Outstanding Eagle Scout Award facts for kids
The NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) is a special honor from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). It's given to an Eagle Scout who has done amazing things. These Scouts show great service in their jobs and in their local communities.
To get this award, an Eagle Scout needs to be recommended. Their local BSA group, called a council, helps with this. The NESA committee, a Scout leader, and the council president also give their approval. Each council can give out one NOESA each year. They can also give more awards if many youth become Eagle Scouts in their area. The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) is another important award. But for that one, you need to have been an Eagle Scout for 25 years. You don't need the NOESA to get the DESA. Also, if you get the DESA, you cannot receive the NOESA.
What the Award Looks Like
The NOESA is a round, gold pendant. It has the NOESA symbol in silver. This pendant hangs from a blue ribbon. The symbol on the pendant looks like the NESA logo. It's round with a special knot and an eagle flying. The word "NOESA" is also on it.
Scouts can wear a smaller pin version of the NOESA symbol. This pin goes on their Eagle Scout square knot patch on their uniform. There is also a lapel pin. People can wear this pin on their jacket when they are not in their Scout uniform. The person who receives the award also gets a special certificate.
History of the Award
The NOESA was first given out in 2011. This was during the BSA's 100th Anniversary year. The National Eagle Scout Association gave out the first 152 awards. Local NESA Committees helped choose the first winners. In 2012, 179 more awards were given. This brought the total to 331 awards.
The award was created for important Eagle Scouts. It honors those who have done great service close to home. This could be at a local, state, or regional level. It also recognizes those who are well-known nationally. But these Scouts might not have been an Eagle for 25 years yet. The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award requires 25 years as an Eagle Scout. The NOESA helps honor deserving Scouts sooner.
