Scouts in Great Rivers Council can earn colored beads for participating in various scouting activities. Belt totems and beads can be purchased at the Scout Shop.
| Color | Meaning |
| Blue | Good Weather |
| Black | Rain |
| White | Snow on the activity |
| Purple | Below freezing |
| Clear | Below zero |
| Red | Full week of summer camp |
| Yellow | Any district activity |
| Light Blue | Any Council activity, except summer camp (this would include Conclaves) |
| Pink | Order of the Arrow Ordeal weekend |
| Orange | National or Regional event (except high adventure) |
| Green | Philmont |
| Brown | High Adventure Base |
| Green Marble | Council NYLT |
| Boots | HIKE with Blue: Good Weather Black: Rain White: Snow |
| Canoes | WATER TRIP with Blue: Good Weather Black: Rain White: Snow |
| Stars | Special beads at discretion of organizer |
Some notes about beads:
- Light Blue can be used for OA Conclaves, training weekends, special events, etc.
- Those who organize district, council, and high adventure trips are encouraged to supply the proper color bead to all participants as part of their fees.
- Beads are to be given for ANY troop activities, i.e. Campouts, Service Projects, Day Hikes, etc.
- The COLOR to be given for each activity, if more than one is possible, is at the discretion of the local unit.
- It is *encouraged* that one pair of beads be given per activity. Some units may elect to give one bead per night, however this is not the official policy of the Great Rivers Council.
