To earn the Venturing Ranger award, a young man or woman must complete eight core requirements and four electives. One of the core requirements is Wilderness Survival.

By completing the Venturing Ranger Award requirements for Wilderness Survival, a Venturer must learn how to survive in the wild, focusing on things like hydration, fire making, food, and shelter. The Venturer must also share these skills with others.

Venturing Ranger Award Core Requirement – Wilderness Survival

1. Write a risk management plan for an upcoming crew high adventure activity such as a whitewater canoeing or rock-climbing trip. The plan should include nutrition, health, first aid, supervision, insurance, safety rules and regulations, proper equipment, maps and compass, in-service training, environmental considerations, emergency and evacuation procedures, and emergency contacts.
2. From memory, list the survival priorities and explain your use of each in a survival situation.
3. Learn about and then make a tabletop display or presentation for your crew, another crew, a Cub or Boy Scout group, or another youth group on the following subjects:
   1. Emergency signals used in the outdoors
   2. Search and rescue patterns
   3. Evacuation procedures and value of when to move and when not to move in a wilderness emergency
4. Explain the following environmental exposure problems. Discuss what causes them, signs and symptoms, and treatment.
   1. Hypothermia
   2. Frostbite
   3. Sunburn
   4. Heat exhaustion
   5. Heat cramps
   6. Heat stroke
5. Hydration
   1. Explain dehydration and the necessity of conserving fluids in a survival situation.
   2. Explain at least four methods of obtaining water in the outdoors and demonstrate at least two ways to purify that water.
6. Fire making
   1. Demonstrate at least two different fire lays-one for cooking and one for warmth.
   2. Learn and discuss the use of fire starters, tinder, kindling, softwoods, and hardwoods in fire making.
7. Explain and demonstrate how you can gain knowledge of weather patterns using VHF band radio and other radios, winds, barometric pressure, air masses and their movements, clouds, and other indicators.
8. Knots and lashings
   1. Explain the different rope materials and thicknesses that are best for wilderness use and how to care for them.
   2. Know the use of and demonstrate how to tie the following knots and lashings:
      1. Sheet bend
      2. Fisherman’s knot
      3. Bowline
      4. Bowline on a bight
      5. Two half hitches
      6. Clove hitch
      7. Timber hitch
      8. Taut-line hitch
      9. Square lashing
      10. Shear lashing
9. Food
   1. Explain the usefulness and drawbacks of obtaining food in the wilderness, including things to avoid.
   2. Prepare and eat at least one meal with food you have found in the outdoors.
10. Survival kit
    1. Make a list of items you would include in a wilderness survival kit and then make copies to hand out to visitors to your wilderness survival outpost camp.
    2. Using your list, make a wilderness survival kit. Explain the use of each item you have included.
11. Outpost camp
    1. Set up a wilderness survival outpost camp and spend at least two nights and two days in your site.
    2. Use and demonstrate several knots and lashings from requirement (h) in your wilderness survival campsite demonstration.
    3. Know how to plan a wilderness shelter for three different environments and then build a shelter as part of your wilderness survival campsite demonstration.
    4. Have your crew, another crew, a Cub or Boy Scout group, or another youth group visit you in your outpost for a presentation you make on wilderness survival (at least one hour).

Remember to use the Leave No Trace principles you learned.

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The 50 Miler award recognizes Scouts who go the distance, literally. This recognition can be earned by Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers, and Scout leaders. If your unit went on a trek this summer, your members might have earned this award.

Basically, the 50 Miler award requirements say that you must go 50 consecutive miles in five days or more without the use of motorized transportation. You can go on foot, on bicycle, in a boat, or even use pack animals. While on your trip, you do a service project.

See the complete requirements for the 50 Miler Award below:

50 Miler Award Requirements

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.

1. Cover the trail or canoe or boat route of not less than 50 consecutive miles; take a minimum of five consecutive days to complete the trip without the aid of motors. (In some areas pack animals may be used.)
2. 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.)
3. 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.

For more information, see this article in Scouting Magazine: How Scouts can earn the 50 Miler Award

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Purchasing information: Gerber 31-000701 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Kit

From the manufacturer:

Bear Grylls and Gerber Team Up
The Ultimate Kit is part of the Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Series of gear. This collaboration brings together Gerber’s 70+ years of knife and gear expertise with Bear Grylls’ extensive outdoor survival and adventure experience to create a one-of-a-kind line of knives, tools, and gear.

From spending time in the British SAS, to scaling Mount Everest, Bear knows what it takes to be a survivor in extreme situations and multiple environments. Now he brings that knowledge to the creation of a range of items that help you make the most of your outdoor adventures.

Heavy-Duty Survival Kit for the Toughest Spots
Ideal for hard-core outdoor adventurers, the Ultimate Kit has everything you need to stay safe and alive until you can be rescued or rescue yourself.

The 15-piece kit includes the Gerber miniature multi-tool, which offers stainless steel, weather-resistant components including needle nose pliers, wire cutters, fine edge and serrated knives, a Phillips screwdriver, small and medium flat drivers, a lanyard ring, a bottle opener, and tweezers. This tool’s rugged construction and external components make it a reliable multi-tasker, even in the harshest environments.

Rugged, Ready-to-Go Tools and Accessories
In addition to the multi-tool, the Ultimate Kit comes with a lightweight ripstop nylon bag with a waterproof zipper for weather-resistant storage and an array of tools and accessories, including a miniature light, a hand saw, a signaling mirror, a survival blanket, a fire starter, waterproof matches, cotton ball fire tinder, a snare wire, an emergency cord, waxed thread, a fishing kit, and a sewing kit.

Includes Survival Guide and SOS Instructions
For added peace of mind and a higher level of preparedness, this kit comes with land to air rescue and SOS instructions. It also includes Bear Grylls’ informative Priorities of Survival pocket guide, loaded with survival basics.

What’s in the Box
Nylon pouch, multi-tool, miniature light, hand saw, signaling mirror, survival blanket, fire starter, waterproof matches, cotton ball fire tinder, snare wire, emergency cord, waxed thread, fishing kit, sewing kit, pocket survival guide, and rescue instructions.

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The methods of Scouting are the ways that Scouting’s aims of developing character, citizenship, and fitness in youth are achieved. One of the methods for Boy Scouts is “the outdoors”.

Being outdoors presents Boy Scouts with challenges and adventures. Boys enjoy the independence of getting away from home and taking care of themselves.

How can this method be incorporated into a Boy Scout program:

• Lots of outdoor activities – aim for at least one opportunity for Scouts to participate in an outdoor activity each month
• Regular camping adventures – try some different locations
• Ask the youth leadership what they would like to do with your outdoor program and give them the support they need to make it happen
• Encourage adults to attend supplemental training so you can incorporate challenging activities in your outdoor experience – like canoeing, rock climbing, shooting sports

What does your unit do with this method? If you have a creative or unusual idea which you think others could benefit from, add it in the comments below.

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Yesterday I wrote about the Troop Program Feature for Shooting. As I mentioned, our troop will be having a shooting outing later this summer. As part of that outing, they will have the opportunity to earn the Shotgun Shooting merit badge. So I thought I’d follow up today with a post with the requirements.

First they will have to demonstrate that they understand the safety requirements and local regulations. Then they will have to qualify with a high enough score, either with a modern shotgun or with a muzzle loader.  Our troop will be using modern shotguns. Some scouts might not qualify, but they can always try again in the future. We usually try to do a shooting outing at least once every two years. In the past, our scouts have seems to find it easier to qualify at shotgun shooting than at rifle shooting.

Remember, if your troop is planning on doing a shooting activity, you should note that you will need an adult with the proper certification. Check with your local council for details.

Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge Requirements

1. Do the following:
   1. Explain why BB and pellet air guns must always be treated with the same respect as firearms.
   2. Describe how you would react if a friend visiting your home asked to see your or your family’s firearm(s).
   3. Explain the need for and use and types of eye and hearing protection.
   4. Explain the main points of the laws for owning and using guns in your community and state.
   5. Explain how hunting is related to the wise use of renewable wildlife resources.
   6. Successfully complete a state hunter education course, or obtain a copy of the hunting laws for your state, then do the following.
      1. Explain the main points of hunting laws in your state and give any special laws on the use of guns and ammunition, and
      2. List the kinds of wildlife that can be legally hunted in your state.
   7. Explain to your counselor the proper hygienic guidelines used in shooting.
   8. Identify and explain three shotgun sports. Identify places in your community where you could shoot these sports and explain how you can join or be a part of shooting sports activities.
   9. Give your counselor a list of sources that you could contact for information on firearms and their use.
   10. Do ONE of the following options:
       1. Shotgun Shooting (Modern Shotshell Type) Option
          1. Identify the principal parts of a shotgun, action types, and how they function.
          2. Identify and demonstrate the rules for safely handling a shotgun.
          3. Identify the parts of a shotgun shell and their functions.
          4. Identify the various gauges of shotguns. Explain which one you would pick for use and why.
          5. Identify and explain the fundamentals of safely shooting a shotgun.
          6. Identify and explain each rule for safely shooting a shotgun.
          7. Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely shoot moving targets, using the fundamentals of shotgun shooting.
          8. Identify the materials needed to clean a shotgun.
          9. Demonstrate how to clean a shotgun safely.
          10. Discuss what points you would consider in selecting a shotgun.
          11. Shooting score required—Hit at least 12 (48 percent) out of 25 targets in two 25-target groups. The two groups need not be shot in consecutive order.
          12. Shooting skill rules:
              1. Targets may be thrown by a hand trap, manual mechanical, or on any trap or skeet field. Note: If using a hand trap or manual mechanical trap, the trap operator should be at least five feet to the right and three feet to the rear of the shooter. If throwing lefthanded with a hand trap this should be reversed.
              2. All targets should be thrown at a reasonable speed and in the same direction.
              3. Targets should be generally thrown so as to climb in the air after leaving the trap.
              4. Scores may be fired at any time, either in formal competition or in practice.
              5. Any gauge shotgun not exceeding 12 gauge may be used.
              6. Standard clay targets customarily used for trap and skeet are to be used.
              7. Any ammunition, either factory or hand loaded, may be used.
              8. Shooters must shoot in rounds of 25. Rounds need not be shot continuously or on the same day (the term “round” refers to a single series of 25 shots).
          13. Muzzle-Loading Shotgun Shooting Option
              1. Discuss a brief history of the development of the muzzle-loading shotgun.
              2. Identify principal parts of percussion and flintlock shotguns and discuss how they function.
              3. Demonstrate and discuss safe handling rules of a muzzle-loading shotgun.
              4. Identify the various grades of black powder and their proper use.
              5. Discuss proper safety procedures pertaining to black powder use and storage.
              6. Discuss proper components of a load.
              7. Identify proper procedures and accessories used for loading a muzzle-loading shotgun.
              8. Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and attitude necessary to safely shoot a muzzle-loading shotgun on a range, including range procedures.
              9. Shoot a moving target with a muzzle-loading shotgun using the five fundamentals of firing the shot.
              10. Identify the materials needed to clean a muzzle-loading shotgun properly and safely.
              11. Demonstrate how to clean a muzzle-loading shotgun safely.
              12. Identify the causes of a muzzle-loading shotgun’s failing to fire and explain or demonstrate proper correction procedures.
              13. Discuss what points you would consider if selecting a muzzle-loading shotgun.
              14. Shooting score required—Hit at least five out of 15 targets.
              15. Shooting skill rules:
                  1. Targets may be thrown by a hand trap, manual mechanical, or on any trap or skeet field. Note: If using a hand trap or manual mechanical trap, the trap operator should be at least five feet to the right and three feet to the rear of the shooter. If throwing lefthanded with a hand trap this should be reversed.
                  2. All targets should be thrown at a reasonable speed and in the same direction.
                  3. Targets should be generally thrown so as to climb in the air after leaving the trap.
                  4. Scores may be fired at any time, either in formal competition or in practice.
                  5. Any gauge shotgun not exceeding 10 gauge may be used.
                  6. Standard clay targets customarily used for trap and skeet are to be used

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One of the resources which BSA provides for Boy Scout troops is a set of troop program feature guides. Youth leaders can use these guides to plan a series of meetings and outings around a single theme.  You can read more about the various themes available in my post Troop Program Features for Meetings and Outings.

Our troop is planning a shotgun shooting outing in August, so they will probably be looking at some of the ideas in the Shooting program feature. Shooting is always a popular activity with the Scouts and they will enjoy it more if they are prepared. So hopefully the youth leadership will present some information to prepare them in the meetings leading up to the outing.

If your troop is planning on doing a shooting activity, you should note that you will need an adult with the proper certification. Check with your local council for details.

You can find this resource on the Scouting.org website on the Troop Program Features page. The shooting program feature can be found in Volume 3 on that page. The program feature guide includes general plans for four meetings and and outing.

Youth leaders who are using these plans should look at them as a resource rather than a cookie cutter way to do things. Part of leadership is taking an idea and making it fit your own unit. For example, the plans cover archery, rifles, shotguns, and muzzle-loaders. Our youth leadership might want to just focus on shotguns.

So if your troop is planning to do some shooting sports over the summer, check out this resource. It will serve as a good jumping of point for planning.

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Scoutmaster Clarke Greene – of The Scoutmaster Podcast fame – is developing a database of high adventure destinations.  I love the idea! Adding a little adventure to a program keeps older Scouts engaged.

I hope the mid section of the country gets filled in over time. Currently it looks like most of the sites are on the periphery. And while we have some beautiful country just south of here in the Ozarks, it would be great to know of any Scout high adventure programs in the area, for both our Boy Scout Troop and our coed Venture Crew. The youth I am working with seem to carry through on their plans more if they can start with a program rather than planning adventures from scratch.

So go check it out! And if you are not a subscriber to his podcast, give that a listen while you are there also. This is definitely one of my favorite Scout podcasts. As you might guess by the name, it is focused on the Boy Scout program.

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Last August, BSA released its new Outdoor awards. These awards recognize Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts who really get into outdoor activities. The five badges are for camping, hiking, aquatics, riding, and adventure. There is a center badge which is earned when the first badge is earned also. There are also gold and silver devices which can be attached to the badges for additional achievements.

I wrote previous  posts about the camping award, the hiking award, the riding award, and the aquatics award. Today I am promoting the adventure award – the last in the series.

Like the other awards in this series, there are not a lot of requirements, but they will take some time to achieve. Our troop is sending a contingent to Philmont this summer, so between the trip itself and all of the training hikes, along with regular troop activities, some might meet the requirements.

You can learn more about this program at the BSA website.

National Outdoor Badges – Adventure

1. Earn the First Class rank.
2. Complete either the Wilderness Survival or the Emergency Preparedness merit badge.
3. Complete 10 of any combination or repetition of the following adventure activities under the auspices of the Boy Scouts of America:
   1. A backpacking trip lasting three or more days and covering more than 20 miles without food resupply
   2. A canoeing, rowing, or sailing trip lasting three or more days and covering more than 50 miles without food resupply
   3. A whitewater trip lasting two or more days and covering more than 20 miles without food resupply
   4. A climbing activity on open rock, following Climb On Safely principles, that includes camping overnight
   5. Earn the National Historic Trails Award
   6. Earn the 50-Miler Award
   7. Attend any national high-adventure base or any nationally recognized local high-adventure or specialty-adventure program

Items 3a-g may be repeated as desired. A single activity that satisfies multiple items in 3a-g may be counted as separate activities at the discretion of the unit leader. Similarly, a single activity that doubles an item in 3a-d may be counted as two activities at the discretion of the unit leader. A gold device may be earned for each additional five activities. A silver device is earned for each additional 20 activities. The Scout may wear any combination of devices totaling his current number of activities.

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Since yesterday’s post was somewhat related to Leave No Trace, I thought I’d post the requirements for Boy Scouts for the Leave No Trace award. Boy Scouts will complete a couple of these requirements while working their way toward Eagle Scout.

Note that these are different than the requirements for Cub Scouts and for Scouters. If you are working with Cub Scouts, check out my Cub Scout Leave No Trace page instead.

There is additional information available from the Scouting.org website and on the Leave No Trace website.

Boy Scout Leave No Trace Award Requirements

1. Recite and explain in your own words the principles of Leave No Trace, and discuss how an ethical guideline differs from a rule.
2. On three separate camping trips with your troop or team, demonstrate and practice the Leave No Trace skills appropriate to the trip.
3. Earn the Camping and Environmental Science merit badges.
4. Participate in a Leave No Trace-related service project that reduces or rehabilitates recreational impacts. Discuss with your troop or team which recreational impacts were involved with the project.
5. Give a 10-minute presentation on a Leave No Trace topic approved by your unit leader to a Scouting unit or other interested group.
6. Teach a Leave No Trace-related skill to a Scouting unit or other interested group.

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I’m heading off for a full week of camping! Our Boy Scout troop did a week of traditional camp in June. Now we’re off to Swift Base at S bar F Scout Ranch. Normally Swift offers weeks of summer camp for Venturers and Explorers, but this week our local Catholic Committee on Scouting is sponsoring a high adventure week for Boy Scouts.

Swift is located on Nims Lake, so many of the activities are on the waterfront, including water skiing, tubing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Our Scouts will also have the opportunity to participate in rock climbing, rappelling, ropes challenge courses, horseback riding, mountain biking, rifle shooting, and archery.

This is the third year our troop has participated in this camp at Swift and I’m really looking forward to another great week.

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