ORANGE COUNTY HISTORIC TRAIL AWARD

This award was developed and sponsored by the OCBSA HAT Committee as part of the 100 Year Celebration of the Orange County Council in 2020. This award was created to highlight the history of Scouting in Orange County by connecting the OCBSA properties of the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center (IROEC) and the Newport Sea Base with a day hike or bike hike trail. This award can be earned by Scouts and Scouters who are registered in a Scouts BSA Troop, Venture Crew or Sea Scout Ship. We have adopted the Mountains to Sea Trail starting at the IROEC adjacent to the Irvine Regional Park and ends at the OCBSA Newport Sea Base. Along this trail are several Scouting historically significant sites, including: The Original Camp Irvine; Camp Myford; Irvine Ranch & Historic Park; the site of the 1953 National Scout Jamboree and finally the Newport Sea Base.

Requirements:

1. Comply with ALL the HAT Award GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

2. This award can be earned on foot as a day hike OR as a bike hike. The Mountain to Sea Trail is listed at 22 miles long so Scouts should plan on a full day activity. Depending on the slight detours to see and photograph significant landmarks and historic sites, your trek could easily be close to 25 miles long. (Tip – this hike can also be used for Scouts looking to earn the Hiking Merit Badge – Req#5 & #6).

3. All individuals must complete the trail in one day as a continuous trek.

4. All Scouts on this trek must contribute to a Trail Notes Report that must include historic details of the Scouting Historical sites list in the opening paragraph and must contain a photo of the group at each site. In the Hiking Merit Badge, Req #5 requires that the Scouts follow a hike plan they create and Req #6 requires each participant to write up trail notes listing details of the trail and a short reflection of the Scouts experience (i.e. – Detailed Trail Notes w/ photos). A must not miss site will require a slight detour for a photo opportunity at the 1953 NJ Monument in Fashion Island. (See trek aid for more info). Submit a copy of the completed report with the High Adventure Award application to the Council Office

The award can be earned by Scouts and Scouters registered in a Scouts BSA Troop, Venture Crew or Sea Scout Ship. The trail begins at the Irvine Outdoor Education Center (IROEC) and ends at the OCBSA Newport Sea Base. This award can be earned on foot as a day hike or as a bike ride.

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The Mountains to Sea Trail starts in the Irvine Regional Park; goes through Peters Canyon, passes the Irvine Ranch Historic Park before connecting with the San Diego Creek Trail, then past the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, while following the Back Bay Drive with the Upper Newport Bay on one side and the historic site of the 1953 National Scout Jamboree on the other, then finishing up with a short 1.7 miles to the Newport Sea Base once you reach the Pacific Coast Highway. From the lower part of the Newport Back Bay, the trek Crew will need to divert from the trail taking San Joaquin Hills Road up to Fashion Island to visit the 1953 NJ Monument. Then from there head down the escalator through the parking lot until you reach Pacific Coast Highway.

Requirement #4 – HINT

Make sure you and the Scouts research all of the Historic sites before this outing, so you can plan your photo stops at each site and to assign the Scouts a specific site to research and write about for their contribution to the Trail Notes Report. A complete copy of this report is required to be turned in with your High Adventure Award Application once you have completed this Trek.

Come out and enjoy the outdoors while learning about Scouting's history in Orange County and earn a High Adventure Award for your efforts.