Alpha Phi Omega
Herbert G. Horton Service to Youth Award

Significance:

In recognition of a Brother of Alpha Phi Omega, National Service Fraternity who has made contributions to America’s future as participating citizens through the principles of Scouting and the Scout Oath and Laws. Alpha Phi Omega, National Service Fraternity has established the Alpha Phi Omega (AFW) Herbert G Horton - Service to Youth Award. It recognizes Brothers of Alpha Phi Omega, National Service Fraternity, who are in good standing that have made significant contribution to the youth of their communities by volunteering in the programs of the Boy Scouts of America.

APO honors Herbert G. Horton’s memory, and the dedicated service he and other Brothers have given to Scouting by naming this award after him.

Procedure for selecting recipients:

The National Scouting and Youth Services Committee of Alpha Phi Omega, National Service Fraternity, invites chapters, recognized geographical or Chapter alumni association, alumni volunteers or elected officers to submit candidates for this award. The cost of the award will be borne by the recommender.  (The official nomination form* must be used.)

1. The recommender must complete the application and submit an attached page explaining the candidate’s qualifications for the award.
2. The recommender must have the application approved and verified by the local Council, indicating that the candidate is currently registered as an active Scout leader.
3. The recommender should then have the application sent to the National Office of Alpha Phi Omega, along with $40 for the award, for submission to the National Scouting & Youth Services Committee. The Committee Chair or a select subcommittee of that committee will then determine if the candidate is qualified. If so, they will authorize the National Office of Alpha Phi Omega, National Service Fraternity, to send to the recommender the award/regalia for presentation to the recipient.
4. The National Office of Alpha Phi Omega, National Service Fraternity will be instructed to forward the information on the recipient to the Boy Scouts of America, Relationships Division, for the official record of recipients.

Qualification Guidelines

The award will be presented to active, alumni, advisory, or honorary Brothers of Alpha Phi Omega. Who are currently a registered Scouter and are active in a Scout unit, Local Council, or on the Area, Regional or National Levels of the Boy Scouts of America, and who have displayed outstanding dedication to the Scouting program. Their activities in scouting should include:

• Exemplifying the principles and values of Scouting and our Fraternity
• Developing scouting units and recruiting Scouting volunteers
• Strengthening the relationship between Alpha Phi Omega and Scouting, which might include:
  • helping Chapters or Alumni Associations charter Cub Scout Packs or Boy Scout Troops or Venturing Crews
  • serving as a leader to units chartered to Chapters or Alumni Associations
  • helping Chapters charter themselves as Venturing Crews
  • serving as a Chapter’s Scouting and Youth Services Advisor
  • assisting Chapters or Alumni Associations in developing a Scouting & Youth Services program and working with local Scouting units & councils, which might include events such as Merit Badge Universities.
  • promote Alpha Phi Omega within the Scouting community, including organizing or manning APO Info Booths at Scouting events
  • promote Scouting within Alpha Phi Omega

Work accomplishment and dedication, rather than a specific number of years in Scouting, will be the criteria for this award. Promoting and strengthening the relationship between AFW and Scouting is an important part of this award. Thus, a Scouter who has little or no current involvement with AFW will most likely not be considered for this award.

Presentation

Alpha Phi Omega (AFW) Herbert G. Horton - Service to Award will be presented annually at a Regional Conferences or at the National Convention by a member of the National Scouting and Youth Services Committee. Recognition of previous and recent recipients of this award should be made at subsequent AFW Section Conferences, Regional Conferences, and National Conventions.

In addition, a presentation may be made at a BSA local council or district function, such as an awards dinner or an annual meeting.

The Alpha Phi Omega (AFW) Herbert G Horton - Service to Youth Award is a BSA Community Organization Award, used by community organization to honor their volunteers for Scouting. Recipients are presented a medallion on a neck ribbon in the Fraternity colors, a certificate and lapel pin, and if a BSA member, may wear the generic Boy Scout Community Organization Award Square Knot.