The 50 Miler award recognizes young men and women in Scouts BSA and Venturing who hike, paddle, or ride a total of 50 miles over at least 5 consecutive days. The trek must be completed without using motors. Riding can be cycling or horseback riding. To earn the award, members of your unit must plan and participate in a service project.
Make complete and satisfactory plans for the trip, including the possibilities of advancement, conservation, leadership, and service.
Cover the route of not less than 50 consecutive miles; take a minimum of five consecutive days to complete the trip without the aid of motors for the qualification of the 50-mile distance. For example, in the case of water treks and the use of motors, qualification distances exclude maneuvering in or out of slips or ports, safety/ weather transverses, managing tidal currents, and accessing the open water. (In some areas pack animals may be used.) Note: Qualification for the 50-mile distance does not have to be continuous, provided the primary purpose objective is met.
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.)
The Paddle Sports program feature helps Scouts learn how to safely enjoy non-motorized trips on the water. Scouts learn about canoeing, kayaking, or stand up paddleboarding.
We are coming up on some prime hiking season. In the spring the temperatures are mild and it isn't buggy yet. So I am reviewing my favorite hiking book - 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles. Hopefully there is one available in your area.
Reader Bruce asked "Does anyone know where I can buy a pin for scouts who completed a 50 mile canoe trip? I would ideally like a paddle shaped pin with 50 Mile on the paddle."
To complete the requirements for the National Outdoor Award Adventure Segment, a Scout or Venturer must be a proficient swimmer, have some lifesaving skills, complete the mile swim, and spend some time enjoying aquatics adventures such as swimming, paddling, fishing, or scuba diving.
The Hiking feature teaches Scouts how to prepare for a successful and safe exploration of locations near and far. Scouts learn to appreciate everything they see and experience around them as they hike trails in parks, the back-country, and urban areas.
To complete the requirements for the National Outdoor Award Adventure Segment, a Scout or Venturer must learn to be prepared during outdoor adventures. He or she must also complete a challenging backpacking, paddling, sailing, climbing, or other high-adventure activity. See the specifics , along with some related helps and awards.
Venturers working on the Equestrian Ranger Award elective learn how to prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure on horseback. They learn how to control a horse while riding and care for equipment. They also teach others about horsemanship.
To complete the Backpacking elective for the Venturing Ranger award, Venturers must learn the skills needed for backpacking and take part in several treks. Then they must share their knowledge with others.
To complete the Cycling/Mountain Biking elective for the Venturing Ranger award, Venturers must learn about maintaining a bicycle, safe riding, and trip planning. They must take several bike rides and share their knowledge with others.
To earn the Land Navigation core requirement for the Venturing Ranger award, Venturers must learn and practice map and compass skills and then teach those skills to others.
The Cycling feature teaches Scouts use their bicycles safely as a means for transportation, a form of exercise, and for fun. Cycling can develop into a skill which encourages physical fitness and is an environmentally friendly of getting around.
I don't think anyone in our troop has come close to doing this much hiking, but we do have a group currently training for Philmont, so maybe they will make these goals.
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