Catch multiple fish while on an adventure!

This award honors one of the founders of the WLACC High Adventure Team and represents his desire that all able-bodied and trained Scouts and Scouters backpack. Ralph Seifert has trained many leaders and introduced many more Scouts to the outdoors. This award introduces the HAT Basic Backpacking Awareness course participants and their scouts to the backpacking awards in the HAT patch system by earning a specific patch for successfully completing their first backpacking overnight trip.

This award was developed for the youth in scouting to learn how important it is to help others and to know there are hungry people in their own community who need help.

Take a backpacking trip for a minimum of seven (7) hours (based on two miles an hour and one hour for every 1000 feet gained) to a primitive camp on BLM land. Do not use roads if possible.

Complete a total of 18 hours of instruction and trail work any place, which is to include: Tool use, tool safety, brushing, tread maintenance, and simple rock work.

Established for those participants engaged in a high adventure trip of 3 days or more that: Due to mother nature creating such a disturbance that adult leaders using good sound judgment turned back or took an escape route to eliminate possible danger to the participants and were not able to complete the requirements to earn the original award.

Plan a trip of 25 or more backpacking hours - Anywhere in the mountains, deserts, coast or any combination of these. Minimum time on trail - 6 days and 5 nights.

Snowshoe a minimum of 5 miles over a two day period with an overnight camp.

Ski a minimum skiing distance of 2.5 miles over a two day period, with an overnight campout on the snow.

Complete seven (7) hours cycling time, or 21 mile round trip, whichever comes first, with an overnight campout. Cycle trip (or time) may be earned anywhere.

Complete four (4) or more water based outings in a 12 month period. One of the required outings shall be a long term outing of 5 or more nights.

Ride 100 miles in one day.

The National Medal for Outdoor Achievement is the highest recogni­tion that a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout can earn for exemplary achieve­ment, experience, and skill in multiple areas of outdoor endeavor.

The Troop or Post must plan and participate in an historic activity.

This awaes is designed to encourage outings in the snow.

Backpack and hike 106 cumulative miles over the course of multiple scouting events.  

The purpose of this medal is to motivate scouts who are relatively early in their scouting career with backpacking & hiking.  Mileage over the course of several trips quickly adds up, and before too long a scout will be able to proudly wear this "bling" on their uniform.  

Why 106 miles?  It is half the distance of the iconic John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, symbolizing the scout's achievement and also the fact that many more adventures still await!

In September 1990, the Parents’ Committee of Troop 211, Torrance, CA, decided to create a special award to recognize the diverse, year-round High Adventure program that the Troop had experienced over the prior 20-plus years. As Lyle Whited had served as Assistant Scoutmaster/Hikemaster for over half that period, it also decided to put his name on it. For a number of years, this award was only offered to members of that Unit and of the local District. The LAAC-HAT is now making it available to anyone who has met its requirements.

This award challenges the backpacker to help construct and maintain the trails on which he/she hikes. It is a unique privilege to hang these Silver Moccasins, when attached to a leather thong, from the right pocket button of the Scout shirt.

These awards were developed by the LAAC, in concert with the USDA-FS, to promote Unit participation in forest and trail conservation and construction projects. The initial award program, TrailSaver, was adopted in 1982 as a special activity to be offered for two years. It proved so successful that it was made permanent and has led to the adoption of a second award program, ForestSaver. All conservation work must have the prior approval as to what, where, when, and how from the proper USDA-Forest Service representative, or administrator for a location other than a National Forest. All work must be done under the direction of a person, typically a Trail Boss, assigned by that representative. 

Awards in these programs are earned when the participant performs 6,12,18, 24, and 30 hours of LAAC-HAT approved conservation work. Unit Leadership must also satisfy these General Requirements for the outing

This award recognizes those persons who have earned a longterm backpacking award and have performed LAAC-HAT approved conservation work in the same calendar year.

Backpack in a state or county park.

An overnight canoe trip to a waterside campsite of approximately 6-7 hours afloat. Distances can vary depending on current, and wind conditions, etc.

This award is earned by Scouting units who plan and attempt to bag a peak, but for safety considerations turn back due to inclement weather, high water and/or snow, hazardous terrain or unanticipated illness or injury, among other safety reasons.

Participate in a unit outdoor outing over Easter Break that involves camping and/or backpacking and/or sailing/boating, while at the same time working on activity badges, merit badges, Venturing Awards and/or STEM/NOVA Awards Program that involve subjects in the natural and/or physical sciences, engineering and health sciences. Completion of all the requirements during the outing is not necessary.

Plan and complete a hike of at least five (5) miles on foot or fifteen (15) miles by bicycle which includes a visit to at least 3” x 3” five (5) of the historic sites on your list.

The former Old Baldy Council (presently CIEC) High Adventure Team developed this award for units who enjoy camping and exploring our national forests, but do not necessarily participate in backpacking.

Catch a fish while on an adventure.

This award is designed to promote the safe and careful enjoyment of mountain biking with minimal impact by fostering LNT principles.

This is a very special award. To earn it, two (2) separate scout troops, one traditional and one handicapped, work together on an outdoor activity. Since members of both units will contribute, they will each earn the same award.

The High Adventure Trip Driver Award was established to recognize those adults who spend many hours behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, safely getting the participants to and from High Adventure activities.

The Award is a basic Red Decal with 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500 mile, Red Corner-Decals, and a 10,000 mile Golden Decal indicating miles driven to help Units, Districts, or Councils achieve successful High Adventure trips.

This award was developed for those participants that while engaged in a High Adventure activity get caught in a situation where the visibility is reduced to less than 5 feet distance.

Conditions that can cause the reduction of visibility: rain storm, hail storm, sleet or snow storm, sand storm, fog or low clouds, or any combination of these.

Plan a trip of 33 or more backpacking hours - Anywhere in the mountains, deserts, coast or any combination of these. Minimum time on trail - 7 days and 6 nights.

Plan a trip of 25 or more backpacking hours - Anywhere in the mountains, deserts, coast or any combination of these. Minimum time on trail - 6 days and 5 nights.  A minimum of 12 backpacking hours must be spent off trail.

Snowshoe a minimum of 2.5 miles over a two day period with an overnight camp in snow.

Complete a cycling tour of (6) days and (5) nights long with each participant cycling a minimum of 50 miles per day, total for trip 300 miles.

This award has been developed in honor of Thomas Marrs, Eagle Scout and respected long-time leader and teacher of high adventure. He often noted: "High Adventure is any event or trip away from the regular meeting place!" and felt it was important for Scouts to develop an understanding of their local community and its history.

This award is for an extended weekend Backpacking trip of at least 3 days and 2 nights. There is no limitation on where it can be earned.

The Tri-Challenge Award offered by the Ventura County Council, Boy Scouts of America, is a special award for achieving prerequisites as described below, and finally traveling fifty (50) miles within a thirty-six (36) hour period by backpacking, canoeing and cycling. A minimum of ten (10) miles will be required for each segment and the remaining twenty (20) miles may be flexible between the three modes of travel. You may travel in any order. To qualify for the Tri-Challenge Award, the group must complete the following requirements:

The five National Outdoor Badges recognize a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout who demonstrates both knowledge and experience in camping, hiking, aquatics, riding, or adventure. Scouts earning the National Outdoor badges have demonstrated that they are knowledgeable, safe, and comfortable in the outdoor activity covered by the badge.

Special award for being on an outing cut short by rain.

These segments are cumulative and can be earned by hiking to mountain peaks over 10,000 ft. in the Basin and Range. 3 peaks = 30,000 ft., 6 peaks = 60,000 ft., and 10 peaks = 100,000 ft.

Plan and carry out a float trip on any river in a rubber raft or inner tube constructed raft (the Tom Sawyer variety).

This award is offered to stimulate the development of skills and in appreciation of climbing beyond those required to earn the Climbing merit badge. This award may be earned by Cub, Webelos, Boy Scouts, and Venturers as noted.

Complete a 5+ day backpacking trek on any public lands.

This award program recognizes individual participation in forestry and associated construction and maintenance projects. This participation can be as part of a Unit service project or an Eagle project. There are three categories of projects 

There are three categories of projects: 

Campsite: campground or trail camp development, improvement, maintenance, and rehabilitation 

Wildlife: habitat restoration, browse-way improvement, construction and maintenance of feeders and waterers, etc. 

Forestry: plantation clearing, tree planting, tree thinning and pruning, etc..

Backpack for 1 night or more in the snow.

Backpack in a National Park or National Monument.

Participate in 3 separate unit climbing outings in Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP).

1. Earn all five Trail Saver (30 hours total) and all five Forest Saver (30 hours total) High Adventure Awards of the Los Angeles Area Council or...

2. Complete 30 hours of trailbuilding beyond the 30 hours for the Trail Saver Medal or...

3. Complete an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project with Trail Boss Bron Draganov as your primary mentor and adviser.

The purpose of this award is to encourage Scouts to learn and use Scouting Skills, rather than accept an easier way.

Ride a bicycle the various distances of these awards.

Perform trail maintanence on a hiking trail

Leo Ferns Jr. was instrumental and influential in starting the High Adventure Team in the Western Los Angeles County Council and has stayed active in Scouting and High Adventure for over 40 years. He has taken countless Scouts backpacking and taught them to appreciate and protect nature. This award is to honor him.

The purpose of the Leo Ferns Jr. Hiker of Character Award is to have Scouts 1) Learn an appreciation of nature through conservation. 2) Learn and use Spiritual guidance in their lives and 3) Meet the challenge of a long term High Adventure trip and then an additional challenge of their choosing within the requirements.

This award was established to lead young and old of scouting to the scenes and towns of the early west. Many ghost towns and historic sites are within a day or two drive from Southern California. Why not do something exciting and fun? Relive the good old days of the past.

Complete a minimum of thirty (30) hours of conservation work on any public 

lands (Lands under any government agency control). Hours may be accumulated over periods of time.

The award is for those units, groups and participants who get caught in an unscheduled surprise 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 possible snow storm while on that trip.

Complete an approved Long Term trip consisting of a minimum of:

a. 25 scheduled backpacking hours on the trail.

b. 6 nights and 5 days on the trail.

c. Carrying all food and equipment needed for trek on back. (No pack animals or food drops).

Plan a trip of 15 or more backpacking hours round trip to a wilderness base camp (use standard allowance of one hour for each two miles hiked, plus one hour for each 1000 feet of elevation gained).

Plan an additional 20 or more hiking hours (packs not required) from and around the wilderness base camp. The hiking hours may be for the purpose of sightseeing, exploration, peak bagging, etc. Minimum time on the trail and in the backcountry - six (6) days and five (5) nights.

Ski a minimum of 10 miles over a two day period with an overnight camp.

Complete twelve (12) hours cycling time, or 48 miles round trip, whichever comes first, with an overnight campout. Cycle trip (or time) may be earned anywhere.

The purpose of this HAT Award is to assist Leaders in developing and fostering the principles of "Leave No Trace" in their Outdoor program. There are seven segments in the award and a center patch designed to create a deeper understanding of each of the seven Leave No Trace principles and to encourage Leaders to apply these principles to activities in the Outdoors. This award may be earned by Cub Scouts, Den Chiefs, Boy Scouts, Venturers, Brownies, Girls Scouts and appropriate Adult Leaders.

Complete the Verdugo Hill’s Council 60 hour High Adventure First Aid Course.

This award taking scheduled backpack trip along any of the many no longer used routes of the settlers of the Basin and Range or now abandoned railway right of ways of the Basin and Range.

The 50-Miler Award is presented to each qualifying individual for satisfactory participation in an approved trip. In order to qualify for the award the group of which the individual is a member must fulfill all of the following requirements.

This is an individual award offered to a boy who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of his Scoutmaster and to the High Adventure Team of Mission Council that he has satisfactorily lived up to the Outdoor Code and met the requirements of this award for a period of at least twelve (12) months.

Recognize scouts and scouters who aid hikers or backpackers with food, supplies, or general support over the course of a multi-day hike.

The award is specifically modeled after "Trail Angels" who aid long distance thru hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, etc, with water, food, and supplies.

Additionally, the award is intended to recognize scouts and scouters who play an active role in providing logistical aid in support of a multi-day activity (e.g.: performing water drops for a desert backpacking trek, etc).

Camp overnight in a primitive campsite or a Scout Camp in 2" of snow or more, cooking supper and breakfast at the campsite.

Complete a 4+ day backpack on any public lands.

Complete a 1-week backpacking trek on public lands.

This award program recognizes individual participation in forestry and associated construction and maintenance projects. This participation can be as part of a Unit service project or an Eagle project. 

There are three categories of projects There are three categories of projects: 

Campsite: campground or trail camp development, improvement, maintenance, and rehabilitation 

Wildlife: habitat restoration, browse-way improvement, construction and maintenance of feeders and waterers, etc. 

Forestry: plantation clearing, tree planting, tree thinning and pruning, etc..

Backpack in a National Forest.

Backpack taken in any location for a minimum of 1 night, distance of 5 miles or more.

Plan and complete a backpacking trek over 3 consecutive days.

Build, launch and successfully recover (so that the rocket can be launched again the same day...or, if minimal damage, can be repaired on site to launch again) a model rocket.

Take an orientation or instructional flight in a sailplane with a licensed glider pilot or flight instructor.

These awards were developed to encourage beginning hiking activities with advancement. They promote hiking and environmental awareness. The hikes can be completed within a day or over a weekend.