Pamlico Hornaday Award Weekend

 

 

Background

Established in 1914 by conservation giant Dr. William T. Hornaday, this group of awards seeks to reward Scouts who have completed large, Eagle sized conservation projects and numerous Merit Badges. Since its inception, just over 1,000 Hornaday medals have been awarded. The silver medal is the highest possible conservation award for Boy Scouts and Venturers.

Who

Scouts interested in earning a Hornaday award may be currently working on conservation related Merit Badges, an applicable Eagle project, or have time left in Scouting and are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Awards

For Scouts, there are three different levels of Hornaday awards. The badge is awarded to Scouts who plan and lead one conservation project and earn five conservation Merit Badges. A bronze medal requires completion of six Merit Badges and three projects, while the silver medal dictates earning nine conservation related Merit Badges and completing four Eagle sized projects. A Hornaday badge may be combined with an Eagle project. There is also a unit award, two adult awards given by nomination, and an individual or organizational award.

Projects

A Hornaday project must be a significant and lasting effort in natural resource conservation or environmental improvements. Each Hornaday project must be chosen from a list of different disciplines of conservation. Projects are encouraged at the Scout Reservation, but can be completed at many organizations.

Starting

Before starting to work on a Hornaday award, Scouts must contact the Conservation Chairman, to obtain a Conservation Advisor. The Conservation Advisor will help Scouts decide on appropriate projects and make sure that they are meeting Hornaday application requirements.

Time

Hornaday awards must be completed before Scouts turn eighteen or Venturers turn twenty-one. A badge or unit award typically takes six months to complete; a silver medal may take up to three years. Adult or unit awards have no time limits.

 

 

 

Gold Badge Requirements

 

The Hornaday Gold Badge can be awarded to Adult Scouters who have given significant leadership to conservation at a council or district level for a period of at least three years.

 

Gold Medal Requirements

 

The Hornaday Gold Medal is awarded to Adult Scouters for leadership and commitment to the education of youth on a national or international level, reflecting the natural resource conservation/environmental awareness mission of the Boy Scouts of America over their lifetime (at least twenty years). Nominations must be approved by the BSA’s national conservation committee. The Hornaday Gold Medal is the highest possible attainment in conservation for a Scouter.

 

 

 

Badge Requirements

 

- Earn First Class rank (Boy Scouts / Varsity Scouts only).

- Plan, lead, and carry out at least one project from one of the Hornaday categories.

- Complete the requirements for any THREE merit badges listed in Group I, plus any TWO merit badges listed in either group.

 

 

 

Bronze Medal Requirements

 

- Plan, lead, and carry out THREE significant projects in natural resource conservation or environmental improvement, one each from three of the eight project categories.

- Earn the Environmental Science merit badge and THREE others from the merit badges listed in Group I plus any TWO other merit badges listed either group.

 

 

 

Silver Medal Requirements

 

- Plan, lead, and carry out FOUR significant projects in natural resource conservation or environmental improvement, one each from four of the eight project categories.

- Earn ALL SIX (6) of the merit badges listed in Group I plus any THREE merit badges listed in Group II.

Venturing Requirements

In place of merit badges, Venturers must:

- Complete the ecology and plant and wildlife requirements for the Venturing Ranger Award

- In addition to the required project documentation, provide specific information on:

      A.  The research performed in connection with the conservation projects undertaken. The relevant research must be cited at the appropriate location in the conservation project documentation. A bibliography must be provided that lists sources cited. The bibliography must be formatted according to established standards.

      B.  The applicant's entire Hornaday effort. This evaluation, included in the application in a separate section, should contain information on alternatives considered for each project and an explanation of why each specific conservation project was selected, procedures used, processes used, staffing levels used, funding requirements, and so on.

      C.  The lessons learned. Included in the report in a separate section, this details what the applicant, in hindsight, would do differently on each project. The section should include recommended changes in project selection; procedures, processes, and staffing levels used; funding requirements; and evaluations of project effectiveness over time.

 

 

Group I Merit Badges

 

Energy

 

Environmental Science

 

Fish and Wildlife Management

 

Forestry

 

Public Health

 

Soil and Water Conservation

 

 

 

Group II Merit Badges

 

Bird Study      Fishing

 

Fly Fishing      Gardening

 

Geology      Insect Study

 

Landscape Architecture

 

Mammal Study      Nature

 

Oceanography      Plant Study

 

Pulp and Paper

 

Reptile and Amphibian Study

 

Weather

 

 

 

Project Categories

 

Energy Conservation

 

Soil and Water Conservation

 

Fish and Wildlife Management

 

Forestry/Range Management

 

Air and Water Pollution Control

 

Invasive Plant Species Control

 

Hazardous Material Disposal

 

& Management

 

Resource Recovery (Recycling)

 

 

 

This weekend is organized and sponsored by Troop 99 of Washington, NC