The Direct Leader Service Award is given in recognition of noteworthy service to Scouting by unit leaders, registered in units belonging to the Potawatomi District of the Northeast Illinois Council, BSA. The award recognizes leaders of a Cub Scout Pack, Scouts BSA Troop, or Venturing Crew.

The purpose of this award is to recognize noteworthy service of volunteers who are in a position of direct leadership to scouts including Cubmasters and their Assistants, Scoutmasters and their Assistants, and Venturing Advisors and their Assistants. The award is meant to encourage initiative, interest, responsibility and cooperation from adult leaders in promoting and carrying out good Scouting programs in direct contact with scouts. The nominee must be registered in the District with at least one year of service as a Direct Leader. Excluded are Committee Members or non-registered adults. Each unit is eligible to award up to two (2) Direct Leader Service Awards each year.

The commissioner shall consult with the unit leader and/or chartered organization representative and decide who to recognize. The award is given only for direct leader service and must be in keeping with the provisions included in the award application.

Upon approval, the nominee will be recognized at the District Awards Dinner. If they are unable to attend, the award can be presented at an appropriate unit ceremony.