William T. Hornaday Awards

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get a conservation adviser?: For your adviser, seek a professional conservationist with groups such as the National Audubon Society, Izaak Walton League, National Wildlife Federation, National Arbor Day Foundation, or appropriate government agencies. Your state's cooperative extension service is another source of good ideas. State agencies such as the department of natural resources, or game and fish, or forestry; local nature centers, zoological parks, aquariums, local/county parks, and conservations organizations are also excellent sources for obtaining a conservation advisor. Another source is local colleges and universities that offer courses in environmental studies, forestry, agriculture, water resources, wildlife biology park management, zoology, and other conservation-related subjects.

If my council does not have a conservation committee, who can approve my application?: Alternatives include the chairman of the camping committee, outdoor program committee, program committee, or a member of the council executive board.

What are the Hornaday award requirements?: The current requirements are listed on the application and can be downloaded at http://www.scouting.com/awards/hornaday.

Is an Eagle Scout leadership service project appropriate to use for a Hornaday badge or medal project?: You may use your Eagle Scout leadership service project as a Hornaday project if it meets the aims and objectives of the William T. Hornaday Awards program.

I recently earned the Hornaday badge. Does this project count toward the bronze or silver award?: Yes, you may use a project for which you have already earned the William T. Hornaday badge as one of your projects for a medal.

Do projects completed on BSA property qualify for the Hornaday program?: Yes, one of the projects submitted for the medal can be for the benefit of BSA property.

Is the Hornaday badge a prerequisite to earning a Hornaday medal?: No, but it is a good first step for a Scouting youth to determine whether to undertake the commitment required to earn a medal.

Can I apply for both a bronze and a silver medal?: Applicants who apply for a silver medal are automatically considered for a bronze medal, especially if one of their four projects is determined to be insufficient and the other three are accepted. An applicant who wishes to obtain both awards must complete a total of seven significant conservation projects - four for a silver medal and three for a bronze medal. Projects used to qualify for one of these medals may not be used to qualify for the other medal.

How much time should I spend giving leadership to conservation projects?: No time limit is specified but each of the projects is expected to be equivalent to an Eagle Scout service project. Most worthy projects involve significant people-hours spent on doing the project. It is not uncommon for a truly significant project to take much longer to complete.

How do I demonstrate excellence in Planning?: Applicants should document the following: 1) identify a significant conservation need and indicate why it was chosen, 2) research the need to determine how best to meet it, 3) consider alternative ways of meeting the need and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each way, and 4) select the most promising way of meeting the need and explain why it was chosen.

What constitutes a significant project that qualifies for a Hornaday medal?: The project should be a truly outstanding effort that has a significant impact on the environment and the community. Innovative projects that are thoroughly researched and planned and that demonstrate significant initiative by the applicant are more likely to receive favorable consideration. Actual results of the project count heavily.

How Do I Apply For a Hornaday Award?: Download the Hornaday application form. You may also call or visit your local council service center and ask for a Hornaday Awards application package, No. 21-107. Or, contact the national office: Boy Scouts of America, S209, P.O. Box 152079, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, Irving, TX 75015-2079; telephone 972-580-2434.

What is the best method to submit my application?: Applications should be neat and well-organized, and should depict all aspects of your project(s), including environmental problem identification, planning, implementation, budget, labor, and outcomes. Photographs, newspaper clippings, and slides are helpful. However, your application will be judged on its merits, not the volume of material submitted. Be concise.

Are There Any Other Hints You Can Give Me?: Just two: Be sure you and your conservation adviser have in hand and thoroughly understand the information in the application and guidelines. And, start early in your Scouting career! Remember that it usually takes at least 18 months of concentrated work to earn either of the Hornaday medals.

Good Luck!

Many Scouts will, as adults, assume significant leadership positions involving decisions that affect our nation's natural resources. This is why professional conservationists and others interested in environmental improvement view the Hornaday Awards program as a solid investment in our nation's future.

The Boy Scouts of America

http://www.scouting.org