National Outdoor Award Riding Segment Requirements
The Riding segment of the National Outdoor Awards program helps Scouts grow through outdoor travel. This part of the program focuses on moving across the land in different ways. A Scout can ride a bike, a horse, a boat, or even skates. Each activity teaches balance, safety, and good preparation.
Riding also builds confidence. When a Scout completes many miles, they learn how to plan ahead and stay steady. They learn how to handle different weather and terrain. They learn to trust their skills and equipment. These lessons stay with them for life.
The Riding segment encourages steady work. A Scout must earn a related award and complete many miles. These miles must be done through Scouting. This helps make sure the Scout is growing in real outdoor experience. It also helps leaders guide the Scout along the way.
Many Scouts enjoy this segment because it is flexible. They can choose the kind of riding that fits their interests. Some like cycling. Some like horseback riding. Others enjoy motor boating or skating. All of these can lead to the same goal. Each mile brings the Scout closer to the award.
Wheels, Hooves, And Everything In Between
The National Outdoor Awards program honors real outdoor experience. It is built for Scouts who love to be outside. It is not earned by shortcuts or digital work. It is earned by time outdoors, steady effort, and real skills. Many Scouts enjoy this challenge because it gives clear goals they can work toward.
This program has six areas. These are camping, aquatics, conservation, hiking, riding, and adventure. Each area focuses on a part of outdoor life. A Scout can earn one area or many. Each area teaches different lessons. Some teach how to care for the land. Some teach how to travel over long distances. Some teach how to enjoy water safely. All of them help a Scout grow.
The awards fit together around a center patch. Each segment has its own picture and design. When a Scout earns more segments, they add them around the center. This shows others what they have done. It also encourages the Scout to keep going. It is a simple system, but it motivates Scouts in a strong way.
The program also offers devices for extra effort. When a Scout earns more miles or nights or hours, they can add gold or silver devices. These small marks show long-term commitment. They tell a story of time spent learning outdoors. Many Scouts enjoy watching their progress add up over the years.
National Outdoor Award Riding Segment Requirements
- Earn the First Class rank, Sea Scout Apprentice rank, or complete Venturing Ranger Award requirements 1-6.
- Complete at least one of the following:
- Cycling merit badge or Ranger Cycling/Mountain Biking elective and 100 miles of cycling
- Horsemanship merit badge or Ranger Equestrian elective and 20 miles of horseback riding
- Motorboating merit badge or Ranger Watercraft elective and 100 miles of motor boating
- Skating merit badge or Ranger Winter Sports elective and 20 miles of skating
- Complete 200 miles of riding activities, including cycling, stock riding, skating, motor boating, mountain boarding, (including ATV or PWC riding at an approved council program), under the auspices of Scouting America, including the miles in requirement 2.
A gold device may be earned for each additional 100 miles of riding. A silver device is earned for each additional 400 miles of riding. The Scout may wear any combination of devices totaling his current number of miles of riding.
Related Resources
National Outdoor Award Adventure Segment Requirements
National Outdoor Award Aquatics Segment Requirements
National Outdoor Award Camping Segment Requirements
National Outdoor Award Conservation Segment Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of riding can count?
Many types can count. Cycling, horseback riding, motor boating, skating, and mountain boarding all work. ATV or PWC riding can also count if done at a council program.
Do my miles have to be done in Scouting?
Yes. All miles must be done through Scouting. This helps make sure the trips meet safety rules and good outdoor practices.
Do I have to choose only one type of riding?
No. You can mix different types. You can bike some miles and skate others. You can ride horses or use a boat. All of these count toward the total.
Do I need to earn a merit badge first?
Yes. You need to earn one related badge or complete the matching Venturing Ranger requirement. The badge you choose depends on the type of riding you plan to do.
How many miles do I need?
You must complete 200 miles. This includes the miles used to earn your first riding requirement. All miles must be done under Scouting.
Can I earn more devices after I finish?
Yes. You can earn a gold device for each extra 100 miles. You can earn a silver device for each extra 400 miles. You can wear any mix that shows your total miles.
Can I repeat the same route many times?
Yes. You may repeat routes. The important part is that the miles are real and done through Scouting.
Do I need to track my miles?
Yes. Keep good records. Write down the date, location, type of riding, and miles. A leader should check your log.
Can adults ride with me?
Yes. Adults can join the activity. But only youth earn the award.
Miles, Mud, And Maybe Sore Legs
The Riding segment of the National Outdoor Awards program celebrates outdoor travel. It covers many ways to move across the land. A Scout can bike, ride a horse, skate, use a motorboat, or try other approved methods. All of these help the Scout build real outdoor skill. The focus is on time outside, steady progress, and safe habits.
This segment asks the Scout to earn a related merit badge or Venturing requirement. After that, the Scout must complete many miles of riding. These miles must be done through Scouting. This helps keep the trips safe and well planned. It also helps the Scout grow under the guidance of leaders.
Many Scouts like this segment because it offers choice. They can pick the type of riding that fits their interests. Some prefer long bike rides. Others enjoy time with horses. Some like watercraft. Some enjoy skates or boards. Each type teaches balance, care, and confidence.
The Riding segment also rewards extra effort. When a Scout completes more miles, they can earn gold and silver devices. These show long-term commitment and steady progress. Over time, the Scout sees how their miles add up. It becomes a record of real experience outdoors.
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