BACKCOUNTRY LEADERSHIP AWARD

This award was developed and sponsored by Troop 636, Rancho Santa Margarita. The purpose of this award is to recognize older scouts who serve in a leadership capacity to younger scouts during a long-term High Adventure backpack (minimum 6 days and 5 nights). The scene in the patch depicts an older Scout pointing the way to two younger Scouts up the Class 2 route between Minaret and Iceberg Lakes below the Minarets in The Ansel Adams Wilderness.

Only registered Boy Scouts and Venturers, ages 14 through 20 who have completed the 8th grade are eligible. Venturers must serve in a leadership capacity to younger Boy Scouts. The award is earned in conjunction with completion of the requirements of any long-term High Adventure backpacking award. The following requirements are not absolute, but meant to serve as guidelines to the adult trek leader in his/her decision as to which Boy Scouts and/or Venturers are deserving of the award.

Requirements:

1. During the trek, serve in a leadership capacity to younger scouts. This leadership can be modeled after the duties of a Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Senior Patrol Leader, or Junior Assistant Scoutmaster.

2. Instruct and supervise younger scouts in basic backpacking skills such as campsite selection and setup, stoves and cookery, orienteering, water purification, bear management and minimum impact camping. Demonstrate by action the Outdoor Code.

3. Instruct and supervise younger scouts in the completion of advancement requirements.

4. Shoulder a greater proportion of the weight of patrol and/or troop common gear.

5. Show Scout Spirit at all times, both on the trail and in camp.