouting in our district. The Tree of Life Award is intended to properly recognize individuals who have excelled in serving youth on a unit level. This person is the lifeblood of the unit, without whom, the unit would not be as successful. Two nominations per unit.
District Award of Merit (district level)
The District Award of Merit is a council award presented by districts in the same manner that the Silver Beaver is a national award presented by councils. The award is available to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level. The award is made available annually on the basis of one for each 25 traditional units or a fraction thereof. The district need not present all the awards to which it is entitled each year. It is not appropriate to nominate a Scouter who has already received this award. A professional Scouter or council employee may not receive this award based on employment service. However, a professional Scouter or employee who also serves as a volunteer Scouter may be eligible, based on volunteer service.