Outdoor Awards
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Outdoor Awards
Do you enjoy camping under the stars, rafting a whitewater river, or hitting the trail afoot, on a bike, or even on a horse? Can you pitch a tent, find your way, and bandage an ankle using only materials in your pack? Are you prepared to do any of these in rain, snow, sleet, or heat? If so, the National Outdoor Awards are for you. There is nothing virtual about these awards—you can earn them only by demonstrating knowledge and experience in the outdoors. So, if you are a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer, and think you are tough and disciplined enough to hike or ride the miles, camp the nights, run the rivers or lakes, or do the work to conserve the land, then read on and see if the National Outdoor badges or possibly the National Medal for Outdoor Achievement could be for you!
When a Scout excels in outdoor participation, there are awards to show for it! This program, conceived by the BSA’s National Camping Task Force, includes a series of six badges designed to recognize a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer who has exemplary knowledge and experience in performing high-level outdoor activities.
The award consists of up to six emblem segments positioned around the perimeter of a beautiful center emblem. All are embroidered in full color. The segments represent six areas of emphasis: Camping, Aquatics, Conservation, Hiking, Riding, and Adventure, with rigorous requirements to earn each segment. The center emblem features an outdoor scene with fleur-de-lis and the words “National Outdoor Awards.”
The six National Outdoor Awards badges recognize a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer who demonstrates knowledge and experience in camping, aquatics, conservation, hiking, riding, or adventure. Youth earning the National Outdoor Awards badges have demonstrated that they are knowledgeable, safe, and comfortable in the outdoor activity covered by the badge.
National Outdoor Awards badges may be earned in the following areas:
Camping. A Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer may earn the National Outdoor Badge for Camping upon successfully completing the following requirements:
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.
Hiking. A Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer may earn the National Outdoor Badge for Hiking upon successfully completing the following requirements:
*Only the Scouts who have already earned the Pathfinding merit badge during Scouting’s centennial celebration in 2010 and first quarter of 2011 can receive credit for this requirement. This badge has been discontinued since then, and can no longer be earned.
A gold device may be earned for each additional 50 miles hiked, backpacked, snowshoed, or skied as outlined in requirements 2 and 3. A silver device is earned for each additional 200 miles of hiking. The youth may wear any combination of devices totaling his or her current number of miles hiking.
Aquatics. A Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer, may earn the National Outdoor Badge for Aquatics upon successfully completing the following requirements:
A gold device may be earned for each additional 25 hours of aquatics activity listed in requirement 5. A silver device is earned for each additional 100 hours of aquatics activity. The youth may wear any combination of devices totaling his or her current number of hours of aquatics activity.
Conservation. A Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer may earn the National Outdoor Badge for Conservation upon successfully completing the following requirements:
A gold device may be earned for each additional 25 hours of conservation work. A silver device is earned for each additional 100 hours of conservation work (for example, the first silver device is earned at 125 total hours of conservation work). Youth may wear any combination of devices totaling his or her current number of hours of conservation work.
Riding. A Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer may earn the National Outdoor Badge for Riding upon successfully completing the following requirements:
A gold device may be earned for each additional 100 miles of riding set forth in requirement 3. A silver device is earned for each additional 400 miles of riding. The youth may wear any combination of devices totaling his or her current number of miles of riding.
Adventure. A Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer may earn the National Outdoor Badge for Adventure upon successfully completing the following requirements:
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.
As defined in the requirements for the National Outdoor Awards Program, additional achievements in any of the six areas can be recognized by placing a gold- or silver-finish device on the appropriate activity segment.
The National Medal for Outdoor Achievement is the highest recognition that a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer can earn for exemplary achievement, experience, and skill in multiple areas of outdoor endeavor. In order for a youth to earn the National Medal for Outdoor Achievement, he or she must complete the following requirements:
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National Outdoor Award Center Emblem
National Outdoor Conservation Segment
National Medal for Outdoor Achievement
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Inspiration, Information and Ideas for Scout Leaders
The National Outdoor Award program recognizes Scouts for some above-average participation in challenging outdoor activities. A combination of merit badges, rank, and activities qualify Scouts for hiking, aquatics, camping, adventure and riding awards.
The five National Outdoor Awards badges recognize a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout who demonstrates knowledge and experience in camping, hiking, aquatics,riding, or adventure. Scouts earning the National Outdoor Awards badges have demonstrated that they are knowledgeable, safe, and comfortable in the outdoor activity covered by the badge.
National Outdoor Awards badges may be earned in the following areas:
A Boy Scout or Varsity Scout may earn the National Outdoor Badge for Camping upon successfully completing the following requirements:
Hiking
A Boy Scout or Varsity Scout may earn the National Outdoor Badge for Hiking upon successfully completing the following requirements:
Aquatics
A Boy Scout or Varsity Scout may earn the National Outdoor Badge for Aquatics upon successfully completing the following requirements:
A gold device may be earned for each additional 25 hours of aquatic activity. A silver device is earned for each additional 100 hours of aquatic activity. The Scout may wear any combination of devices totaling his current number of hours of aquatic activity.
Riding
A Boy Scout or Varsity Scout may earn the National Outdoor Badge for Riding upon successfully completing the following requirements:
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.
Adventure
A Boy Scout or Varsity Scout may earn the National Outdoor Badge for Adventure upon successfully completing the following requirements:
Items under 3 may be repeated as desired. A single activity that satisfies multiple items may be counted as separate activities at the discretion of the unit leader. Similarly, a single activity that doubles an item in 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.
Clarke has worked with thousands of Scouts and Scouters as a director at his local Scout Camp (Camp Horseshoe), and as a Scoutmaster for 30 years. He is the recipient of a number of awards recognizing his service to Scouting, including the B.S.A.’s Silver Beaver, District Award of Merit, and is a Vigil Honor member of Octoraro Lodge 22. He is author of the blog and podcast at Scoutmastercg.com, The Scouting Journey , and Thoughts on Scouting . An avid outdoorsman and amateur actor, he lives in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania with his wife Teddi.
We awarded these at the most recent Court of Honor.
I’m struggling to understand the purpose of these awards. They were earned by older Scouts who don’t have any room left on their uniform. The requirements are complicated, so it isn’t obvious what the patch means. Also, the rockers don’t seem equivalent. Ten high adventure activities but only 25 nights camping? Is this Venturing-lite? Plus, the patch seems busy with loud colors. It is hard to read if you aren’t familiar with it.
Compare this to the Scouts Australia camping and walkabout (hiking) patches. A small square patch with a tent or a hiker and a number. A glance at a uniform and you know that Scout has 100 nights camping and a 150 km of hiking.
I’ve been working on the camping one. I have 55 nights so far, and I’m planning on finishing the merit badges for it next summer.
We’ve had several Scouts earn their Camping, Adventure and Hiking segments with Gold devices. Right now we have a question in with National to find out if the Silver devices come at 100 or 125 nights of camping, 200 or 300 miles hiking, etc.
Also, we’ve noticed the requirements for the Aquatics segment seem much more demanding than any of the other four areas–2 Eagle required merit badges PLUS Mile Swim PLUS a watercraft merit badge AND 25 hours on-water time, along with another 25 (for a total of 50) hours on/in-water time. Most other areas require a couple merit badges and then time spent in that area’s activity. Seemed a bit of overkill, comparatively, for the Aquatics segment to us.
We had two scouts apply. It took two tries for the scout center to understand what they were applying for since no one else in the area had put in for it.
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We hand-picked 60 pieces of field-tested gear to take your 2022 outdoor adventuring to the next level.
IT'S BEEN a strange couple of years, and most of us have been more than a little cooped up indoors. We could all use some serious outside time right now. Thankfully, summer is already in full swing. Long days, warmer weather, and plentiful sunshine make this the perfect time of year to log off, leave the phone at home, and, as they say, “touch grass.”
If you haven’t done so already, it might be time to take stock of your gear closet. What’s worth keeping? What can you donate? And what equipment needs a flat-out upgrade? Hundreds, if not thousands , of new products launch each year making shopping for the best outdoor gear daunting. Thankfully, we’ve done the hard work for you. Our editors personally tested more than 200 products for every type of outdoor adventure, including hiking, camping , backpacking, kayaking, biking, and more. We sorted out the good, the bad, and the ordinary. The result is a hand-picked list of the very best outdoor gear of 2022—thoroughly tested, researched, and reviewed.
Cotton and synthetics have their place in everyday apparel. But nothing beats Merino wool when you’re working up a serious sweat. Smartwool’s aptly named Merino Short Sleeve Tee is a simple, lightweight T-Shirt that’s versatile enough to wear just about anywhere. We especially love the UPF 20+ sun protection and have literally worn this for a week in the summer heat with zero noticeable odor. (Not that we recommend you do the same.)
KUIU’s new-for-2022 Switchback Shorts are lightweight, “everything”-resistant (including water, stains, and wear), and built with the technical details that matter for serious outdoor adventuring. A zippered thigh pocket, two-way stretch, and a reinforced pocket knife feature, all coupled with a simple, streamlined silhouette make these perfectly adaptable for the backcountry and as everyday wear.
Bandanas are one of the most versatile pieces of apparel. Buff’s Multifunctional Neckwear is like a bandana, but better. This deceptively simple, all-in-one cloth can be worn around the neck or to protect your face from the sun and the elements with powerful UPF 50 protection.
Most activewear looks like activewear. Kuhl’s Persuadr has the chops to wear well during high-intensity activities, but the clean-cut design means it can pass for everyday wear. It’s lightweight and ultra-soft with a dash of classic style. We love that versatility that makes it a great all-in-one option for day hikes, city treks, and dinners in town.
We love gear that does double, even triple , duty in the outdoors. More versatile gear means less to pack. Fjallraven’s Reversible Bucket Hat is two hats in one with a solid Patina Green on the outside, and a Patina-and-Navy block pattern on the other. Its simple, full-brim sun protection for leisurely camp days and afternoons at the beach.
Even while working out, camping, or exploring the backcountry, no man should have to suffer through sweaty drawers. We love Saxx’s form-fitting underwear with a soft, cooling fabric that helps dissipate heat and regulate your body temp during high-intensity activities. Plus, the built-in BallPark Pouch keeps your boys comfortably supported and away from your body heat.
Avid adventurers know that “ordinary” wallets aren’t built for the outdoors. Groove Life’s Groove Wallet features a slim, handsome design and rugged metal construction with just enough storage space for your most essential cards. It’s designed to help you “trim the fat” from your traditional wallet load to keep you more streamlined in the great outdoors.
Finding the perfect lightweight hoodie is almost impossible. Voormi’s versatile River Run is made of soft, Merino wool with a featherweight construction that’s great for warm-weather sun protection or as an extra layer when the temperature drops. Integrated thumb loops help keep the sleeves exactly where you want them. It’s our new go-to hoodie for year-round wear.
Armless sunglasses might sound a little confusing. But Ombraz makes them work, thanks to a built-in strap that allows you to dial in the perfect fit. We especially love the all-new Teton model with a versatile silhouette that’s both modern and retro. Without traditional arms, the design is nearly flat, so they’re perfectly packable for beach days and getting outdoors.
Arc’teryx has been our favorite outerwear brand for years. The all-new Beta LT Jacket Hadron is lightweight, comfortable, and near-bulletproof (no, not literally). Thanks to 3L Gore-Tex fabric, it’s windproof and waterproof, yet breathable. One of our testers call it “... super packable. The best lightweight rain jacket I’ve ever owned.”
We don’t often get excited about socks . But Swiftwick reinvented the game this year with the release of its Flite XT Trail line. The Swiftwick Flite XT Trail are hands-down the best sport socks we’ve ever tested for hiking and backpacking. They’re soft, supportive, and the Merino wool construction wicks away sweat like a champ.
After a hard workout, you want to give your feet the love and relaxation they deserve. OOFOS’s OOcandoo recovery sandals feature an all-new design using the much-loved OOFOS footbed and easy-to-don hook-and-loop fasteners, making them ideal for recovery, hiking, and travel.
Even the best hiking boots sometimes need a little “help.” Superfeet’s Adapt Hike Max are the best hiking-centric insoles we’ve ever tested, providing hundreds of miles of extra comfort. They’re perfect for hiking, biking, or almost any outdoor adventure that keeps you on your feet. Because they’re designed to trim, you can dial in the exact fit for your boots.
Sometimes a legit hiking boot is overkill. If you value speed and lightweight above all else, nothing beats Merrell’s aptly named Moab Speed. We’ve hardly ever had to break in a pair as they’re extremely comfortable and trail-ready right out of the box. All-around comfort, durability, and solid foot protection make this out favorite featherweight trail shoe . Plus, it’s available in Gore-Tex and non-waterproof varieties—your call.
For more casual outdoor-friendly footwear, Timberland’s 3-Eye Lug Handsewn Boat Shoes offer rugged good looks with a classic boat shoe silhouette that’s been upgraded with the brand’s popular boot lugs. The result is a deceptively simple casual shoe that’s built tough enough for the outdoors.
When only a serious hiking boot will do, we look to Salomon. The Outpulse Mid Gore-Tex is a mid-height boot with strong ankle support, out-of-the-box comfort, and a long list of technical features—many borrowed from the brand’s trail running line-up—that guarantee it’s ready to tackle any trail. For a lighter-weight alternative, go for the low-top version.
Camping furniture isn’t something most of us consider when packing for the backcountry. But, Helinox’s original, ultra-portable camp chair got a reboot this year, so it’s taller, more comfortable, and weighs just 1.5 pounds. It’s still our go-to for hiking, backpacking, and camping.
Traditional camp chairs are so 2020. For serious fireside relaxation, you need a proper camp couch . Kelty’s portable Low Loveseat has been a gamechanger for our summer camps this year. It offers more space than a traditional camp chair in an oversized form factor with plenty of room for you and your significant other (or your dog or just yourself if you’re a solo trekker who likes more room to spread out).
Sea to Summit’s flagship camping tent is so simple and clever, it’s a wonder no one thought of the design before. The lightweight design transforms from legit backpacking tent to semi-open awning/shelter and back again in seconds. Plus, it features some of the best ventilation of any camping tent we’ve ever tested.
Sleek, lightweight, and bright, BioLite’s AlpenGlow 500 delivers everything we expect in a great camping lantern . Plus, it features an array of fun lighting modes with almost infinite color combinations.
Many rooftop tents are unnecessarily complicated and expensive. Smittybilt’s GEN2 Overlander Tent XL strikes a great balance of price, utility, versatility, and user-friendliness. We love the essential features like no-see-um mesh, generous window space, and the fact that it opens up to the size of a king-size bed!
Most coolers aren’t built for the backcountry. They’re big, bulky, and insanely heavy, especially stocked with ice and beer. Enter: The Icemule Boss. It takes everything great about a cooler, turns it into a portable, waterproof bag, and adds backpacking straps, so you can take
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