Trevor Wayman and Peter Candlin, who are both members of Glendon District Scouts, have been given the Silver Wolf Award "for services of the most exceptional character."
Mr Wayman, 70, of Windermere Road, and Mr Candlin, 74, of Kipling Road, both
of Kettering, are the only two people in Northamptonshire to receive the award this year and are among about 30 people nationally to be awarded it.
The Silver Wolf Award is an unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout and is often given to members who have devoted many years of service to the movement.
Mr Wayman has been rewarded for his years of service in many different roles and Mr Candlin has been recognised primarily for his years of service as a treasurer.
They were presented with their awards at Wellingborough Masonic Hall earlier this month.
Mr Wayman said: "I've just been doing what is asked of me and I have enjoyed it all. I couldn't believe it when I found out. I was very honoured.
"I started in 1958 as an assistant Scout master and I have been group leader, district commissioner, assistant county commissioner, group chairman and district chairman.
"I've been in the movement continuously since I was eight and I've always been in Northamptonshire.
"I've seen so many changes, some I didn't particularly like, but it is still proving successful and if you don't change, you don't go forward."
Mr Candlin said: "I was very proud to get the award. I joined in the 1950s when I was doing National Service with the RAF in Singapore.
"I spent 19 years as a treasurer at Kettering and now at Glendon after we merged. When we merged we had to give our money back to the county headquarters and claim it back. It was very complicated and I couldn't write a cheque for a year, but I kept it moving.
"I think the Scouts is a very good movement. It helps keep youngsters off the streets and helps them with their careers.
"It is beneficial to people when they are going for jobs when they show they can look after themselves and work in a team."
The Silver Wolf Award is worn around the neck and is suspended from a dark green and yellow supporting ribbon. It was first handed out by the scout movement's founder, Lord Robert Baden-Powell.
Former Scout leader Lyle Abbott, of Wellingborough Road, Irthlingborough, received the award in 2008.
