Honor Patrol

One Patrol.
One Gold Bead.

HONOR PATROL

The highest recognition at SWC

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. 

How to Become Honor Patrol

How are points earned?

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:

Games

Give your best effort in the Saturday morning patrol games. Teamwork, spirit, and skill all count.

Participation

Get involved in all the weekend events—Good Turn Project, Campwide Game, Worship Service, skit submission, table decorations, etc.

Spirit Patrol Votes

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.

Campsite Evaluation

Follow the Scout Handbook and the SWC Participant’s Packet. Keep it clean, efficient, safe, and Scout-worthy.

Patrol Flag

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!

Complete Registration

On-time, complete paperwork at check-in earns you points. Show up prepared—it matters.

Why Does It Matter?

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.

What activities count towards "participation"?

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.