The award acknowledges the common sense and judgment, founded on knowledge and training, used to incorporate risk management into a unit's decision-making process. It recognizes that the more responsibility individual members take for their personal health and safety, the more everyone contributes to a successful activity. Earning the award helps units focus on areas in which emphasizing risk management can help reduce fatalities and serious injury, such as
- Driver and passenger safety
- BSA Youth Protection
- Precautions for aquatics activities
- Premises safety and first-aid readiness
- Personal fitness and safety
There are two award levels: Gold and Silver.
To earn the Gold Award, a Boy Scout troop, Varsity Scout team, or Venturing crew must complete 10 mandatory requirements and three elective requirements. Youth and adult members of a unit earning the Gold Award are entitled to wear the gold-bordered BSA Ready & Prepared Award patch and the unit is entitled to display the gold BSA Ready & Prepared ribbon.
To earn the Silver Award, a Boy Scout troop, Varsity Scout team, or Venturing crew must complete 10 mandatory requirements and six elective requirements. Youth and adult members of a unit earning the Silver Awardare entitled to wear the silver-bordered BSA Ready & Prepared Award patch, and the unit is entitled to display the silver BSA Ready & Prepared Award ribbon. Units earning the Silver Award also will be acknowledged in Boys' Life magazine. Apply for this award at the time of rechartering.
Application form 