50 Miler Award

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.

1. Make complete and satisfactory plans for the trip, including the possibilities of advancement, conservation, leadership, and service.
2. 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.
3. 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.)

Your unit leader must then file the 50 Miler Award application with your local council service center.

Helps and ideas for this award are found below:

Hiking Activities

If you are out with a goal oriented group and you want them to take some time to explore, consider adding one or more additional hiking activities.

National Outdoor Badges – Hiking

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.

National Outdoor Badges – Riding

When I first looked at this badge, I didn’t realize that riding covers both horseback riding and bike riding, Hopefully your Scouts BSA Troop program includes one or both of those activities.

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles Book Series

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.

Paddle Sports Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA

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.

50 Mile Canoe Trip Pin

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."

Cycling Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn how to enjoy excursions on their bicycles while working on the Cycling merit badge. There is an emphasis on safety and planning in the requirements. There are options for completing the requirements by road biking or by mountain biking. The requirements can be completed by Scouts with any level of experience in cycling.

Backpacking Merit Badge Helps and Documents

While doing the requirements for the Backpacking merit badge, Scouts learn to plan and execute a safe trek in the back-country. Treating water, Leave No Trace, map and compass skills, GPS, stoves, and sanitary concerns are all covered by this badge. After preparation, Scouts demonstrate their skills by participating in several backpacking treks.

Hiking Merit Badge Helps and Documents

While working on the requirements for the Hiking merit badge, Scouts learn how to plan for a safe hike, considering their route, hazards, equipment needed, the weather conditions, and more. Then they put their knowledge to work by going out on several hikes. Afterwards they reflect on their experience.

Kayaking Merit Badge Helps and Documents

By doing the requirements for the Kayaking merit badge, Scouts learn to safely glide across the water. They familiarize themselves with kayaking equipment and techniques. Then they put their paddling knowledge to use by demonstrating their skills on the water.

Hiking Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA

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.

Canoeing Merit Badge Helps and Documents

By doing the requirements for the Canoeing merit badge, Scouts prepare for a safe trip on the water in a canoe. They demonstrate that they have the skills to control the canoe. They learn how to maintain canoes, paddles, and PFDs. Then they demonstrate their knowledge by taking a trip on the water.

Equestrian Ranger Award Elective Helps and Documents

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.

National Outdoor Awards – Adventure Segment Requirements

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.

National Outdoor Awards – Aquatics Segment Requirements

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.

Horsemanship Merit Badge Helps and Documents

By doing the requirements for the Horsemanship merit badge, Scouts learn to safely enjoy riding a horse. They find out about the care and anatomy of horses. They show that they can groom a horse and care for the saddle and bridle. Scouts demonstrate their knowledge by riding a horse and using a variety of skills.

Cycling/Mountain Biking Ranger Elective Helps and Documents

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.

Land Navigation Ranger Core Requirement Helps and Documents

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.

Watercraft Ranger Elective Helps and Documents

To earn the Watercraft elective for the Venturing Ranger award, Venturers must learn to safely operate a paddle craft, board sail, or sailboat.

Backpacking Ranger Elective Helps and Documents

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.