Upon nomination by their local Scout council and with the approval of the National Court of Honor, recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council.

The medal consists of a silver beaver pendant suspended from a blue and white ribbon worn around the neck.

[3][4] The Silver Beaver was introduced in 1931 as a pin-on medal, but due to the heavy weight of the medallion it was switched over to a neck ribbon in mid-1932.

[5] A blue-white-blue ribbon bar was introduced in 1934 for informal uniform wear.

It used the same knot insignia, but on a blue background, as women were mostly involved in Cub Scouting during this period.