50 Miler Award
The 50-Miler Award encourages participants in the Scouts BSA program and the Venturing program to take part in a long outdoor trip. It helps them grow in skills and confidence. It invites them to plan ahead and work together. The award also encourages safe and steady travel. Many units choose this challenge because it helps youth learn about the natural world in a simple and direct way.
A trek like this shows Scouts that they can handle real tasks. They learn to carry needed gear and care for themselves on the trail or water. They also learn to trust their leaders and each other. Each day brings simple lessons about staying safe and working as a team. These lessons stay with them for a long time.
This experience helps Scouts slow down. Life on a trek moves at a steady pace. Each day brings travel, meals, and rest. These rhythms help youth pay attention to weather, terrain, and time. This calm pace helps them feel more connected to the outdoors.
The award also encourages good planning. Units prepare meals, routes, and gear weeks in advance. This shows Scouts that preparation matters. They see that planning helps everyone stay safe and enjoy the trip. This builds simple but strong habits that help them later in Scouting and in life.
What The Award Encourages
The 50-Miler Award focuses on growth. Scouts take part in a long trip and handle the tasks that come with it. They learn to move through the outdoors with care. They watch the weather, follow the route, and use their skills. This helps them trust their own judgment and work with their group.
The award also supports physical fitness. The days are active and steady. Scouts paddle, hike, bike, ride, or sail for many hours. They learn to pace themselves and stay aware of their limits. This simple approach teaches patience and helps them grow stronger.
Teamwork also plays a big part. Scouts cook together, set up camp, and share chores. These tasks teach them to care for each other. They learn that small acts of help can make the day easier for everyone. This helps them build simple leadership habits.
The award also encourages youth to enjoy the outdoors. They learn what makes each place unique. They notice water levels, trail surfaces, plants, and wildlife. They also learn why we care for these places. This forms a simple respect for the world around them.
Planning A Successful Trek
A good trip starts with planning. Leaders and youth sit down to choose a route and think about safety. They look at maps, water levels, elevation, and weather. They also decide how far they will travel each day. This early work helps them understand the path ahead.
Food planning is also important. The group selects simple meals that pack well and cook quickly. Scouts help with the menu and packing. They learn why food weight matters and why good storage keeps everyone healthy. This is a basic but important skill for outdoor life.
Gear planning takes time too. Scouts gather what they need for shelter, cooking, and safety. They talk about what they will wear and how to keep things dry. They also learn to keep packs light. This teaches them to bring only what is needed.
Leaders also think about advancement and leadership. They look for moments where Scouts can teach and guide one another. They also watch for small tasks that help youth grow. These moments fit easily into the trek. They help Scouts see that learning continues outdoors.
Covering The Fifty Miles
The award requires at least fifty miles of travel over at least five days. This slow pace helps Scouts enjoy the journey. It also keeps the trip safe and steady. The group chooses a travel method that fits their skills. They may hike, paddle, bike, ride horses, or sail.
Each day covers only part of the distance. The group does not rush. They watch the weather and adjust the day as needed. This calm pace keeps spirits high. Scouts learn to accept changes and stay focused on the plan.
Scouts also learn to handle the small tasks of daily travel. They check gear, refill water, and stay aware of time. They also learn simple navigation skills. These daily habits help keep the group on track and safe.
At the end of each day, Scouts rest and set up camp. They cook, clean, and talk about the day. This time helps them understand what went well and what should change. It also brings the group together as they prepare for another day of travel.
Life On The Trail Or Water
Life on a trek feels simple. Each day begins with packing up and preparing for travel. Scouts eat breakfast, check gear, and make sure nothing is left behind. This routine teaches them to care for their equipment and stay organized.
During the day, Scouts focus on the path or water ahead. They look for safe routes and help each other with obstacles. They also watch weather shifts. These simple habits teach awareness and responsibility.
Meals are part of the rhythm. Scouts prepare lunch and snacks that are easy to carry. They learn to share tasks and clean up after eating. This keeps the group healthy and keeps the area clean.
Evenings bring a chance to rest. Scouts set up camp, gather water, and prepare dinner. They talk about the day and enjoy the quiet. This time helps them feel connected to the group and the place they are staying. It builds calm and steady confidence.
Service Along The Way
The award requires at least ten hours of group service. This teaches Scouts to care for the places they visit. They may repair a trail, clean a campsite, or fix a portage. These tasks help them see how their actions support other users and protect the area.
Sometimes service takes place near the unit’s home. This happens when trail work is not possible on the route. Local work is still valuable. It teaches Scouts that care for the outdoors starts close to home. Simple actions make a real difference.
Service projects also teach respect for land managers. Scouts check with the proper authorities before starting work. They learn why this step matters. It keeps the work safe, helpful, and welcomed by those who manage the area.
These service hours help youth feel more connected to the outdoors. They understand that they are part of a larger effort to keep trails and waterways in good shape. This teaches them to take care of the land long after the trek is done.
Filing For The Award
After the trek, the unit leader completes the application. The form confirms the route, dates, service hours, and planning steps. This simple process helps the leader review the trip and make sure all requirements were met.
The leader also talks with the Scouts about what they learned. They reflect on the days of travel, the service project, and the time spent together. This helps them see how much they grew.
Leaders often share photos or notes from the trip. This builds memories and helps younger Scouts see what a future trek may look like. It also encourages more youth to take part in a long outdoor trip.
The award provides a way to mark the effort. It reminds Scouts that planning, steady work, and teamwork helped them reach their goal. The process also helps leaders guide the next group through the same steps.
Resources for the 50 Miler Award
National Outdoor Awards – Hiking
National Outdoor Awards – Riding
National Outdoor Awards – Aquatics
National Outdoor Awards – Adventure
Paddle Sports Troop Program Feature
Equestrian Ranger Award Elective
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 50-miler award?
The 50-Miler Award recognizes Scouts who take part in a trip of at least fifty miles over at least five days. The trip can be on water or on land. Scouts also complete service work during the trek. The award encourages planning, teamwork, and safe outdoor travel.
How long does the trip have to be?
The trip must cover at least fifty miles. It must also last at least five days. Groups can move at a steady and safe pace. They may hike, paddle, bike, sail, or ride horses.
Can we use motors during the trip?
Motors cannot count toward the fifty miles. They can be used for safety if needed. They may also be used to enter or leave a harbor or dock. The main travel must be by nonmotorized methods.
What kind of service work is needed?
Scouts must complete at least ten hours of group service. This may include fixing a trail, cleaning a campsite, or helping with a portage. If service is not possible on the route, the work can be done near the unit’s home.
Does the trip have to be continuous?
The mileage does not need to be done in one straight line. The days must still follow the five-day plan. The group must stay focused on the main purpose of the trek and complete the full fifty miles.
Do provisional groups qualify?
Yes. Provisional groups may earn the award. Chartered units may also earn it. The trip must follow the rules, and the planning must be complete and approved.
Who files the award application?
The unit or trek leader fills out the form. They confirm the route, dates, and service hours. The form is then turned in at the local council service center.
Can younger Scouts take part?
Yes, as long as they are ready for the physical demands. Leaders must use good judgment. They should follow safety rules and make sure each Scout is prepared for the distance and pace.
Growing Through Every Mile
A 50-Miler trip brings simple lessons that last. Scouts travel, plan, cook, and serve together. These tasks help them grow in confidence and skill. They also learn to enjoy the outdoors in a calm and steady way.
Each trek brings challenges. Weather changes. Trails shift. Gear needs care. Scouts learn to face these moments with patience. They also learn to lean on the group for support.
Service adds meaning to the trip. Scouts help care for the land. These small acts remind them that they are responsible for the places they explore. They learn that stewardship is part of outdoor life.
The award helps Scouts look back on the miles they traveled and the work they completed. They see how far they have come. They also look ahead with simple confidence, ready for the next adventure.
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