National Outdoor Award Camping Segment Requirements

The award is earned through real camping experience. Scouts spend nights outdoors, work on key merit badges, and learn from trained leaders. Each part of the requirement helps them understand the outdoors in a deeper and more personal way.

By the time a Scout earns the Camping segment, they have built strong habits that stay with them. They know how to plan ahead, respect nature, and help others. These habits make every trip safer and more fun. They also prepare Scouts for bigger adventures in the future.

The National Outdoor Awards program honors real outdoor experience. It encourages Scouts to get outside, build skills, and stay active. This program is all about learning by doing. A Scout earns each part only through hands-on time in the outdoors.

There are six areas in the program. These are Camping, Aquatics, Conservation, Hiking, Riding, and Adventure. Each area has its own badge and its own goals. A Scout can focus on one area or work toward all six.

The center emblem brings the whole program together. It shows that all these skills help a Scout grow in confidence and understanding. The outer segments show progress in each area. The more a Scout explores, the more the full emblem comes to life.

These awards encourage time outside, real effort, and personal growth. They help youth build important skills and discover new interests. Over time, many Scouts find that this program guides them toward bigger challenges and stronger leadership.

A Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer may earn the National Outdoor Badge for Camping upon successfully completing the following requirements:

1. Earn the First Class rank, Sea Scout Apprentice rank, or complete Venturing Ranger Award requirements 1–6.
2. Complete the Camping merit badge requirements.
3. Complete the requirements for two of the following three: Cooking merit badge or Ranger Cooking core; First Aid merit badge or Ranger First Aid core; Pioneering merit badge.
4. Complete 25 days and nights of camping—including six consecutive days (five nights) of camping (Sea Scouts may be on a boat), approved and under the auspices and standards of Scouting America—including nights camped as part of requirements 1 through 3 above. Scouts must complete six consecutive days (five nights) of the 25 nights at a Scouting America accredited resident camp.

A gold device may be earned for each additional 25 nights of camping. A silver device is earned for each additional 100 nights of camping. The youth may wear any combination of devices totaling his or her current number of nights camping.

Click here for a printable copy of the National Outdoor Award Camping Segment Requirements

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National Outdoor Award Adventure Segment Requirements

National Outdoor Award Aquatics Segment Requirements

National Outdoor Award Conservation Segment Requirements

National Outdoor Award Hiking Segment Requirements

National Outdoor Award Riding Segment Requirements

What Is the Camping Segment?

The Camping segment is part of the National Outdoor Awards. It rewards Scouts who spend many nights outdoors and build strong camping skills. It shows that a Scout has real experience and knows how to camp safely.

Who Can Earn This Segment?

Scouts, Sea Scouts, and Venturers can earn it. They must meet the rank or core requirements for their program. They also need to complete certain merit badges and spend many nights camping.

How Many Nights of Camping Do I Need?

You need 25 nights of camping. This must follow Scouting standards. At least six of those nights must be part of one long stay at a resident camp. Sea Scouts may camp on a boat for these nights.

Do the Nights From My Camping Merit Badge Count?

Yes. Nights used for the Camping merit badge count toward the 25 nights. Nights used for Cooking, First Aid, or Pioneering work also count if they were done during Scouting events.

Can I Earn More Than One Device?

Yes. You can earn a gold device for each extra 25 nights. You can earn a silver device for each extra 100 nights. You can wear any mix of devices that shows your total nights.

Do I Need to Do Anything Special at Camp?

You need to camp under safe Scouting rules. You need to follow your leaders and take part in camp activities. You must learn skills like setting up tents, caring for gear, and keeping yourself safe outdoors.

Does Family Camping Count?

No. Only camping done under Scouting programs counts. Events must follow Scouting standards and be approved as part of your unit, district, or council.

Do I Need To Track My Nights?

Yes. Keep a simple log. Write down the dates, location, and purpose of each campout. Have a leader check it. This helps make sure you meet the 25-night requirement.

The Camping segment of the National Outdoor Awards honors real time spent outdoors. It rewards Scouts who build strong camping skills and learn how to care for themselves in the woods. It encourages youth to get outside, sleep under the stars, and grow through hands-on experience. Each night outdoors helps them gain confidence and learn something new.

This segment focuses on safe and skilled camping. Scouts learn how to pitch a tent, cook simple meals, and stay safe in different weather. They also learn how to care for the land and work with others. These skills make each trip smoother and more enjoyable. With time and practice, even tough conditions feel easier to handle.

To earn this segment, a Scout must meet rank or core requirements and complete key merit badges. They also need 25 nights of camping under Scouting rules. At least six of those nights must be part of one long stay at a resident camp. These requirements help a Scout grow through real outdoor experience.

Many Scouts keep going after they earn the segment. They can add gold devices for each extra 25 nights and silver devices for each extra 100 nights. These devices show steady growth and a love for camping. They also encourage deeper adventures and stronger outdoor skills.