Golden Apple Pinning

We are gathered here tonight to bestow the highest honor an Adventure Scout can achieve at the end of their journey. It's always a hard choice, but the selected individuals certainly go above and beyond for both their fellow scouts and community.

    This special occasion is part of the Adventure Scouts' award ceremony that happens at the end of Summer. It's the last event of the evening and occurs after the regular apple pinning. Only one Apple Scout per troop is eligible, but not every troop produces a member that meets the criteria.       There are two types of metal pin an Apple Scout can receive at the end of the program. Scouts can earn the standard red apple and the prestigious gold apple. Red apples are achievable by many scouts who graduate the program and meet basic criteria. Gold apples are rare and have specific requirements.       While the work to receive a gold apple is hard, its ceremony is simple. During the last segment of the award night, all pin receiving scouts are called to stage and form a line standing shoulder to shoulder. Depending on the number that year, this is done in either one round or several.   The red apples are always awarded first. Then the gold recipients are announced and receive their pins. A scout's troop leader is the one to attach the pin to their shirt, vest, or chosen accessory. During the gold segment, each scout has their achievements highlighted. Each winner may offer a quick speech or other gratitude if they feel inclined.   As the ceremony closes, each gold apple scout receives an envelope with a check before they leave the stage. This is the scholarship money they receive as part of the award. It can go towards anything the scout chooses whether it be higher education or easing into adulthood.