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The Awards Page

The Scout Band periodically gives award to outstanding individuals in the Band. This is a list of those awards; their history and criteria for candidate selection.

The Harvey U. Gill Memorial Award has been established by the Alumni Association to recognize a youth member of the Crossroads of America Council Scout Band. Only one award will be presented each year and a recipient may only receive the award one time. The award is so named in memory of Harvey U. Gill "HUG" who was the band's director for over twenty-five years from 1947 until his death in 1975. The following guidelines were established because these were areas in which Harvey felt very strongly about as he worked with the youth of the band. These principles were furnished to the Alumni Association by Harvey's son, Mike and his granddaughter (a charter member of the Alumni Association Board), Charisa (Risa) Gill.

I. The recipient must be dedicated to the Scouting principles found in the Scout Oath and Law.
II. The recipient must display leadership.
When evaluating nominees, consider how much the person encourages and helps others in his/her section. Are they a positive role model for others in the band? Do they hold leadership responsibilities outside of Scouting (school, church, community, etc...)?
III. Consider tenure, attendance and recruitment of the individual.
They must be a member of the band for a minimum of one year. They must attend regularly the rehearsals, tours, concerts, etc. that the band takes part in. How many people have joined the band because of his/her efforts?
IV. Work ethics.
How does the nominee work to help benefit the band? (i.e. fund raisers, recruitment, etc.) How much have they personally contributed or raised during fund raisers? [Note: Harvey felt very strongly that the Scout assists in paying his own way on camps, tours,etc. (the ninth part of the Scout Law); hence he provided the nuts and mints for boys to sell to earn their way.
V. Advancement in Scouting OR other activities.
The nominee should advance in the Scouting ranks during the proceeding year, OR must be involved in other activities whether it be through church, school or any other civic organization.
VI. Outdoorsmanship.
The nominee must enjoy being in the out of doors and show respect for nature. They should be able to fend for themselves if need be. They should enjoy camping and take part in troop (or other youth group) camp experiences.

For information concerning administration of the Harvey U. Gill Memorial Award, or for nomination information please contact the Alumni Association President.



F. O. Belzer Leadership Award

The F.O. Belzer Leadership Award has been established by the Harvey U. Gill Scout Band Alumni Association to recognize an adult that has contributed outstanding leadership skills to the betterment of The Crossroads of America Scout Band. Only one award will be presented each year and a recipient may only receive the award one time. This award is so named in memory of Francis O. Belzer who was the Band's Founder, first Scout Executive of the Indianapolis Council and also creator of the Firecrafter Organization in 1920. He was the guiding force of the Scout Band for over 30 years from its early beginnings in 1915 until his death in 1948. The following are to be used as guidelines in determining the award's recipient. These guidelines were established because these were the areas in which The Chief felt were important to show leadership to the band.


I. The recipient must uphold the Scouting principles found in the Scout Oath and Law.
II. Leadership should be the first point in determining a recipient.
When evaluating nominees, consider how much the person is willing to help others. Do they come forward and volunteer for tasks without being asked? Are they willing to take the lead when others only follow? Do they hold leadership responsibilities outside of Scouting (business, school, church, community, etc.)?
III. There is no tenure requirement.
Mr. Belzer didn't care how long someone was associated with the band, only that they were dedicated to it while they were active. Taking an active part in the band activities should be considered.
IV. The recipient need not play an instrument in the band.
They are required to be a member of one or all of the following organizations: The Crossroads of America Scout Band, Belzer Band Booster Club, Harvey U. Gill Scout Band Alumni Association and/or hold a current registration card with the Boy Scouts of America.

For information concerning administration of the F.O. Belzer Leadership Award, or for nomination information please contact the Alumni Association President.

Other Awards

Each year at the annual picnic several awards are presented. Two have been explained above. A third award is the Good Scout Award. This award is presented by the youth leaders of the band, and is given to an adult individual or individuals they feel merit special recognition for their efforts with the band. The youth generally select the recipient while on tour and the presentation is made at the annual picnic.

Also, each year at the annual picnic attendance recognition is given to all youth and adult members who have been active with the band. Each person is recognized with the number of years in the Band and presented a Scout Band name badge the first year and thereafter a treble clef representing each year in active attendance, an open liar for every five years, and a closed liar for every ten years. To be eligible to receive the this recognition an individual must have been present (or excused with a "C" on the attendance sheet) for at least 50% of all rehearsals and/or performances of the band. The recording secretary is responsible for maintaining the attendance records.