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Hiking and Patches

Hikes and Patches
Hikes
Fages Trail	Folsom Lake Treks	Lake Highlanders
Monterey Historic Trail	Mt Diablo -Cub Scout	Presidio of San Francisco
Rimrovers	Skyline to the Sea Trail	Sacramento Historic Trail
Sacramento Historic Train	South Fork of the Yuba River	Sunol to Del Valle
Awards and Patches
Camper Awards	Disaster Conservation	Historic Trails
Leave No Trace	Night Hike	Puddle Stomper
Snowman Award	Webelos-Scout Weekend

Hiking in Trailblazer Area

Fages Historic Trail
The Fages Historic Trail in the hills above Berkeley and El Cerrito commemorates and follows portions of the 1772 trek by a party led by Captain Pedro Fages (pronounced "fah hace") searching for a land route around San Francisco Bay. There is a 3.3-mile version for Cub Scouts , a 10.4-mile loop for Boy Scouts , and the Fages II, a 20-mile loop for older Scouts. For those completing the trail (3.3- or 10.4-mile), there are pocket patches, jacket patches, and medals available from the Council Trading Post. For those who repeat the trail, a minature bear pin may be purchased and attached to the patch.

Description:
The 10.4-mile hike, for Boy Scouts, Venturers, and older Girl Scouts, begins and ends at Camp Herms, hiking to Inspiration point and back. Carry sufficient water, as there is none available for the first seven miles.

The 3.3-mile hike, for Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts, as well as Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts, also begins at Camp Herms then heads to the Tilden Nature Area. It requires a car shuttle, but it is nice to greet the hikers in Tilden with a picnic lunch or snack. Bring water, as there is no water on the trail until you reach the Tilden Nature Area.

The 20-mile loop is done only as a controlled hike with members of the OA (now Ut-in Sélica Lodge #58 after the merger of Oo Yum Buli and Swegedaigea lodges) cooking a lunch for hikers at the 12-mile mark and manning check points all along the trail. The Fages II, as it is called, is typically held on the last Saturday in October before Daylight Savings ends and the first Saturday in June. In addition to providing a hike to complete the Hiking Merit Badge, the OA awards a special patch (right) to the 20-mile hikers.

Overnight camping is available at Camp Herms, a Council camp at the trail terminus.
For complete information and camp reservations:
Mount Diablo Silverado Council, 1-925-674-6100.
web: http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/highfages.shtml

Folsom Lake Treks
Description:
The Folsom Lake Treks are a series of six 10 mile day hikes around Folsom Lake sponsored by Golden Empire Council, High Adventure Team. The hikes wander the perimeter of Folsom Lake, forming an excellent set of fitness hikes for all scouters. These treks can be taken separately, or they may be linked into overnight treks, using the campgrounds and minimum impact campsites around the lake. The individual segments are:

Auburn Dam to Rattlesnake Bar
Rattlesnake Bar to Granite Bay
Granite Bay to Folsom Marina
Folsom Marina to Salmon Falls Bridge
Wild Goose Flat to Peninsula Pt.
Salmon Falls Bridge to Peninsula Park Campground

More information can be found at http://www.osb.net/folsomtrek/
Sponsored by: Golden Empire Council High Adventure Team
For complete information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St.,Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Lake Highlander
Description:
The purpose of the Lake Highlanders hiking program is to increase local and out-of area awareness of the many hikes, the beautiful scenery, and abundant wildlife that the Lake County area has to offer. "An Ongoing Quest" reflects our desire to have additional hikes included in our program. Each of these hikes can be accomplished in a single day, with some of them offering additional hikes requiring an overnighter or return visit.

Lake County is a remote area and many of the hikes are similarly remote. It is highly recommended that you contact the appropriate jurisdiction to get up-to-date road and trail conditions. Some trailheads may be inaccessible due to impassable water or poor road conditions.

The Lake County area can be reached from the West via Highway 101 North of Ukiah and South of Willits. Head East on Highway 20 approximately 20 miles to the Highway 20/Highway 29 junction. A shorter but very curvy alternative is Hwy 175 out of Hopland on 101. From the East, our area can be reached from Interstate 5 North of Sacramento. At Williams, head West on Highway 20 approximately 40 miles to the junction of Highway 20/Highway 53. From the South, Lake County can be reached from the Santa Rosa area via Mark West Springs Road to Calistoga and then Highway 29 North to Lower Lake.
The individual segments include:

Anderson Marsh

Bald Mountain

Black Diamond

Boggs Mountain

Briones

Mt. Diablo

Dorn Trail

Fages Trail

Goat Rock

Mt. Konocti

Las Trampas

Redbud Trail

Snow Mountain

Mt. St. Helena

Maps are available from the different government agencies and should be carried with you for orientation purposes during these hikes. Please request a Local Tour Permit at least two weeks prior to your hike. A copy of your Tour Permit will be required for purchase of patches.

Sponsored by: Mt. Diablo Silverado Council,P.O. Box 23204,800 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, (925)674-6100
For complete current information: http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/highlander.shtml

Sacramento Historic Trail
Description:
This is a one-day 5 mile urban hike to remember and experience the California Gold Rush in Sacramento.
Requirements:
1. Hike the trail as shown on the map in the Trail guide from Sutter's Fort to Old Sacramento and return (about 5 miles).
2. Visit the State Capitol and the State Railroad Museum.
3. A Visit to Sutter's Fort is recommended. Admission is charged.
4. File a report with the Golden Empire Council listing the names of Scouts and Scouters that complete the hike.
A Patch may be purchased at the Scout Shop. Contact the Scout Shop at (916) 929-1417 or 1-800-427-1417 to determine price and place an order.
For complete information and to request the Sacramento Historic Trail Guide with maps, hike description and the report for scouters names, contact
Golden Empire Council, 251 Commerce Circle, Sacramento, CA. 95815, (916) 929-1417,
Toll Free in CA (800) 427-1417

Sacramento Historic Train Trail
Description:
This is about a 2 1/2 mile one-day urban hike plus a Light Rail ride that follows the route of the first railroad in the West!
Requirements:
1. Hike the trail as shown on the map, from the Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento to the 13th Street Station and take Light Rail to the Butterfield Station and return You can stay on the train until St. Rose of Lima Park on the K-Street Mall and walk west back to old Sacramento.Your hike should be 1 3/4 miles to the 13th Street Station and a half-mile back to Old Sacramento. Review city hiking rules in the Scout Handbook.
2. Visit the California State Railroad Museum.
3. File a report with the Golden Empire Council, listing the names of the Scouts and Scouters who completed the hike.
A patch can be purchased from the Golden Empire Council Service Center.
For complete information and to request the Sacramento Historic Train Guide with maps, hike description and the report for scouters names, contact
Golden Empire Council, 251 Commerce Circle, Sacramento, CA. 95815, (916) 929-1417,
Toll Free in CA (800) 427-1417

Monterey Historic Trail
Description:
The Monterey Historical Trail is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the earlier development of Monterey, California. The Trail has been developed for the purpose of giving units or individual members of the Boy Scouts of America an enjoyable learning experience on local history. This does not preclude use of the trail by units or individuals of other organizations or interested persons.
Requirements:
If you represent Boy Scouts of America as a member of Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, or the Exploring program, you should wear the proper uniform and let the Scout Oath and Scout Law be your guide.
1. The Trail must be hiked.
2. Each participant must fill in his or her own questionnaire.
(Leader's Information and Trail Guides, which include route directions and answers to all the questions are available to the adult leaders)
Where admission fees are collected, you are not required to enter the facility, but they are very well recommended (refer to the leader's information for more details). Public parking is available near the US Army Museum on the Presidio of Monterey.

Trail Patch and Medal
The patch and/or medal is available to anyone who has hiked the trail and answered the fifteen questions on the individual questionnaire. These items are available for a reasonable fee by submitting the Historical Trail Report form ( in the Leader's Guide to the address below).The lastest prices should be listed in the recent Leader's Guide. Be sure to include the necessary amount to cover postage if ordering by mail.

For complete information: For Leader Envelopes containing the Historical Trail Guide, Questionnaire, Historical Trail Report form, Camping Site list, and a short list of other points of interest around the Monterey Peninsula, contact:
Ron Williams, 644 Lynson St., Monterey, CA. 93940 , Ph. (408) 375-1097

Mt Diablo - Cub Scout
Description:
Hike Length: 7 miles round trip
Elevation: 3,849'
Elevation Gain: 2,249'

(The Cub Scout patch is sponsored by MtDiablo-Silverado Council. The following description is from the San Francisco Bay Area Council Rim Rover patch)

Overnight campsites can be reserved October 1 - May 31. Four group camps are available. Recommend BUCKEYE, (two areas); each accomodates 20 people with tables, stoves, piped drinking water, sanitary facilities.

Trail:
Summit Trail starts at Rock City. It crosses the highway in several places. Because of this, it is strongly recommended that your group stay together and that roads are crossed under adult supervision. Scouts are to stay on the hiking trail, not hike on roads. Return via Summit Trail to Rock City. There are picnic tables and adequate parking at Rock City. (Sandstone boulders -- some with caves) are lots of fun to climb on after lunch.)

Mt. Diablo State Park, PO Box 250, Diablo CA 94528, 510/837-2525
Mount Diablo Silverado Council, 1-925-674-6100.

Presidio of San Francisco Historic Trail Patch

Presidio of San Francisco Historic Trail
For complete information:
San Francisco Bay Area Council, 8480 Enterprise Way, Oakland, CA 94621-1393, (510) 638-3600 web:http://www.sfbac.org/activities/presidiotrail/index.cfm

Rimrovers
Description:
This is a progressive series of six hikes sponsored by Mount Diablo Silverado Council. The purpose of the RIM OF THE BAY patch program is to encourage hiking and to bring into the lives of our Scouts a "mountain top" experience. All of these trips can be accomplished in a single day. There are camping sites at or near most if your plans include an overnight camp experience. For Boy Scouts,this activity can contribute to the Tenderfoot Rank, the Backpacking, Camping, and Hiking Merit Badges; and Forester, Geologist, Outdoorsman, and Traveler for Webelos; these hikes are not approved for Cub Scout use. The height of the mountain is not an indicator of the extremes of weather to be found. On December 3, 1983, winds at the summit of Mount Tamalpais gusted to 129 miles per hour and were 70 to 60 miles per hour constantly. Mt. St. Helena, the highest peak in this area (4,343 feet), frequently has snow storms and gale force winds, fog and wet weather.The six peaks are

Mission Peak
Mount Diablo
Mount St. Helena
Mount Tamalpais
Mount Wittenberg
Pinnacles

Skyline to the Sea Trail
Description:
The Skyline to the Sea Trail is a 30+ mile hiking trail in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It descends from the ridge west of Saratoga at Castle Rock State Park on Highway #35 through both Castle Rock and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks to the Pacific Ocean at Rancho del Oso.
The Trail offers spectacular vistas, a wide variety of flora and fauna, and overnight trail camps. It parallels much of Highway #9 and #236 until arriving at the Headquarters of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Hikers can walk west along Highway #35 to begin the trail, but you are encouraged to walk, instead, into the Castle Rock Trail Camp and Park Headquarters and then take the Saratoga Gap Trail to Highway #9. There is much to see in this area of Castle Rock State Park and it is well worth the extra effort and time!
There are two good contour maps available that cover all the trails in the two parks and the complete Skyline to the Sea route. These are available for a fee from Big Basin Redwoods State Park Headquarters.
Requirements:
In order to qualify for the patch, the trail must be hiked in its entirety. This can be accomplished by making day hike segments until completed, or hiked over a short period of days with backpacks using the trail camps.
The patch, representing the 3 ridges along the trial, the ocean, and wind-surfers at Waddell Beach is "leader-controlled." It is available only from Monterey Historic Trails.
You can order the patch by requesting a Skyline to the Sea patch order form.
For more complete information, write to:
Monterey Historic Trails, c/o Ron Williams, 644 Lynson St., Monterey, CA. 93940

South Fork of the Yuba River, Overnight Backpacking
Description:
The hike is 6.1 miles each way. There are two possible camping areas - the first is at 5.9 miles and is the newest and most used - it has two tables and is 20' above the water (no potable water available). The second is near the start of the hike, 1/4 mile along the river around the bend; this has 4 tables and is very near the river. It has room for several groups. This is an excellent spring hike to avoid the poison oak.

Distance: 6.1 miles each way
Elevation: low 2140', high 2560'.
Access time: March - November
Skill level: easy to moderate - good beginning trip
Driving instructions: I-80 East towards Auburn, take the Highway 49 exit to Grass Valley/Nevada City. After 1/3 of a mile, make a right onto the North Bloomfield-Graniteville Road and follow the road 7 1/2 miles across a small wooden bridge which crosses over the Yuba River. The road turns to gravel. Follow it for 1 1/4 miles to Junction "2648". Take the right fork and the parking lot is 1/4 miles on the right. The trail begins at the end of the parking lot.

For more complete information: Ben Skiles

Sunol to Del Valle
Description:
For hikes through the Ohlone Wilderness Area (East Bay Regional Parks District) with end points at Del Valle and either Sunol or Mission Peak[distance 20-29 miles] (note that an East Bay Regional Park District Ohlone Wilderness Trail Permit is required for each hiker along the trail). Requirements:
1. Scouts or other organized hiking groups
2. A copy of the Council Tour Permit (available for download from web site below) with HAT certification number
3. Two-deep leadership
4. A copy of the Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail Permit
How to Obtain the Patch: The cost per patch is $5.00, including tax, handling and shipping Send a check (don't send money in the mail) made out to the Boy Scouts of America. Send the Award Request to HAT Patch, 9312 Skyline Blvd., Oakland CA 94611. Be sure to include your return address and phone number. Allow three weeks for delivery.
For more complete information: San Francisco Bay Area Council, 8480 Enterpise Way, Oakland, CA 94621-1393, or Call:(415) 638-3600
http://www.sfbac.org/training/hat/hat_sunol.cfm

Hiking Awards and Patches

Camper Award
Requirements:
10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, and 200 Day Camper Awards
The Camper Awards are earned during any authorized, overnight Boy Scout camping trips. The awards recognize the accrued days of camping that a Scout has been on. Each progressive award reflects the aggregate number of days (i.e., once a Scout has earned the 10-Dat Camper Award, another 15 days will earn the 25-Day Camper Award). Each trip must be an appropriate outing of a Boy Scout Unit, and it must include an overnight camp in n the outdoors. The calculation includes each Calendar day of the trip (i.e., Friday to Sunday weekend trip[p id 3 days. Saturday morning to Sunday evening is 2 days).

Sponsored by Golden Empire Council High Adventure Team
For complete information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Disaster Conservation
Requirements:
1. With the approval of the forest Service, appropriate agency, or Enviornmental Conservation Organization , and
2. Following the directions and guidelines of an authorized Trail Boss (or other authorized Project Director),
3. 8 hours of Scouting Conservation, Clean-up, or Reforestation Work after an enviornmental Disaster in the Wilderness qualifies a scout for the award (hours may be cumulative, but must all relate to one disaster).

For complete information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Historic Trails Award
Requirements:
To Earn this award, members of your unit must plan and participate in a historic activity. A unit historic activity requires members to:
1. Locate a historic trail or site and study information relating to it. (The information may be obtained from an adult historic society, public library, or people living near the trail or the site.)
2. Hike or camp 2 days and 1 night along the trail or in the vicinity of the site.
3. Cooperate with an adult group such as a historic society to restore and mark all or part of this trail or site. (This may be done during the hike or overnight camp.) Or cooperate with such a group to plan and stage a historic pageant, ceremony, or other public event related to this trail or site -- such event should be large enough to merit coverage by the local press.
5. Your unit leader must then file the Historic Trails Award application with your council service center.

This award is sponsored by the National Council
For more complete information: on Historic Trials contact your local Council.

Leave No Trace Hiking Award -
Leave No Trace (LNT)instills an awareness that spurs questions like "What can we do to reduce our impact on the environment and on the experiences of other visitors?" To receive the Leave No Trace Awareness Award the following requirements for Scouts and Scouters need to be fulfilled:
Scout Requirements :
1. Recite and explain the principles of Leave No Trace.
2. On three separate camping/backpacking trips demonstrate and practice the principles of LNT.
3. Earn the Camping and Environmental Science merit badges.
4. Participate in a Leave No Trace - related service project.
5. Give a 10-minute presentation on a Leave No Trace topic approved by your Scoutmaster.
6. Draw a poster or build a model to demonstrate the differences in how we camp or travel in high-use and pristine areas.
Scouter Requirements:
1. Recite and explain the principles of Leave No Trace.
2. On three separate camping/backpacking trips demonstrate and practice the principles of LNT.
3. Share with another Scout leader your understanding and knowledge of the Camping and Environmental Science merit badge pamphlets.
4. Actively assist (training, advice, and general supervision) a Scout in planning, organizing, and leading a service project related to LNT.
5. Assist a minimum of three Scouts in earning the Leave No Trace Awareness Award.
6. Plan and conduct a LNT awareness for Scouts, Scouters, or an interested group outside Scouting.

Night Hike Award
Requirements:
1. Must be currently registered Webelos Cub Scout, Boy Scout, or Scouter.
2. Must hike on trails or cross-country for at least 2 miles between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise. (Hiking on roads after dark is bad policy and will not qualify you for this badge.)
3. A Webelos Leader/Scoutmaster controlled item. It is suggested that leader require additional hiking as a prerequisite before attempting to earn this badge. Two involved day hikes would be a fair requirement.
4. Request the Night Hike order form.
For more complete Information: write to: Monterey Historic Trails, c/o Ron Williams, 644 Lynson St., Monterey, CA. 93940

Puddle Stomper Award
Requirements:
The Scouts in any Scouting Unit on any Overnight Camping Trip, who are rained on (to any significant amount) during their outing, but, because they are properly planned and prepared and are not just "Fair-weather Campers", remain and complete their activities as planned, being the spirited, cheerful "Puddle stompers" that they are, are recognized by the award, and subsequent similar adventures during All-weather occasions.

Sponsored by Golden Empire Council High Adventure Team
For complete information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Snowman Award
Description:
This Award was established to provide those units, groups and participants who get caught in an unscheduled snow storm while on a weekend or long term trip. It is not for a unit that plans a winter trip and are expecting a scheduled snow storm to hit while on the trip.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Meet all applicable General Requirements.
2. Get caught in an unexpected surprise snow storm where a minimum of 4 inches* of snow falls within a 24 hours period (*4 inches must stick to the ground).
3. Have a Ranger or other agency representative sign your BSA Tour Permit where applicable. Or show other type of documentation verifying the unexpected surprise snow storm.
4. Award is available whether or not unit received any other award for the same trip.
5. This award is retroactive to January 1986.
The specific requirements shall supersede the General Requirements if there is an area of conflict.

Sponsored by Western Los Angeles Council and may patch be obtained through Southern Sierra
For complete information: Cindy Basham at (661) 834-2415, or email at bashamc@usa.net

Weblos - Scout Weekend
Requirements:
Any overnight camping trip during which Webelos are hosted by a Boy Scout Troop, qualifying both the Webelos and the Scouts for the award.

For complete information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Copyright © 2003 Trailblazer District, Golden Empire Council, BSA, Sacramento CA, All rights reserved
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This page last updated 10/6/2003.

HIGH ADVENTURE PATCHES

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Introduction
The High Adventure Team is chartered with the responsibility to conduct training courses to provide an awareness of the various aspects of High Adventure activities. This allows maximum participation within safe and acceptable limits. Knowledge can often insure success, completion and enjoyment and prevent tragedy and misery. In addition to help promote the various High Adventure activities, an awards program was created to recognize various accomplishments. It is the intent of the various council High Adventure Teams to standardize the GENERAL REQUIREMENTS to avoid confusion. Specific requirements will henceforth be included with the specific awards, i.e. distances, hiking hours, conservation hours, conditioning requirements, etc.

CHANGES OR EXCEPTIONS

Changes, exceptions, modifications, or waivers of any High Adventure Award requirements shall be made only in advance of the outing and in writing by the High Adventure Team of the council sponsoring the award. They shall not be made by any other person, including professional scouters, council employees, or volunteer scouters.

AWARDS MUST BE EARNED

No High Adventure Award shall be given, or otherwise made available to any person who has not completed all of the requirements for the award, including these GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. The awards described in this booklet are often in form of general information only. It is suggested that participants contact the Council issuing the award for complete and current information BEFORE attempting to complete the requirements. Many awards have additional maps, brochures and help aids that are necessary supplements to the requirements.

RECIPEINTS MUST BE REGISTERED

Only Currently registered members of the Boy Scouts of America are eligible to receive High Adventure Awards.

REGISTERED UNITS

Awards may be earned only on scheduled outings of registered units, or a District or Council function.

ONE TRIP/ONE AWARD

Generally, only one award may be earned for one outing, unless otherwise stated in writing in the award requirements. Example: The Dan Diego Council "High Sierra Indicator Segments" are designator segments for use with other awards. The Western LA Council "14,495' Club" Mount Whitney climb may be earned individually or as part of a long term backpack trip in conjunction with another award, and the various Trailsaver Awards may be earned in addition to hiking awards. The awards specifically contained in this book, High Adventure Awards for Scouts and Ventures, are only available to registered Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts and in specific cases, Girl Scouts.

BSA TOUR PERMIT

A Local Tour Permit, BSA Form 4426, issued by the local Council, is required if the distance is less than 500 miles and the trip is within the North American Continent, including Canada and Mexico. A National Tour Permit, BSA Form 4419, issued by the Western Region, is required if the tour is 500 miles or over or if the tour is in a foreign country. Applications for both tour permits are to be submitted in advance in accordance with local Council procedures. A tour permit number is required with all award applications. Some Councils require additional permits which must also be obtained.

OTHER PERMITS REQUIRED

When/where other permits/requirements are necessary they must be obtained for the trip in order to be eligible for High Adventure Awards. These are "Wilderness", "Dispersed Area", "use", "Primitive Area", "National Park", "Camping", "Fire", "State Park", permits. It is the intent that units meet and comply with the various Agency Requirements for a particular area.

REQUIREMENT FOR ADULTS

At least two (2) adult leaders, one of whom must be 21 years or older, are required for ALL trips or outings. A minimum of four (4) persons per trip is required to be eligible for a High Adventure Award. Minimum High Adventure Training requirements will be included in specific award descriptions. At least one (1) adult with the group taking the trip SHALL have a current, Multi-media, or Advanced First Aid Card or be qualified Medical Professional. For those trips where "Safety Afloat" is applicable, the CPR requirement will be met.

FAMILIARITY WITH LITERATURE

Leaders should be familiar with the BSA Outdoor Skills Manuals, the San Diego County Council Trek Aids, Los Angeles Area Council Hike Aids and other current Hi8gh Adventure literature. Familiarity with the new BSA Field Book, similar literature is encouraged.

HIGH ADVENTURE AWARD APPLICATION FORM

The High Adventure Award Form must be filled in completely before submitting it to the High Adventure Team Approval person for review and approval. All High Adventure Awards must include a complete and approved High Adventure Award Application. Awards can not be ordered through your local Council Scout Shop or the Council sponsoring the award. If you have questions about any specific award, contact the appropriate Council H.A.T Chairman listed in the of the booklet.

SAFETY

A signed Parent Consent Form and Medical Release Form is required for each youth (under 18) going on the trip. It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that trips and outings NEVER be lead by only one adult. At least two (2) adult leaders, one of whom must be 21 years or older, are required for all trips or outings. The "Safety Rule of Four" requires that no fewer than four individuals (always with a minimum of two adults) go on any backcountry expedition. If an accident occurs, one person always stays with the injured and two go for help. Additional adult leadership requirements (i.e. training) must reflect an awareness of such factors as size and/or skill level of the group, anticipated environmental conditions, and overall degree of challenge. No pets, firearms, alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or non-prescription drugs are allowed with any participant on the trip. EXCEPTIONS: Seeing Eye Dogs. Each participant including adults, must have an appropriate medical exam within twelve (12) months prior to a long-term trip, or shorter period is listed as a specific requirement for an award. Evidence must be shown if requested.

CONSERVATION

If a specific award requires a conservation project, the project must be accomplished prior to receiving the award. It should be authorized prior to work commencement and signed off upon completion by a representative for that Agency for which the work was accomplished.

GENERAL

These requirements are intended for Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts and where applicable Girl Scouts.

NATIONAL POLICY

Boy Scouts/Venture Scouts are encouraged to participate in short-term (less than 6 days) and long-term (6 or more days) camps as well as wilderness expeditions and tours to develop skills essential to living in a primitive setting. Scouting provides High Adventure programs for this purpose.

YOUTH PROTECTION

National Policy is currently in effect in many Council's participating in the awards programs outlined in this booklet.

Tour Permits will be issued only to those leaders that have successfully completed the Youth Protection course.
The designated Trek Leader must have completed the Youth Protection Course.

Check with your local Council for current Council policy.

Hikes and Patches