Adult Awards

Overview

The Adult Emblems program, managed by the Emblems Committee, consists of two awards. The Bronze Pelican, a diocesan award, has its requirements recommended by the DCCS and approved by the Bishop or his representative. The St. George Emblem, a NCCS award, has its requirements set by the National Committee.

These two awards are for sustained outstanding service to Catholic scouting. It is inappropriate to nominate oneself or a spouse for these awards. In like manner, solicitation of nominations for oneself or spouse is also inappropriate. The awards are earned by service to youth as a part of the NCCS and DCCS programs.

Any person familiar with the Catholic Scouting programs and the accomplishments of an individual for a program may nominate that adult for an award. Groups may collaborate on the nomination of an adult.

Nomination forms are shown in this section. These forms are the only ones to be used. They must be complete and submitted to the DCCS Emblems Chair by the date indicated on the committee calendar, usually the Saturday of the annual scout retreat. Letters of recommendation may be attached to the nomination forms. Each award is made only once to an individual.

A selection committee will review the nominations and make recommendations to the Committee Chair and Chaplain for final approval. A person who has nominated an adult or has a spouse being considered will not be a member of the selection committee for that award. More information on selection committee follows below.

It is very important that a person nominated not be aware of this action as not all nominees may be selected.

Bronze Pelican

Our committee, acting with authority from the NCCS, may award the Bronze Pelican emblem to members of the laity and clergy, scouters and non- scouters alike, who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youths through scouting over a period of at least three (3) years. Recipients do not need to be of the Catholic faith.

Emblems are presented annually at the Bishop's dinner or as announced. Nominations, using the form below, should be submitted to the Emblems Chair by the date shown on the annual calendar, usually on Saturday of the annual scout retreat. Recipients of this award do not wear the Adult Religious Award knot on their uniform.

The following are guidelines for nomination and selection of Bronze Pelican recipients. These suggestions are offered as a guide only; they are indicative of the kinds of things that the nominator and selection committee should be looking for. Accomplishments and quality activity in Catholic scouting are more important than quantity of events participated in by the nominee.

The Committee Chaplain and Committee Chair may award the Bronze Pelican to any adult, at any time for any reason they jointly see fit.

Guidelines for Nomination

Service directly with Scouts such as: religious emblems counselor, assistant counselors, attendance at scout retreats as a staff member, Scout Sunday activities, Pack or parish Cub religious emblems coordinator, participation in the Ten Commandment Hike and other religious activities directly working with scouts.
Service as a Committee member or individual actions such as: member of the DCCS as an elected member, sub-committee chair or member. Routine or special tasks accomplished. A behind the scenes person who helps Catholic Scouting, other.
Personal Development such as: attendance at Scouter Development, attendance at Scouting in the Catholic Church at Philmont Training Center, attendance at special training or seminars related to youth ministry or the Catholic faith, other.
Activities apart from Scouting such as: Serving in ministries and committees in own parish, Knights of Columbus, other civic/religious activities.

The St. George Emblem

The National Catholic Committee on Scouting, acting through the local diocese or eparchy may award the St. George emblem to members of the laity and clergy, scouters and non-scouters alike, who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youths through scouting.

See this form (PDF) as it contains the criteria for this award and instructions for its completion.

Our committee considers those nominees who have sustained outstanding service with Catholic Scouting and active participation in committee events for three or more years since receipt of the Bronze Pelican to be best qualified for this award.

Nominations must be submitted to the Emblems Chair by the date shown on the annual calendar, usually on Saturday of the annual scout retreat.

Recipients of this award may wear the Adult Religious Award knot on their uniform.