Northeast Region Sea Scouting Awards

There are awards unique only to Sea Scouting. When fellow Sea Scouting leaders receive certain recognitions, I have asked myself, "What is special about the recognition? What is its purpose and criteria?" Though a ceremony may provide an explanation, locating a written discussion about the award can prove a challenge.

Honorable Order of the Monkey's Fist

The Honorable Order of the Monkey's Fist is a very special award that is given only to Sea Scouting leaders or dedicated adults depicting their many years of arduous service and devotion within the Sea Scouting program—working directly with the youth. Tradition is that when a "Fist Holder" finds such an individual who has demonstrated exceptional efforts, the "Fist Holder" gives that person, with appropriate ceremony, their "Monkey Fist."

The tradition originated during the early 1970s in Massachusetts. The originators, Robert Hiltunen and Paul Harling, together with Paul Henson, Ray Brier and Ed Houston were responsible for its spread in the Northeast Region. This recognition was later expanded and also introduced in other parts of the country. Certificates are now known to accompany the passing of the Fist.

The original award was a monkey's fist knot tied with white line. The size of the fist is that for bearing a child's "shooter" marble. The ends are of sufficient length to comfortably tie or link about the wearer's neck. While some areas used different colored Fists in recognizing others of their level of responsibility, the Fist's color has generally been navy blue.

Regional Commodore's Award of Excellence

The Regional Commodore's Award of Excellence and is presented to any Northeast Region Ship that has accomplished the following during the past twelve (12) months:

Achieved Quality Unit status at the most recent re-charter;
Conducted Ship Quarterdeck (youth) leadership training during the past twelve months;
Participated in at least one district, council, Area, or Regional event; and
At least twenty percent (20%) of the youth membership are Seaman Ordinary rank or higher.

More information on the Regional Commodore's Award of Excellence.

Catherine A. Mullikan Sea Scout Volunteer of the Year Award

The Catherine A. Mullikan Sea Scout Volunteer of the Year Award and is presented to one Sea Scout each year who rendered significant service to the community, both inside and outside of Sea Scouting. The award is presented at the Regional Bridge of Honor.

More information on the Catherine A. Mullikan Sea Scout Volunteer of the Year Award.

Regional Venturing Leadership Award

The Regional Venturing Leadership Award and is presented to Sea Scout youth and adults who have rendered significant service to Sea Scouting and/or Venturing at the Area or Regional levels. By tradition at least 50 % of all award recipients are youth members of the program. The award is presented at the Regional Bridge of Honor.

More information on the Regional Venturing Leadership Award.

Commander T.J. Keane Award

The Commander T.J. Keane Award and is presented to currently registered Sea Scout officers who have rendered noteworthy service to youth thru the Sea Scouting program. The nature and value of notheworthy service may consist of a single event, decisions that vitally contributed to large numbers of youth, or to a smaller group over an extended period of time. The award is presented by the Cradle of Liberty Council at the Regional Bridge of Honor.

More information on the Commander T.J. Keane Award.