Unit Lighthouse Award
A recognition program that doubles as a checklist for a safe, high-quality unit. It is optional, and your commissioner can help you review the criteria. It covers five areas:
Criteria must be met by December 31 each year, and units are recognized at Thrive the following year. The council does not track your progress during the year, so check in with your commissioner.
Read the program overview Submit First Aid/CPR certificationsGetting started as a unit leader
Thank you for stepping up. This page gives you a short list of first steps, a simple yearly rhythm, and the council resources you will use most, so your unit stays on track and can earn the Unit Lighthouse Award.
Start the checklistYour first steps
Check items off as you go. Your progress is saved in this browser only.
A simple rhythm for the year
A suggested routine to keep the basics from slipping. Adjust it to fit your unit.
Every month
- Hold a committee meeting
- Attend Roundtable
- Review finances with your treasurer
Every season
- Plan the next few outings and meetings
- Check that leader training is current
- Check in with your commissioner
Every year
- Complete unit and membership renewal
- Run recruiting and Sign Up for Scouting event
- Meet the Unit Lighthouse Award criteria by December 31
Resources you will use most
Need help?
Start with your unit commissioner or District Executive. You can also reach the council office at 401.351.8700 or see the staff directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, this is a recognition program overseen by our commissioner staff for units that would like to participate. We encourage units to work with their commissioner to frequently review the criteria as helpful guideposts for creating safe, high-quality programs and seek assistance when needed.
Within the calendar year and no later than December 31; this will be an annual program. The first Unit Lighthouse Award recognitions will be awarded at Thrive 2027.
The council doesn’t track unit progress toward the Unit Lighthouse Award on a continuous basis. Units either meet the criteria as detailed above or they don’t. Units (with the help of their commissioner) are responsible for monitoring their own progress if they wish to qualify for the recognition.
After the end of the year, the commissioner team will verify submitted forms, training records, and information available through My.Scouting to confirm eligibility and submit the list of qualifying units to the council. Unit Key-3s will be notified about the unit’s met criteria for the previous year.
In the following calendar year at our “Thrive” event.
The position can be assigned by your unit’s Key-3 through the organization manager tool in My.Scouting.