Troop 407 Bead System

Bead system discontinued

Regrettably, the scouts of Troop 407 have voted to discontinue using the bead system described below that was in use since the inception of the troop. As a result, we no longer maintain supplies of, or sources for, these beads. In particular, canoe and boot beads have become almost impossible to find. The information below is preserved for those who still have their beads and as a guide for other troops who wish to offer such a recognition program.

[beads worn on belt] The Troop 407 Bead System has been used throughout the history of the Troop except for a few years when we were in between bead coordinators. The purpose is to mark and recognize participation in the many troop activities that scouts and adults can take part in, and to foster friendly competition between patrols. Scouts from other troops would ask about our beads when we would encounter them at camporees and other events. Any veteran of the early days of the troop will tell you that the bead system was a favorite of the scouts and adults. These former scouts cherish their beads and look back on them with fond memories of good times with the troop. Scouts and adults wear their leather belt fobs and beads to formal events such as Courts of Honor and at public events such as parades and ceremonies.

Belt Fobs and Lacings - General Information

Leather Belt Fob has 5 holes (three lacings per fob....ask for more as needed). At this time we only use the first (1), middle (3), and last (5).

  • Lacing 1 (and 2, when needed) and 5 (and 4, when needed) are used for Troop Campout Beads. There are always two of the same bead so that that first and last lacings look the same (identical).
  • Lacing 3 is used for Troop Activity beads. Only one bead is given per event.

Troop Activity Beads

Round (ball shaped) Pony Beads (one per...lacing #3)

Gold
Eagle Court of Honor
Silver
Eagle Service Project (Labor)
White (Indian Flat Bead)
Work Day (Painting/Building/Cleaning or Scout Gear)
White
Holy Family - Chartered Organization (service hours not used for advancement)
Purple
Scouting for Food
Neon Green
Cub Scout Pack Activities
Black
Marched in Parade
Red
Special Event (Laser Tag/Dodgeball/Swim)
Off White
Scout Training (Youth or Adult)
Light Blue
Court of Honor
Pink Pearl
Fundraiser (MIS)
Blue (Indian Round Bead)
Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath
Red (Heart Bead)
First Aid

Campout Beads

Campouts : Washer/Flat Beads (two per...lacing #1 and #5)

White
Snowed
Clear
Temperature below 32 Degrees
Brown and/or Orange
Rained
Blue and/or Red
Cabin
Black
Webelos Overnighter
Yellow
Temperature above 85 Degrees
Pink
Tent
Dark Green
Special Event (Camporee)
Wooden Disk
Special Activity (archery/rifle)

Campouts: Star Beads (two per...lacing #1 and #5)

Green
Canadian Campout
Blue
Summer Camp
White
Winter Campout
Red
NESA Day or Order of the Arrow
Purple
Special Campouts (cave/sub/rafting)
Yellow
Out of State
?????
High Adventure

Hiking/Backpacking: Boot Beads (two per...lacing #1 and #5)

Black
3-9 Miles
Blue
10-16 Miles
Red
17-24 Miles
White
25-49 Miles
White w/Round Red
50+ Miles

**** Hike......Boot worn upside down. Backpacking...Boot worn right side up

Canoe/Rafting/Boating: Canoe Beads (two per...lacing #1 and #5)

Blue
Beginner or under 5 Miles
Red
Intermediate or 5-10 Miles
White
Advanced or 10+ Miles

There are also some special/different beads that will be used when appropiate.

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