Historic Trails Award

Scouts spend a lot of time learning skills and having fun outdoors. The Historic Trails Award brings those things together with history. It helps Scouts learn how people lived, worked, and traveled in the past. By visiting real places, Scouts see that history is not just in books. It is part of the land around them and the community they live in today.

This award encourages Scouts to slow down and pay attention to their surroundings. Trails, old roads, and historic sites all have stories to tell. Many of these places are close to home. Scouts often walk or camp near them without knowing their importance. This program helps units discover those stories and share them with others in a meaningful way.

The Historic Trails Award also supports teamwork. Scouts work together to plan trips, do research, and complete service projects. They learn how to listen to others and follow plans. These skills help Scouts grow as leaders. They also help the unit work better together during outings and meetings.

Another important part of this award is service. Scouts give time and effort to protect and share local history. They may help clean a site, mark a trail, or support a public event. These actions help the community. They also help Scouts feel proud of their work and understand their role as citizens.

Finally, this award helps Scouts build respect for the past. Learning how earlier generations faced challenges gives Scouts a wider view of life today. It shows how values like teamwork, service, and care for the land have lasted over time. That connection is one of the main goals of the Historic Trails Award.

The Historic Trails Award is a program offered through Scouting America. It recognizes units that plan and complete a special historic activity. This activity must include learning, outdoor time, and service. The goal is to help Scouts understand the history of a trail or site and take part in preserving it for others.

To earn the award, members of your unit must plan and participate in a historic activity. A unit historic activity requires members to

1. . Locate a historic trail or site and study information relating to it. (The information may be obtained from an adult historic society, public library, or people living near the trail or site.)
2. Hike or camp two days and one night along the trail or in the vicinity of the site.
3. 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 an 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 local council service center.

This award focuses on real places with real stories. A historic trail might be an old travel route, a trade path, or a road used long ago. A historic site might be a fort, bridge, town area, or campsite. The key is that the place has meaning and a documented past that Scouts can study.

Scouts do not just visit these places for a quick stop. The program requires time spent hiking or camping nearby. This allows Scouts to experience the area in a deeper way. Sleeping near a historic site often makes the history feel more real and easier to remember later.

Service is a required part of the award. Scouts must work with an adult historic group to improve or support the site. This may include restoration work, trail marking, or helping with a public event. The service should connect directly to the history of the place and help others learn about it.

When all requirements are complete, the unit applies for the award through their local council. Both youth and adults who took part may receive recognition. The award shows that the unit took time to learn, serve, and explore history together in a thoughtful way.

The Historic Trails Award is open to both youth and adults. It is not limited to one program level. Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts may all take part. This makes it a good choice for many different units. Each group can adapt the activity to fit the age and skill level of its members.

Youth members earn the award by taking part in the full historic activity with their unit. They must be involved in learning about the site, hiking or camping, and completing the service or public event. Participation matters more than perfection. The focus is on learning and teamwork, not expert knowledge.

Adult leaders may also earn the award. They must take part in the planning and activity with the unit. This includes working with the historic society and helping guide the Scouts. Adults who participate show Scouts that learning and service are important at every age.

Families may also be involved, depending on the unit and activity. Parents often help with transportation, meals, or supervision. This can make the project easier to manage and more enjoyable. Family involvement also helps strengthen the unit and build community support for the project.

Because the award is earned as a unit activity, it encourages everyone to work together. No one earns it alone. This shared experience helps build strong bonds within the group. It also helps younger Scouts learn from older youth and adults during the project.

A key part of the Historic Trails Award is working with a local historic society or group. These groups care for historic places and know their stories well. They are often happy to help Scouts learn and get involved. Reaching out early makes planning easier and helps build a strong partnership.

Historic societies can help units choose a good trail or site. They know which locations need help and which are safe for youth groups. They can also share maps, photos, and background information. This saves leaders time and helps Scouts get accurate details about the history of the place.

Many historic groups provide guidance during service projects. They can show Scouts how to mark a trail, clean a site, or make simple repairs. This helps ensure the work is done correctly. It also teaches Scouts how to follow instructions and respect rules when working on important locations.

Some groups help cover costs for materials. They may provide signs, tools, or supplies needed for the project. Others help plan public events like ceremonies or pageants. These events often draw attention from the community and local media, which helps share the story of the site.

Working with a historic society teaches Scouts how to cooperate with adults outside their unit. Scouts learn to communicate clearly and act responsibly. These partnerships often last beyond one project. Many units return to help the same site again in the future.

The Historic Trails Award has three main requirements that work together. First, the unit must locate a historic trail or site and study it. Scouts gather information from a historic society, library, or local residents. This research helps Scouts understand why the place matters and what happened there in the past.

The second requirement involves outdoor activity. Scouts must hike or camp for two days and one night along the trail or near the site. Camping can be done in many ways. Options may include tents, cabins, or even staying in a nearby home or hotel if needed.

Spending the night near the site helps Scouts connect learning with experience. Walking the land and seeing the area up close makes history easier to picture. Scouts often notice details they would miss during a short visit. This time outdoors also supports Scouting skills and teamwork.

The third requirement focuses on service or public engagement. Scouts must work with an adult group to restore or mark part of the trail or site. Another option is planning a historic event for the public. The event should be large enough to attract community attention.

All three parts must be planned and completed by the unit. Leaders should keep notes and records during the project. After everything is finished, the unit leader submits the application to the local council. This step completes the process and allows members to receive the award.

Good planning makes the Historic Trails Award easier and more fun. Start by choosing a site that fits your unit’s age and abilities. Younger Scouts may do better with short hikes and simple service tasks. Older Scouts can handle longer trips and more detailed projects. Match the plan to your group.

Contact the historic society early. Share your ideas and ask for suggestions. These groups often know what work needs to be done and when. Early contact also helps avoid scheduling conflicts. It shows respect for their time and makes cooperation smoother for everyone involved.

Plan the overnight portion carefully. Think about weather, distance, and safety. Make sure the campsite or lodging fits your group size. Review the Guide to Safe Scouting and follow all youth protection policies. Clear plans help parents feel comfortable and help Scouts stay focused.

Break the project into small tasks. Assign roles to Scouts so everyone has a job. This keeps Scouts involved and reduces confusion. Simple jobs like note taking, trail marking, or setup can help Scouts feel useful and responsible during the activity.

Finally, build in time for reflection. After the activity, talk about what Scouts learned and how they helped the site. This helps connect the experience to Scouting values. It also makes the project feel complete and meaningful for the whole unit.

After the historic activity is complete, the final step is submitting the application. The unit leader is responsible for this task. The application is filed with the local council service center. It confirms that all requirements were met and that the activity followed program guidelines.

Before submitting the form, review the project details. Make sure the unit completed research, an overnight activity, and a service or public event. Check that cooperation with a historic society took place. Clear records make the application process smoother and prevent delays.

It helps to keep notes during planning and the activity. Photos, schedules, and contact names can be useful. These records also help tell the story of the project later. Units may want to share their experience at meetings or in newsletters.

Once the application is approved, youth and adults who participated may receive recognition. This may include a patch or certificate, depending on council practices. The award serves as a reminder of the work completed and the history learned.

Submitting the application also closes the loop with the historic society. Let them know the project is complete and thank them again. This courtesy helps maintain good relationships and leaves the door open for future projects together.

Historic Trails Award Application

What is the Historic Trails Award?

The Historic Trails Award is a Scouting program that combines history, outdoor activity, and service. A unit studies a historic trail or site, spends time hiking or camping nearby, and works with a historic group on a project or event. Youth and adults who take part may earn the award.

Who can earn the Historic Trails Award?

Youth and adults in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts may earn this award. It is earned as part of a unit activity, not by individuals working alone. Everyone who participates and meets the requirements may receive recognition.

Do Cub Scouts really camp overnight for this award?

Yes, but the overnight activity should fit the age of the Scouts. Cub Scouts may stay in cabins, homes, or other approved lodging near the site. The goal is to spend two days and one night in the area, not to do difficult camping.

What counts as a historic trail or site?

A historic trail or site is a place with documented history. This could be an old road, settlement area, bridge, fort, or travel route. Local libraries and historic groups can help confirm if a place qualifies.

Do we have to work with a historic society?

Yes. Working with an adult historic group is required. This group helps guide the project and ensures the work supports the site. Many groups enjoy working with Scouts and are willing to help with planning and materials.

What kind of service project is required?

Scouts may help restore or mark part of a trail or site. Another option is helping plan a public event, ceremony, or pageant related to the site. The service should connect directly to the history and benefit the community.

Can the service project and camping happen on the same trip?

Yes. Many units plan the hike, camp, and service project as part of one weekend. This often makes planning easier and helps Scouts see how all parts of the award fit together.

How long does the project take to plan?

Planning time varies. Simple projects may take a few weeks. Larger projects may take several months. Contacting the historic group early helps speed up planning and avoid problems later.

Who submits the application for the award?

The unit leader submits the Historic Trails Award application to the local council service center. It is helpful to keep notes and records during the project to make this step easier.

Do we need council approval before starting?

Approval before starting is not required, but it can help to check local council guidance. Some councils may have helpful tips or forms. Following safety rules and youth protection policies is always required.

The Historic Trails Award gives Scouts a clear way to mix history with outdoor fun. Units learn about a real trail or site, spend time nearby, and complete a service project with a historic group. This structure helps Scouts connect learning with action. It also helps them see that history is something you can walk through, not just read about later.

This award works well for many Scouting programs. Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and adults can all take part. Activities can be adjusted to fit age and skill levels. Because the award is earned as a unit, it supports teamwork and shared goals. Everyone works together from planning through completion.

Working with a local historic society is an important part of the process. These groups offer knowledge, guidance, and support. They help Scouts choose good sites and meaningful projects. This partnership teaches Scouts how to work with community members and follow direction. It also helps protect historic places for future visitors.

The Historic Trails Award supports key Scouting values. Scouts practice planning, service, and outdoor skills while learning local history. They gain respect for people who came before them and the land they used. The experience often builds pride and confidence. It also reminds Scouts that history is close to home and worth caring for.