Each year, North Shore takes a moment to offer a special thanks to our leaders for helping to deliver great Scouting programs to youth.

There are three special awards (which we present at our annual District Recognition Dinner) with which we honor those who stand out as worthy of special recognition. In order of significance, these are:

• The North Shore District Shining Star Award
• The Order of the Silver Squirrel
• The District Award of Merit

Northern Star Award

The Northern Star Award recognizes those across the district who have "made a difference" to Scouting in some way which should be recognized. It's an opportunity to recognize your "star" and give them a special thanks.

Nominations for the Northern Star Award are easy to make - just submit one via our online form. Each unit may nominate one registered adult leader from their unit per calendar year.

Northern Star Award recognitions are presented at the annual District Recognition Dinner event.

For 2009, nominations must be submitted no later than December 1, 2009.

Full award requirements and instructions are at the bottom of the online form. Please read through these before submitting: Northern Star Award Requirements and Instructions

You may submit your nomination using the Northern Star Award Online Form.

Order of the Silver Squirrel

The Silver Squirrel Award was originally created by a Boy Scout Troop in Chicago. North Shore District has adopted its own "Order of the Silver Squirrel" award to recognize those Scouters (in some cases units) which stand out as important contributors to the success of Scouting across the district during the past year.

The number of awards each year is limited, and selection of recipients is made by a committee chosen by the District Chair.

Nominations for the Order of the Silver Squirrel may be submitted via our online form. Anyone may and it'll be forwarded to the district for consideration. You may nominate one registered adult leader from your unit per calendar year.

Northern Star Award recognitions are presented at the annual District Recognition Dinner event.

Full award requirements and instructions are at the bottom of the online form. Please read through these before submitting: Silver Squirrel Award Requirements and Instructions

You may submit your nomination using the Silver Squirrel Award Online Form.

For 2009, nominations must be submitted no later than November 15, 2009.

District Award of Merit

The District Award of Merit is awarded to volunteer (and occasionally, with appropriate approvals) professional adults for service to youth in the District. This is the highest award that is given to a Scouter at the District level.  A person may receive the District Award of Merit more than once from different districts (but would still only display one award on the uniform).

This award is normally presented for service to youth in excess of five years.

Candidates for this award must be nominated.

District Award of Merit recognitions are presented at the annual District Recognition Dinner event.

Full award requirements and instructions are at the bottom of the District Award of Merit Nomination Form. Please use this online form to submit your nomination.