Scouts and Lions

The relationship between Lions Clubs International and Scouts dates back to the early 1900s.

In the United States today, Lions clubs sponsor more Scout troops than any other non-religious organization. As of January 11, 2005, U.S. Lions sponsored more than 2,879 Boy Scout units which included 83, 779 Scouts.

The cooperation that exists between Scouts and Lions benefits both organizations. Young people (such as Scouts) need the guidance and mentoring of quality adult role models (Lions). When Lions clubs charter a Scouts unit, they provide Scouts with adult role models. In addition, the chartering of a Scout unit provides a quality program for the youth of the community.

There is a video about Lions Clubs International and the Boy Scouts of America. The video features Lions Past International President Jim Ervin. A new four-color brochure entitled "Scouting: Community Outreach for your Lions Club" and a new Scouts unit kit are also available. These resources are available from the Boy Scouts of America.

Lions Award for Scouts

Lions clubs can present the Lions Clubs-Boy Scouts of America Community Service Award to Scouts who participate in joint Lions/Scouts service projects.

Scout troop leaders can request the award from their sponsoring Lions club for every Scout who fulfills the following criteria.  

• Meets with the Scoutmaster and Lions to discuss community needs and identify joint service project possibilities. Selects an issue/need which can be addressed together. This can be a long-term ongoing project or a short-term, one-time project.
• Sets goals for the service project. Develop a timeline.
• Obtains permits, authorizations, or materials necessary to complete the project.
• Works together to carry out the service project.
• Documents the service project with photos, videotape, or written notes to demonstrate the successful completion of the service project.
• Meets with the Scoutmaster and Lions after the project is completed and organize an awards ceremony.

Suggested joint Lions/Scouting service projects include:

• Food or clothing collections for the needy;
• Roadway or beach clean-up campaigns;
• Hospital or nursing home visits;
• Playground equipment repairs or installation.
• Working together on SightNight (a door-to-door used eyeglass collection campaign undertaken by Leos and Scouts in the USA).

Lions clubs can order the Lions Scouting Service Patch (A-65). Each award costs US$2.95 plus shipping and handling.  

Banner Patch for Lions clubs

Lions clubs that sponsor a Boy Scout troop can receive the Lions Boy Scout banner patch award. The colorful 3" (7.62 cm) square embroidered patch award identifies your club as a proud advocate of the Scouting movement.

The Lions Scouting Patch (A64) is available for purchase (US$5.10 plus shipping and handling).

 

Eagle Scout Award

A Lions certificate is available for presentation to young men who have attained the highest US Boy Scout rank – the Eagle Scout.

Scout leaders may contact their local Lions club and request the suitable-for-framing certificate. After verifying that the young man is indeed an Eagle Scout, forward the request to the Youth Programs Department at international headquarters.

An award certificate and a letter from international headquarters will be sent to your club for formal presentation to the Eagle Scout.

Award for Girl Scouts

A Lions award is available for purchase for Girl Scouts of the USA (item number A 66; cost is US$2.95 each from Lions Club Supplies). Lions clubs can purchase the badge for Scouts who participate in joint Lions projects. 

Lions clubs are active Girl Scout troop sponsors. Currently, there are more than 2.8 million Girl Scouts of the USA. There are more than 10 million members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGS) which exists in 144 countries.

Additional Scouting Information

Visit the Scouts, the Boy Scouts of America and the Scouts Canada for more information.