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Camping Awards
50 Miler Award ~ Boy Scout Conservation Good Turn Award ~ Firem'n Chit Award ~ Historic Trails Award ~ Kayaking BSA Award ~ Mile Swim Award ~ National Honor Patrol Award ~ Paul Bunyan Woodsman Award ~ Leave No Trace Boy Scout Award ~ National Camping Award ~ Totin' Chip Award |
50 Miler Award
This Award is meant for Boy Scouts.
Decide for yourself if it is appropriate for your younger scouts or not.
The primary objective of this program is to stimulate Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturer interest in the ideals of the movement and to promote activity that will result in personal fitness, self-reliance, knowledge of wood lore, and a practical understanding of conservation.
Chartered unit participation is most desirable; however, provisional groups are eligible. This award does not apply if any other is available for a trip.
The new patch is shown to the right above the older patch.
The Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer unit or provisional group must follow these rules for a 50-Miler trip:
Select a suitable trail or waterway.
Adult leaders older than 21 must make the entire trip.
If the trip is five hundred miles or more from homes of group members (local council camp excepted) or crosses national boundaries and into the territory of other nations, a National Permit Application, No 34419, is necessary. For trips and overnight camps less than five hundred miles, use a Local Tour Permit Application, No. 34426.
The 50 Miler Award is available as a Cloth or Leather Patch or a Decal.
It is NOT worn on the Uniform, but may be attached to equipment, jackets, backpacks, patch vests or blankets, etc.
The 50-Miler Award is presented to each qualifying individual for satisfactory participation in an approved trip. In order to qualify for the award the group of which the individual is a member must fulfill all of the following requirements.
Make complete and satisfactory plans for the trip, including the possibilities of advancement.
Cover the trail or canoe or boat route of not less than 50 consecutive miles (a maximum of 10 miles per day); take a minimum of 5 consecutive days to complete the trip without the aid of motors. (In some areas pack animals may be used.)
During the time on the trail or waterway, complete a minimum of 10 hours each of group work on projects to improve the trail, springs, campsite, portage or area. If after checking with recognized authorities, it is not possible to complete 10 hours each of group work on the trail, a similar project may be done in the unit's home area ( There should be no unauthorized cutting of brush or timber.)
Unit or tour leader must then file a 50-Miler Award application with the local council service center. This application gives additional details about planning the trip.
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Boy Scout Conservation Good Turn Award
This Award is meant for Boy Scouts.
Decide for yourself if it is appropriate for your younger scouts or not.
Conservation has always been an integral part of the program of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts have rendered distinguished public service by helping to conserve wildlife, energy, forests, soil, and water. Past generations of Scouts have been widely recognized for undertaking conservation Good Turn action projects in their local communities.
The Conservation Good Turn is an opportunity for Boy Scout troops to join with conservation or environmental organizations (federal, state, local, or private) to carry out a conservation Good Turn in their home communities. Working together in the local community, the unit and the agency plan the details and establish the date, time and location for carrying out the project.
Conservation projects should involve the entire troop - scouts, leaders, and family members. Hands-on projects help Boy Scouts realize that everyone can do things to care for the environment. Scouts participating in the Conservation Good Turn can also meet some advancement requirements.
Agencies to contact for project ideas:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Forest Service
Bureau of Land Management
National Park Service
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
local City Works department
Audobon Society
Trout Unlimited
Some suggested projects could be:
Plant shrubs to provide food and cover for wildlife.
Conduct stream improvement projects to prevent erosion.
Plant tree seedlings as part of a managed forestry plan.
Assist a local agency with a trout stream restoration project.
Develop a nature trail in a public park.
The patch can be worn as a temporary insignia.
Pick up an application form from your local council office
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Firem'n Chit Award
This Award is meant for Boy Scouts.
Decide for yourself if it is appropriate for your younger scouts or not.
This certification grants a Scout the right to carry matches and build campfires.
There is a wallet card and patch available.
To earn this certification, the Scout must show his Scout leader, or someone designated by his leader, that he understands his responsibility to do the following:
Read and understand fire use and safety rules from the Boy Scout Handbook.
Secure necessary permits (regulations vary by locality).
Clear all flammable vegetation at least 5 feet in all directions from fire (total 10 feet).
Attend to fire at all times.
Keep fire-fighting tools (water and/or shovel) readily available.
Leave fire when it is cold out.
Subscribe to the Outdoor Code and Leave-No-Trace.
The Scout's 'Firem'n Rights' can be taken from him if he fails in his responsibility.
(In our troop, we tear off a corner from the wallet card for any minor infraction. When all four corners are gone, the scout loses his fireman rights.)
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Historic Trails Award
This Award is meant for Boy Scouts.
Decide for yourself if it is appropriate for your younger scouts or not.
To earn the Historic Trails award, members of your unit must plan and participate in a historic activity.
See a list of Approved Historic Trails at the national BSA site.
A unit historic activity requires members to:
Locate a historic trail or site and study information relating to it. (This information may be obtained from an adult historic society, public library, or from people living near the trail or the site.)
Hike or camp 2 days and 1 night along the trail or in the vicinity of the site.
Cooperate with an adult group such as a historic society to restore and mark all or part of this trail or site. (This may be done during the hike or overnight camp.) Or cooperate with such a group to plan and stage a historic pageant, ceremony, or other public event related to this trail or site : such event should be large enough to merit coverage by the local press.
Your unit leader must then file the Historic Trails Award Application with your council service center.
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Kayaking BSA Award
This Award is meant for Boy Scouts.
Decide for yourself if it is appropriate for your younger scouts or not.
The BSA Kayaking Award Patch is not worn on the scout uniform. It is worn on the left side of the swim trunks.
Download the Kayaking Application Form and the Kayaking Information Page
Requirements
Before fulfilling the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA Swimmer test.
Do the following:
Describe various types of kayaks and how they differ in design, materials, and purpose.
Name the parts of the kayak you are using for this exercise.
Demonstrate how to choose an appropriately sized kayak paddle and how to position your hands.
Do the following:
Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe trip afloat.
Demonstrate how to select and properly fit a PFD.
Explain the importance of safety equipment such as PFDs, air bags, grab loops, and helmets.
Demonstrate your ability to aid yourself and others in the event of a capsize:
Capsize your kayak in water at least seven feet deep, perform a wet exit if necessary, and swim the boat to shore.
With assistance, if needed, ready the capsized craft for use.
Show how to approach a capsized paddler in your kayak and tow him to shore.
While upright in your kayak, right a capsized kayak, empty it of water, and assist the paddler aboard without returning to shore.
As a solo paddler, demonstrate the following:
Entering and launching a kayak from shore or dock.
Landing or docking and exiting a kayak.
Forward stroke
Sweep stroke
Reverse sweep
Draw stroke
Rudder stroke
Back stroke
As a solo paddler, do the following:
Paddle forward in a reasonably straight line.
Move the kayak sideways to the right and to the left.
Pivot 360 degrees to the right and left.
Stop the kayak.
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Mile Swim Award
This Award is meant for Boy Scouts.
Decide for yourself if it is appropriate for your younger scouts or not.
The BSA Mile Swim patch is to be worn on the left side of swim trunks. It is not to be worn on the scout uniform.
Requirements
Explain how regular exercise contributes to good health and why swimming is one of the best forms of exercise.
Tell what precautions and procedures a swimmer and escort must follow for distance swimming over open water.
Under the supervision of a currently qualified certified aquatics instructor, BSA or equivalent, participate in 4 hours of training and preparation for distance swimming (1 hour a day maximum).
Swim 1 mile (1,600 meters) over an approved, measured course.
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National Honor Patrol Award
This Award is meant for Boy Scouts.
Decide for yourself if it is appropriate for your younger scouts or not.
The very best patrols exhibit enthusiasm, teamwork, and camaraderie - that special spark known as patrol spirit.
The National Honor Patrol Award is given to patrols whose members make an extra effort to have the best patrol possible. Your patrol can earn the award by doing the following over a period of three months.
Your patrol may earn multiple award patches by meeting the requirements in additional 3 month time periods.
Have a patrol name, flag, and yell. Put the patrol design on equipment and use the patrol yell. Keep patrol records up-to-date.
Hold two patrol meetings each month.
Take part in at least one hike, outdoor activity, or other Scouting event.
Complete two Good Turns or service projects approved by the patrol leaders' council.
Help two patrol members advance in rank.
Have at least 75 percent of members in full uniform at troop activities.
Have a representative attend at least three patrol leaders' council meetings.
Have eight members in the patrol or experience an increase in patrol membership.
Each unit leader determines if a patrol qualifies for the National Honor Patrol Award. The patch is an embroidered gold star (BSA No. 00367) worn around the patrol emblem and purchased at Scout shops or council service centers. There is no application form.
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Paul Bunyan Woodsman Award
This Award is meant for Boy Scouts.
Decide for yourself if it is appropriate for your younger scouts or not.
A scout that has earned his Totin' Chip can demonstrate advanced woodsman skills by teaching Totin' Chip skills to other scouts and completing a woodsman work project.
There is a wallet card and patch for backpack or blanket available.
To earn this certification, study the Boy Scout Handbook and the Camping merit badge pamphlet, and demonstrate to your Scoutmaster or other qualified person the following:
Show that you have earned the Totin' Chip.
Help a Scout or patrol earn the Totin' Chip and demonstrate to him (them) the value of proper woods-tools use on a troop camping trip.
With official approval and supervision do ONE of the following:
Clear trails or fire lanes for 2 hours.
Trim a downed tree, cut into 4-foot lengths and stack; make a brush pile with branches.
Build a natural retaining wall or irrigation way to aid in a planned conservation effort.
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Leave No Trace Boy Scout Award
This Award is meant for Boy Scouts.
Decide for yourself if it is appropriate for your younger scouts or not.
Leave No Trace is a plan that helps people to be more concerned about their environment and to help them protect it for future generations. Leave No Trace applies in a backyard or local park (frontcountry) as much as it does in the wilderness (backcountry).
Leave No Trace is an awareness and an attitude rather than a set of rules. We should practice Leave No Trace in our attitude and actions wherever we go.
Leave No Trace Backcountry Guidelines
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Scout Award Requirements:
Recite and explain the principles of Leave No Trace.
On three separate camping/backpacking trips demonstrate and practice the principles of Leave No Trace.
Earn the Camping and Environmental Science merit badges, OR share with a Scouter your understanding and knowledge of the Camping and Environmental Science merit badge pamphlets.
Participate in a Leave No Trace related service project.
Give a 10-minute presentation on a Leave No Trace topic approved by your Scoutmaster.
Draw a poster or build a model to demonstrate the differences in how we camp or travel in high-use and pristine areas.
Adult Award Requirements:
Recite and explain the principles of Leave No Trace.
On three separate camping/backpacking trips demonstrate and practice the principles of Leave No Trace.
Share with another Scouter or Venturing leader your understanding and knowledge of the Camping and Environmental Science merit badge pamphlets.
Actively assist (training, advice, and general supervision) a Scout in planning, organizing, and leading a service project related to Leave No Trace.
Assist a minimum of three Scouts in earning the Leave No Trace Awareness Award.
Plan and conduct a Leave No Trace awareness for Scouts, Venturers, Scouters, or an interested group outside Scouting.
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National Camping Award
This Award is meant for Boy Scouts.
Decide for yourself if it is appropriate for your younger scouts or not.
The National Camping Award is both an annual and a cumulative award for units which receive a ribbon for the troop flag. Individuals, scouts, and scouters can also qualify for a cumulative patch by participating in campouts with their families, or patrols as well as unit campouts. Any combination of unit and individual campouts can be used to qualify for the individual cumulative award. Use the National Camping Award Form to record its campouts and apply for awards. An individual can use the National Camping Individual Award Form to record his campouts and apply for awards.
The patch is an individual award for which all members of a unit may not qualify. Only those members who have met the cumulative camp out levels may qualify for one of the four awards. Each individual member needs to keep track of his personal campouts and have them approved by the scoutmaster. The patch can be placed on a backpack or worn as a temporary badge on the uniform.
To earn the annual National Camping Award, a unit must have reached one of these levels of camping achievement:
10 days and nights of camping - Unit Award Number 17831
20 days and nights of camping - Unit Award Number 17832
30 days and nights of camping - Unit Award Number 17833
50 days and nights of camping - Unit Award Number 17834
To earn the cumulative National Camping Award, a unit must fulfill one of the following levels of camping during the entire history of the unit:
100 days and night of camping - Unit award Number 17827
250 days and night of camping - Unit award Number 17828
500 days and night of camping - Unit award Number 17829
1000 days and night of camping - Unit award Number 17830
The ribbon can also be displayed with the troop flag.
Individual scouts and scouters can also qualify for a National Camping Award patch provided that the required cumulative number of days and nights of camping has been met. This total can include any combination of camping with the scouts family, patrol or unit.
100 days and nights of camping - Patch Number 00296
250 days and nights of camping - Patch Number 00297
500 days and nights of camping - Patch Number 00298
1000 days and nights of camping - Patch Number 00299
Both the unit and individual cumulative awards are retroactive to January 1, 1991.
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Totin' Chip Award
This Award is meant for Boy Scouts.
Decide for yourself if it is appropriate for your younger scouts or not.
This certification grants a Scout the right to carry (totin'!) and use woods tools.
This is a very important wallet card to have onhand at all times when camping.
There is a wallet card and patch available.
To earn this certification, the Scout must show his Scout leader, or someone designated by his leader, that he understands his responsibility to do the following:
Read and understand woods tools use and safety rules from the Boy Scout Handbook.
Demonstrate proper handling, care, and use of the pocket knife, ax, and saw.
Use the knife, ax, and saw as tools, not playthings.
Respect all safety rules to protect others.
Respect property. Cut living and dead trees only with permission and with good reason.
Subscribe to the Outdoor Code.
The Scout's 'Totin' Rights' can be taken from him if he fails in his responsibility.
(In our troop, we tear off a corner from the wallet card for any minor infraction. When all four corners are gone, the scout loses his totin' rights.)
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Nischa Achowalogen Lodge
