DEA Red Ribbon Week Patch Program
Last Updated: Thursday September 21, 2023
The DEA Red Ribbon Patch Program is designed to provide Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts the opportunity to earn a patch from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) by engaging in anti-drug activities in celebration of Red Ribbon Week. The purpose of the Patch Program is to empower young people to engage with their community through drug-free activities and strengthen their anti-drug beliefs.
DEA will award a Red Ribbon Patch and Certificate of Participation to qualifying Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts (while supplies last)! Check out the Scout Leader Toolkit for items you'll need to complete the program.
What are the dates of the program?
July 1 - November 30
How many patches can our Scout Troop or Unit receive?
- Patches are mailed out on a first come, first serve bases
- 1 patch per scout, per program year.
- Patches are not distributed based on the number of events/activities a scout participates in.
- Due to the limited number of patches available, make sure to submit your “Activity Report” as soon as all program requirements have been completed.
- Due to COVID-19 and limited staffing at DEA Headquarters please understand the distribution of patches will be delayed.
Who can participate in the program?
All Boy and Girl Scouts are eligible to participate.
What are the patch requirements?
- Each Scout/Troop or unit must coordinate a Red Ribbon Week activity within your local community or school.
- Activities and events must be coordinated during the program dates (July 1 – November 30) of the current year.
- Each Scout must attend or participate in a drug prevention education session.
- Each Scout must take the DEA Drug Free Pledge.
- The Scout leader must complete and submit the online “Activity Report” upon completion of all program requirements.
Can scouts earn a patch virtually?
- Yes, you can earn patches virtually.
- Check out our Red Ribbon Toolkit for amazing ways for leaders, parents and community organizations to engage with scouts.
- Create a virtual meeting with your scouts
- Bring in a guest speaker(s)
- Watch the Red Ribbon Week Music Video as a way to start a discussion
- Have scouts create posters, pictures, videos, or dances to share with each other
- Check out www.operationprevention.com for other educational tools and modules on discussing drug misuse amongst children and teens.
- Have scouts, while following local public health and safety guidelines, share messages with the community.
- Place red ribbons around the community
- Decorate houses, schools, and community centers in red
- Create a virtual GO RED event for other scouts, youth, community members or families
- Share photos, videos, or pictures on social media
- Tag DEA in Instagram and Facebook at @DEAHQ and Red Ribbon using #DEARedRibbon and #DEAScoutPatch
Need more Red Ribbon Week ideas? Visit our Red Ribbon Week page for additional ideas, videos, and more.
Scout Leader Toolkit:
Red Ribbon Patch Program Implementation Guide
Celebrating a Hero's Life—the story of Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena
Scout Leader Activity Report Form
Red Ribbon Certificate of Participation
Red Ribbon Press Release Template
Red Ribbon Public Service Announcement Template
Media Waiver Agreement (Scanned and signed media waivers may be e-mailed to Community.Outreach@usdoj.gov or sent to the mailing address:
DEA Headquarters
CP/Community Outreach & Prevention Support
Attn: Red Ribbon Patch Program
8701 Morrissette Drive
Springfield, VA 22152