The Honor Patrol Award is the highest recognition given at Scouters’ Winter Campout.
It’s awarded to the patrol that demonstrates all-around excellence throughout the weekend—across games, participation, spirit, leadership, and Scouting skills. This isn’t just about being the fastest or loudest. It’s about being the patrol that shows up with preparation, creativity, teamwork, and full-on Scout energy in every part of the event.
Honor Patrol is denoted by the coveted gold bead and is awarded to the one patrol that achieves the highest overall score. The overall score is calculated per the Loading Factors (see below) listed in the annual Participant’s Package.
For the serious SWC participant, the quest for the GOLD BEAD is paramount. We encourage this “Scouting” competition to bring out the BEST in each of us and to show others that we can be in competition while still having fun as Scouts.
The information below is from the 2025 Participant’s Packet.
Game Results …………………….. (pg. 6) ……… 25%
Participation ……………………… (pg. 10) …….. 25%
Spirit Patrol Votes …………….. (pg. 9) ………. 15%
Campsite Evaluation …………. (pg. 10) ……. 10%
Patrol Flag Judging …………… (pg. 9) ………. 10%
Table Decorations……………… (pg. 9) ………. 10%
Complete Registration ……… (pg. 5) ………. 5%
Honor Patrol scoring is based on multiple categories. All categories and their calculated weight is outlined in the annual Participant’s Packet. Here’s what your patrol needs to do to rise to the top:
Give your best effort in the Saturday morning patrol games. Teamwork, spirit, and skill all count.
Get involved in all the weekend events—Good Turn Project, Campwide Game, Worship Service, skit submission, table decorations, etc.
Other patrols notice effort. Your cheer, costume, and Scout spirit can earn you votes for the Spirit Award—which also contributes to your Honor Patrol score.
Follow the Scout Handbook and the SWC Participant’s Packet. Keep it clean, efficient, safe, and Scout-worthy.
Create a flag that reflects your patrol name, identity, and the weekend theme. Judges look for craftsmanship, originality, and Scout style. Follow the rules in the Participant’s Packet to maximize your points!
On-time, complete paperwork at check-in earns you points. Show up prepared—it matters.
Being named Honor Patrol means your team exemplified what S.W.C. is all about: service, fun, leadership, and living the Scout Oath and Law. It’s the patrol everyone else will talk about—and look up to.
For patrols who enjoy the competitive drive, the work to become Honor Patrol is well-worth the effort. The journey builds bonds, strengthens teams, and exemplifies the Patrol Method by letting individual gifts shine as part of the whole.
Factors in this score include:
• Providing 2 totems and correct paperwork at check-in
• Bring a Presentation Board to the Café on Friday night.
• Have a minimum of two members participate in the Good Turn Project
• Participation in the campwide activity
• Display a table decoration at the campwide dinner
For accuracy, please reference your annual Participant’s Packet for scoring and evaluation criteria.