Aquatics & Outdoors Awards

Aquatics

Boardsailing BSA AwardThe purpose of the Boardsailing BSA award is to introduce basic boardsailing skills, equipment, and safety precautions; to encourage the development of skills that promote fitness and safe aquatic recreation; and to lay a skill and knowledge foundation for those who will later participate in more advanced and demanding activities on the water.
Mile Swim BSA AwardThe Mile Swim BSA award is offered by many Boy Scout Summer Camps as a part of their aquatics program. The patch is not worn on the uniform. It is an aquatic insignia and can be worn on swim trunks. It can also be worn on a jacket or patch vest or placed on blankets, backpacks, or other personal equipment
Kayaking BSA AwardKayaking BSA provides an introduction to kayaking skills and safety procedures and serves as a program opportunity for Boy Scout, Venturer, and Sea Scout units in camp or out. Mastery of Kayaking BSA skills is a first critical step towards satisfying Safety Afloat guidelines for safe kayak excursions.
BSA LifeguardTo be trained as a BSA Lifeguard, you must successfully complete the BSA Lifeguard course and demonstrate the ability to perform each of the skills taught in the course.
SCUBA BSA AwardScuba BSA introduces qualified Boy Scouts, Venturers, Sea Scouts, Explorers, and registered adult participants to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with scuba diving, encourages aquatics activities that promote fitness and recreation, and provides a foundation for those who later will participate in more advanced underwater activity.
Snorkeling BSA AwardThe Snorkeling BSA requirements introduce Scout-age children and adult leaders to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with snorkeling; encourage the development of aquatics skills that promote fitness and recreation; and provide a foundation for those who later will participate in more advanced underwater activity.
BSA Stand Up Paddleboarding AwardBSA Stand Up Paddleboarding provides an introduction to SUP skills and safety procedures and serves as a program opportunity for Boy Scout, Venturing, and Sea Scout units in camp or out. Mastery of BSA Stand Up Paddleboarding skills is a first critical step towards satisfying Safety Afloat guidelines for safe SUP excursions.

Outdoors

 

BSA 50 Miler AwardThe purpose of the 50 Miler Award is to recognize members who cover a trail route or canoe or boat route of not less than 50 consecutive miles and take a minimum of five consecutive days to complete the trip without the aid of motors, all while fulfilling advancement, conservation, leadership, and service requirements.
BSA Historic Trails AwardThe purpose of the Historic Trails Award is to bring appreciation to the ideals, principles, and traditions that have made our country strong; requirements emphasize cooperation between historic societies and Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Varsity teams, Venturing crews, and Sea Scout ships, which should establish a close relationship with a local society as soon as possible when planning a historic activity—most communities have such societies.
BSA National Outdoor Badges AwardThe six National Outdoor Awards badges may be earned by a Boy Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer who “demonstrates both knowledge and experience” in Camping, Hiking, Aquatics, Conservation, 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.
BSA Paul Bunyan Woodsman AwardThe Paul Bunyan Woodsman award encourages Boy Scouts in the proper use of woods tools, training others in Totin’ Chip skills, and creating a simple outdoor project using acquired woods tools skills.