All Insignia Right Front GIFT/Bicentennial

The GIFT program elements included what for the BSA must have been a "full court press": individual emblems for youth and adult members; brass medallions for each program; special jackets and hats; certificates; neckerchiefs in two styles (for youth and adults); a special Bicentennial neckerchief slide; and during the actual Bicentennial, special stamps, booklets and key chains. This is supported by a special order booklet with additional items which local Councils could order and local Councils were encouraged to provide special emblems with their own state, community or historical flag in the place of the American historical flags shown below.

Each year during the celebration, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers and their adult leaders were encouraged to participate in a Bicentennial event supporting the theme of that year's programming:

Illustration of all five GIFT emblems

	In 1974, the GIFT program kicked off with projects aimed at chartered organizations and community organizations outside of Scouting. This emblem and coin was the first (and the most plentiful!) of the five BSA emblems.
In 1975, the Be Prepared for Life program emphasized environmental concern and care as well as personal fitness, as Cubs, Scouts and Explorers were encouraged to create and/or participate in events which recycled waste items, which cleaned areas or which provided new greenspace in our communities. Cubs, Scouts and Explorers were also encouraged to participate in the President's Physical Fitness program and adults encouraged to give blood and assist with donor programs.
	In the fall of 1975, the BSA introduced three emblems which Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and their adult leaders would be able to earn. These three emblems could be earned in any order, but each had specific types of events which would qualify them for the emblem and/or coin: This one, called "Festival '76" emphasized Scouting participating in festivals, parades, and other civic pride events during the fall of 1975 and the first half of 1976.
Between the middle of 1976 until the end of 1976, the "Heritage '76" emphasis promoted exploration and restoration of historical sites, trails, buildings and locations by Cubs, Scouts and Explorers and their adult leaders. Also during this time, the nation's official Bicentennial programs were going on, and Scouts were encouraged to be a part of non-partisan programs and events during the spring and summer. During summer camps, a special emphasis on the historical nature of the camping facility and ways that individuals as well as units can assist the camp staff in improving the camp for future Scouts.
	The final patch and coin, called "Horizons '76" were given to Cubs, Scouts and Explorers and their adult leaders whom participated in projects or events aimed at looking forward toward the next 200 years of America's life. Scouts and Explorers were encouraged to make presentations on what the next 200 years would be like; Cub Scouts were encouraged to create special homes and cars that people would be in 200 years from now.

These emblems and coins are the ones I've earned as a youth member; here's what my personal description of these emblems stated:

There are some Councils which produced local versions of these emblems. I only know of a couple. If you've got a local version of one of these awards, I would be interested in seeing a scan or even trading a couple of patches for it.

I often wondered how did the BSA come up with these designs...I love em!

These awards were designed by a SCOUT!

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