BACKCOUNTRY EXPLORATION AWARD

BACKCOUNTRY EXPLORATION AWARD
Requirements:

1. Meet all applicable General Requirements.

2. Outing leader or another 21 year old adult going on trip must have completed the Basic Backpack Awareness Course.

3. An approved Conservation Project of six (6) hours per participant is required.

4. 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).

5. 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.

6. Recommended age is 11 years old or older. Each scout participant must demonstrate the following scout skills or earn the following Merit Badges: Camping, Cooking, First Aid and Swimming. Adults and Venturers must have the equivalent knowledge. Outing leader to certify compliance.

7. An itinerary must be reviewed prior to starting the trip by the Council High Adventure Team and it should also be filed with the Ranger at the trail head upon arrival if possible.

8. Each participant, including adults, must complete a minimum of three (3) conditioning overnight backpacking trips, including one at or near the altitude of the proposed trip, within three months prior to departing on the trip. At least one adult on trip has had previous experience on a Long Tenn Backpacking trip.

9. The Award may be earned during the winter months (Dec. through Apr.) by units. To have the unit qualify for this award during these winter months, one adult accompanying the group on the trip must have successfully completed the Council High Adventure Team Winter Backpack Awareness Course.

10. These SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS shall supersede the General Requirements if there is an area of conflict.