For the National Outdoor Award Adventure Segment, Scouts or Venturers must become adept at preparing for outdoor activities. Then they undertake some demanding high-adventure activities like backpacking, paddling, sailing, climbing, or something similar.
The National Outdoor Awards salute those in Scouts BSA and Venturing who excel in outdoor pursuits. A center emblem is given with the first award, and segments are awarded for each completed discipline. These segments surround the center emblem, and extra devices are available for further accomplishments.
The same awards also commend Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Sea Scouts for their enthusiasm in outdoor activities like camping, hiking, aquatics, riding, adventure, and conservation. A central badge is awarded initially, with gold and silver devices that can be added to signify additional achievements.
Older scouts looking for a challenge might find this series of badges intriguing. It can spice up their scouting experience if things are becoming mundane. Share this information with your youth leadership. Encourage them to consider integrating it into their program. It could be an engaging way to enhance their outdoor experiences.
National Outdoor Award Adventure Segment Requirements
A Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer may earn the National Outdoor Badge for Adventure upon successfully completing the following requirements:
- Earn the First Class rank, Sea Scout Apprentice rank, or complete Venturing Ranger Award requirements 1-6.
- Complete the requirements for one of the following: Wilderness Survival, Search and Rescue, or Emergency Preparedness merit badges or Ranger Wilderness Survival core, Ranger Emergency Preparedness core, or Ranger First Aid elective.
- Complete 10 of any combination or repetition of the following adventure activities under the auspices of the Boy Scouts of America:
a. A backpacking trip lasting three or more days and covering more than 20 miles without food resupply
b. A canoeing, rowing, or sailing trip lasting three or more days and covering more than 50 miles without food resupply
c. A whitewater trip lasting two or more days and covering more than 20 miles without food resupply
d. A climbing activity on open rock, following Climb On Safely principles, that includes camping overnight
e. Earn the National Historic Trails Award.
f. Earn the 50-Miler Award.
g. 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.
Related Resources for National Outdoor Award Adventure Segment
Wilderness Survival Merit Badge
Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge
Wilderness Survival Ranger Core Requirement
Emergency Preparedness Ranger Core Requirement
Wilderness Survival Merit Badge
Scouts pursuing the Wilderness Survival merit badge develop essential skills for staying safe in the wilderness. They learn to recognize and steer clear of dangers while participating in backcountry outings. Key elements include assembling a first aid kit, constructing a shelter from natural materials, treating water to make it safe for drinking, being mindful of weather patterns, and learning to ignite a fire without the use of matches. This elective merit badge plays a supportive role for Scouts BSA, as it can contribute towards meeting the criteria for the National Outdoor Award adventure segment.
Search and Rescue Merit Badge
The Search and Rescue merit badge offers Scouts a specialized understanding of search and rescue (SAR) missions. As part of the requirements, Scouts delve into the safety protocols, vocabulary, and command hierarchy associated with SAR operations. They also get to differentiate between wilderness, urban, and water search and rescue missions. This merit badge not only adds to their skill set but can also be applied to the National Outdoor Award adventure segment, further aligning their learning with broader scouting objectives.
Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge
The Emergency Preparedness merit badge is integral in teaching Scouts how to handle various emergencies. While working on this badge, Scouts learn to respond to situations like fires, car crashes, natural calamities, household emergencies, and water-related incidents. They become familiar with community readiness strategies and explore the diverse careers in the field of emergency preparedness. In addition to its valuable life skills, the completion of this merit badge fulfills a requirement for the National Outdoor Award adventure segment, reinforcing the Scouts’ commitment to being prepared and responsible.
Wilderness Survival Ranger Core Requirement
Venturers focusing on the Wilderness Survival Ranger Core requirement are engaging in a vital aspect of outdoor education. They must acquire and hone outdoor survival skills, encompassing the knowledge and practical ability to endure challenging wilderness situations. This core requirement not only prepares Venturers for potential real-life scenarios but also serves as one of the options to earn the National Outdoor Award adventure segment. It emphasizes the importance of survival skills and aligns with broader goals within the scouting community.
Emergency Preparedness Ranger Core Requirement
The Emergency Preparedness Ranger Core requirement is about more than personal readiness; it’s about imparting this crucial knowledge to others. By working on this requirement, a Venturer learns how to handle various emergencies and then takes the initiative to share these skills. This creates a ripple effect, spreading awareness and preparedness within the community. It’s a valuable approach that doesn’t just fulfill a requirement for the National Outdoor Award adventure segment but also builds a culture of safety and readiness, extending the impact of the Venturing program beyond the individual.
First Aid Ranger Elective
The First Aid Ranger elective is a distinct component within the Ranger Award that allows Venturers to hone their skills in emergency medical response. Its emphasis on assembling a personal first aid kit and educating others to do likewise, along with completing specialized training in emergency first aid or EMT, underscores the importance of readiness for medical emergencies. The elective serves a dual purpose, fostering individual capabilities while also satisfying a requirement for the National Outdoor Award adventure segment. It’s vital to recognize that the First Aid Ranger Elective is separate from the Ranger First Aid Core Requirement, each having unique criteria and goals.
National Historic Trails Award
The National Historic Trails award connects Scouts BSA and Venturing members with local history through hands-on experiences. To earn this award, which also fulfills a requirement for the National Outdoor Award adventure segment, participants must locate a historic site or trail, learn about it, and spend two days hiking or camping nearby. They must also work with an adult group like a historic society to restore or mark the site, or organize a public event related to it. These activities not only foster community engagement but provide a unique way for young individuals to immerse themselves in the history and culture of their area.
50 Miler Award
The 50 Miler award is an achievement in Scouts BSA and Venturing that can be applied towards the National Outdoor Award adventure segment. It’s earned by hiking, paddling, or riding (either cycling or horseback) a total of 50 miles across at least five consecutive days, without the use of motors. Along with the physical journey, to earn this award, the unit members must also plan and take part in a service project. It’s a unique blend of adventure and community service that encourages young individuals to challenge themselves while contributing to their community.
Frequently Asked Questions about the National Outdoor Award Adventure Segment
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