National Outdoor Award Adventure Segment Requirements
The Adventure segment of the National Outdoor Awards program is for Scouts who enjoy pushing themselves in the outdoors. It recognizes real experience. It also shows steady skill with outdoor travel and safety. This segment is earned through effort, training, and time outside. It is a good choice for Scouts who want to grow as leaders and helpers on tough trips.
This segment focuses on activities that test stamina and judgment. These activities include backpacking, whitewater trips, climbing, and long treks on land or water. Each activity teaches something important. Scouts learn how to prepare, how to travel safely, and how to make decisions when things change. These lessons help them become confident and capable outdoors.
The Adventure segment also connects Scouts with the best outdoor programs in Scouting. High-adventure bases and specialty programs give them a chance to try new skills. They learn from trained staff and from the land itself. These trips often become favorite memories. Many Scouts return home wanting to do even more.
Working on the Adventure segment takes commitment. Scouts complete many trips and service projects. They also finish training in areas like survival or emergency help. Each step builds strength and readiness. When a Scout earns this segment, it shows real time spent outdoors. It also shows a love of challenge and a desire to serve others.
A Look At The Big Picture
The National Outdoor Awards program celebrates Scouts who spend real time outside. It honors camping nights, long hikes, tough rides, and many miles on land and water. The program has six areas. These areas are camping, hiking, riding, adventure, aquatics, and conservation. Each area has a badge segment with clear requirements. Scouts earn the center emblem first. Then they add segments as they gain experience.
This program is flexible. A Scout can focus on the areas they enjoy most. A Scout can also try new outdoor skills. Each segment teaches something different. This helps Scouts grow in many directions. It also gives them time to learn safe habits. These habits help them guide others. Many Scouts become strong leaders because they spent time in this program.
The National Outdoor Awards also reward consistency. Scouts who complete extra activities can earn devices. These small pins show continued effort. They mark long-term progress. They also remind Scouts of the hours spent outdoors learning and exploring. Many Scouts collect several devices over time.
This program helps a unit plan meaningful outdoor activities. It encourages trips that teach things Scouts can use for life. It also supports outdoor fun with a purpose. When Scouts work toward these awards, they build confidence. They also make memories that stay with them for years.
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
National Outdoor Award Aquatics Segment Requirements
National Outdoor Award Camping Segment Requirements
National Outdoor Award Conservation Segment Requirements
National Outdoor Award Hiking Segment Requirements
National Outdoor Award Riding Segment Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Adventure segment?
It is part of the National Outdoor Awards program. It shows that a Scout has strong skills in outdoor travel and safety. It also shows real experience in challenging outdoor trips.
Who can earn the Adventure segment?
Scouts, Sea Scouts, and Venturers can earn it. They must meet the basic rank or award steps for their program first.
What kind of activities count?
Activities include backpacking, canoeing, rowing, sailing, whitewater trips, climbing, and certain long-distance awards. High-adventure trips also count. A Scout must complete ten activities. Some activities can be repeated.
Do activities need to be done with a unit?
Yes. All activities must be done under Scouting leadership. The trips must follow Scouting policies and safety rules.
Can one trip count for more than one activity?
Yes. A unit leader may allow one trip to count for more than one item if it meets the rules. A long trip may also count twice if it doubles the miles or days.
What training is required?
A Scout must complete one of several options. These include Wilderness Survival, Emergency Preparedness, or Search and Rescue. Venturers have similar choices in the Ranger program.
What are devices?
Devices are small pins worn with the badge. Gold devices are earned for each five extra activities. Silver devices are earned for each twenty extra activities.
Do high-adventure bases count?
Yes. Attending a national high-adventure base counts as one activity. Local high-adventure programs may count too if they are recognized.
How long does it take to earn the segment?
It varies. Some Scouts complete it in a year. Others take longer. It depends on trip plans and how often the unit goes outdoors.
Why should a Scout earn this segment?
It builds strong outdoor skills. It teaches safety and planning. It also helps a Scout grow as a leader. Many Scouts say it is one of their favorite achievements.
Trail Tales And Tired Boots
The Adventure segment is for Scouts who enjoy real challenge in the outdoors. It rewards long trips, steady training, and skill with outdoor travel. Scouts complete activities like backpacking, paddling, climbing, and whitewater journeys. Each trip teaches planning, safety, and teamwork. These lessons help Scouts grow into calm and ready leaders.
This segment also gives Scouts a reason to try new experiences. Many trips take them to places they have never seen before. High-adventure bases and specialty programs add even more options. These trips build confidence. They also help Scouts understand how to handle weather, distance, and risk.
The Adventure segment takes time and effort. Scouts must finish a training requirement first. Then they complete ten adventure activities. Some trips can count more than once if they qualify. Extra trips earn devices that mark continued progress. By the end, a Scout has a record of strong outdoor skills.
Many Scouts remember these trips for years. They make friends, learn new skills, and discover joy in hard work. The Adventure segment is a clear sign of their growth. It shows they have gained experience that will help them in other parts of life.
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