By early 1916, the Long House (the national office of the L.S.A.) sought to promote quality as part of the reports and comments sent in by the boys. At first, consideration had been given to making cash payments for quality contributions. Although a good idea, it was quickly superseded by announcing in May of 1916 several grades of Merit Medals. This action initiated a bronze medal on a ribbon for a third prize, a silver medal for a second prize, and a gold medal for first prize.

Contributions were categorized for prose, poetry, drawings and photographs. Judging the quality of the contributions required subjective judgments by the editors, which often resulted in inconsistencies. The outcome of this subjectivity may have discouraged some who did not feel they "had a way with words." It remained, however, that for those Lone Scouts who felt they had a talent and were willing to work to develop their skills, literary and artistic achievements were obtained.

Perhaps no other system of recognition would have attracted so many boys who probably never would have otherwise developed those skills.

To recognize continuing superior achievements in contributing, the Long House announced late in 1917 that a Lone Scout who had been awarded all three medals had the highly prized distinction of the authority to use the initials L.S.C. (Lone Scout Contributor) after his signature. Earning that distinction in communicating and contributing brought real prestige among Lone Scouts competing with themselves and others.