Backpacking treks

Desolation Wilderness 50-miler Requirements: This approximate 50-mile Backpacking trek follows the route: Loon Lake to Aloha to Fallen Leaf Lake to Echo Lakes, traveled in either direction. The trailheads are at Loon Lake, off Ice House Road, from Highway 50, and at Echo Lakes by Echo Summit on Highway 50. An alternate route of at least 50 miles within the Desolation Wilderness area can also qualify. Sponsored by Golden Empire Council High Adventure Team For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

John Muir Award Requirements: This award requires a minimum 7 day 6 night trek of approximately 50 miles in the areas designated by the individual segment. Specific areas and requirements are found in the High Adventure Awards book. Sponsored by the Los Angeles Area Council For complete current information: and patches through GEC, contact John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

High Sierra Trail Requirements: This award requires a minimum 6 day 5 night trek of 25 hours or more. This award has two segments, Giant forest to Mineral King, and Mineral King to Whitney Portal. Each segment has a specific start and end point found in the High Adventure Awards book. Sponsored by the Los Angeles Area Council For complete current information: and patches through GEC, contact John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Marble Mountain-Trinity Alps Backpacker Requirements: This award is for ant Long-Term Backpacking Trek through the Marble Mountains or the Trinity Aps, with no specific trail or length (days or mileage) required. Sponsored by Golden Empire Council High Adventure Team For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Mt. Lassen 50 Mile Trek Requirements: This 53 mile trek follows a trail from Hat Creek Campground, to Silver Lake, to Butte Lake, Horseshoe Lake, Kings Creek Campground, Crumbaugh Lake and Sulfur Works Campground. It may be followed in either direction, with both trailheads along Highway 89 (Lassen Park Rd.). Rather than follow specific trails, the applying Crew must make sure that their particular itinerary covers a minimum of 50 miles, through the Park, or the Park and immediately surrounding forest lands to qualify for the award. Sponsored by Golden Empire Council High Adventure Team For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Pacific Crest Backpacking/Trailbuilding Requirements: The backpacking award is earned by backpacking a minimum of 15 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail and completing 4 hours of Trailbuilding work. Very good, detailed guides of the Pacific Crest Trail are available from Wilderness Press. The Trailbuilding award is earned by completing 12 hours of approved and properly supervised trail work on the pacific Crest Trail. For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Point Reyes Seashore Requirements: This award is for the completion of an Overnight backpacking trek of approximately 10 miles (unit determines the exact route), including overnight mountain biking treks, at the Point Reyes National Seashore. Sponsored by Golden Empire Council High Adventure Team For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

River Runners Description: This award is given for completion of a canoe or raft trek down the listed rivers. REQUIREMENTS: Good water safety practices must be followed at all times. 1. Complete one or more of the following eight segments: Sacramento River - Redding to Red Bluff Sacramento River - Red Bluff to Hamilton City Sacramento River - Hamilton City to Colusa Sacramento River - Colusa to Sacramento Russian River - Cloverdale to Healdsburg Russian River - Healdsburg to Monte Rio Russian River - Monte Rio to Jenner/the ocean American River - Nimbus Dam to Discovery Park 2. The Trek leader must be appropriately trained in water and canoe/raft safety and handling. 3. Each craft should contain at leat one qualified canoeist/rafter. 4. All participants must be qualified swimmers. 5. All participants must wear adaquate flotation devices 6. One or more segments can be earned during the trek with no requirement for an overnighter. Sponsored by Golden Empire Council High Adventure Team For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Sierra North Requirements: This award requires a minimum 6 day 5 night trek of approximately 25 hours in specific areas of the Northern Sierras. Specific areas and requirements are found in the High Adventure Awards book. Sponsored by the Los Angeles Area Council For complete current information: and patches through GEC, contact John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Sierra South Requirements: This award requires a minimum 6 day 5 night trek of approximately 25 hours in specific areas of the Southern Sierras. Specific areas and requirements are found in the High Adventure Awards book. Sponsored by the Los Angeles Area Council For complete current information: and patches through GEC, contact John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (180 mi) Description: This award is given for completion of one or more of the sections of the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail during any Backpacking trek. The trail is well described in The Tahoe-Yosemite Trail, by Thomas Winnett, published by Wilderness Press. Be sure to get a current edition, as the trail has changed through the years. REQUIREMENTS: Complete one or more of the following six segments: Meeks Bay-Echo Summit (29 mi) Echo Summit - Carson Pass(12 mi) Carson Pass-Lake Alpine(21 mi) Lake Alpine-Clark's Ford(20 Mi) Clark's Ford-Sonora Pass(13 mi) Sonora Pass-Tuolumne Meadows (71 Mi) Sponsored by Golden Empire Council High Adventure Team For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Tri-Trek Trail Backpacker Requirements: The Tri-Trek trial is a 58 mile loop, from Camp Pahatsi (Golden Empire Council - Kilborne Lake) to Glacial Trails Scout reservation (Golden Empire Council - Sterling Lake)(12 miles), to Sierra-Marin Scout Camp (Marin Council - Chubb Lake)(25 miles) and back to Camp Pahatsi(21 miles) Any or all sections of the Trail can be completed to qualify for the award, in either direction, on any backpacking trek. The scout camps are accessed off of Highway 80, by Soda Springs, Cisco Grove, and the Highway 20 junction, respectively. Sponsored by Golden Empire Council High Adventure Team For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Backpacking/Camping Awards

Backpacking Award Requirements: 1. Complete one Long-Term Backpack trek, with the trail and itinerary not qualifying for any other award. 2. Complete 12 hours of Trail-Saver work in the same year. Advanced Backpacking Award Requirements: 1. Complete another Long-Term Backpack trek, with the trail and itinerary not qualifying for any other award. 2. Complete more 12 hours of Trail-Saver work in the same year. 3. Earn the Camping Merit Badge 4. Earn the Cooking Merit Badge 5. Earn the Hiking Merit Badge For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Backpacking/Camping Awards

Training Hike Award Description: This is a training Backpack in the backcountry or wilderness and shall not qualify if taken in an urban or cultivated area. It is intended as a qualifying exercise for Long-Term Backpacking Treks/50 Milers. Each training hike is a 5 mile minimum(or 7 hours backpack hiking) with an overnight camp(primitive or trail camp site) that has been accessed only by hiking to it (not necessarily inaccessible by other means) with return hike-out the following day. Requirements: 1. Take an overnight backpack trip of 2 consecutive days of at least 5 miles in a backcountry or wilderness area; camping in a primitive or trail camp. 2. Comply with the GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, except First Aid Card requirements do not apply. For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Hike in a National Forest Award Description: This is a training Backpack in the backcountry or wilderness and shall not qualify if taken in an urban or cultivated area. It is intended as a qualifying exercise for Long-Term Backpacking Treks/50 Milers. Each training hike is a 5 mile minimum(or 7 hours backpack hiking) with an overnight camp(primitive or trail camp site) that has been accessed only by hiking to it (not necessarily inaccessible by other means) with return hike-out the following day. Requirements: 1. Make an overnight backpack of at least 7 backpack hours, camping in a primitive camp in the backcountry. 2. The campsite and over half of the backpack must be in a National Forest. 3. Have previously earned two Training Hike Awards. 4. Comply with the GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Hike in a State Park or County Park Award Description: This is a training Backpack in the backcountry or wilderness and shall not qualify if taken in an urban or cultivated area. It is intended as a qualifying exercise for Long-Term Backpacking Treks/50 Milers. Each training hike is a 5 mile minimum(or 7 hours backpack hiking) with an overnight camp(primitive or trail camp site) that has been accessed only by hiking to it (not necessarily inaccessible by other means) with return hike-out the following day. Requirements: 1. Make an overnight backpack of at least 7 backpack hours, camping in a primitive camp in the backcountry. 2. The campsite and over half of the backpack must be in a State Park or a County Park. 3. Comply with the GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, except First Aid Card requirements do not apply. For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Hike in a National Park or National Monument Award Description: This is a training Backpack in the backcountry or wilderness and shall not qualify if taken in an urban or cultivated area. It is intended as a qualifying exercise for Long-Term Backpacking Treks/50 Milers. Each training hike is a 5 mile minimum(or 7 hours backpack hiking) with an overnight camp(primitive or trail camp site) that has been accessed only by hiking to it (not necessarily inaccessible by other means) with return hike-out the following day. Requirements: 1. 1.Make an overnight backpack of at least 7 backpack hours, camping in a primitive camp in the backcountry. 2. The campsite and over half of the backpack must be in a National Park or a National Monument. 3. Comply with the GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, except First Aid Card requirements do not apply. For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Peak Bagger Requirements: Incremental awards for each 5 peaks climbed. These awards are qualified for by climbing various mountain peaks during backpacking treks, either on side, day hikes, or along the trail. The awards represent a progression of increasingly more challenging accrued increments of 5 Peaks climbed. Only one peak may be climbed per day and each increment of 5 must include a mix of moderate to strenuous climbs 9at leat 500', or more typically, 1,000 or more gain in elevation), with the mixes of climbs (usually 3 lesser and 2 greater) becoming progressively more challenging (Moderate to Difficult to Strenuous to very Strebuous) for the progressive awards, (Lists of qualifying peaks can be reviewed with the High Adventure Team). For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Ski Training Award, Nordic NOTE: Due to the strenuous nature of this activity and the necessary physical requirements, this award is offered only to youths and adults who have been judged by a medical doctor to be in physical condition to participate. Requirements: 1. Meet all applicable General Requirements. 2. Each applicant shall have one (1) weekend winter conditioning hike without skies of not less than 1 miles round trip with an overnight campout in the snow. Not required if participant has earned the Snowshoe Training award. 3. Minimum skiing distance, 2.5 miles over a two day period, with an overnight campout in the snow. 4. Council Winter Backpack Awareness Course and the associated Nordic Skiing Seminar is required for at least one registered adult going on trip. 5. Minimum age shall be eleven (11) years or older and at the discretion of the adult leading the trip. 6. Check in and out with Ranger whenever and wherever possible. 7. Prepare a roster and itinerary for the trip. File with the Ranger if possible. 8. Location of trip shall be of the Unit's choice with the approval of a High Adventure Approval Counselor from your Council's High Adventure Team Approval roster, prior to going. Location may be anywhere good skiing conditions exist over the trip. 9. A person can earn only two (2) of these awards during their scouting career. 10. After the trip, have HAT Approval Person (See Item 8) sign and approve the award application within a 10 day period. For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Ski Training Award, Snowshoe NOTE: Due to the strenuous nature of this activity and the necessary physical requirements, this award is offered only to youths and adults who have been judged by a medical doctor to be in physical condition to participate. Requirements: 1. Meet all applicable General Requirements. 2. Each applicant shall have one (1) weekend winter conditioning hike without snowshoes of not less than 1 miles round trip with an overnight campout in the snow. Not required if participant has earned the Nordic Training award. 3. Minimum snowshoe distance, 2.5 miles over a two day period, with an overnight campout in the snow. 4. Council Winter Backpack Awareness Course and the associated Snowshoe Seminar is required for at least one registered adult going on trip. 5. Minimum age shall be eleven (11) years or older and at the discretion of the adult leading the trip. 6. Check in and out with Ranger whenever and wherever possible. 7. Prepare a roster and itinerary for the trip. File with the Ranger if possible. 8. Location of trip shall be of the Unit's choice with the approval of a High Adventure Approval Counselor from your Council's High Adventure Team Approval roster, prior to going. Location may be anywhere that has a minimum of five (5) inches of snow over the entire trip. 9. A person can earn only two (2) of these awards during their scouting career. 10. After the trip, have HAT Approval Person (See Item 8) sign and approve the award application within a 10 day period. For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Snow Hiking Award Description: This is a training Backpack in the backcountry or wilderness and shall not qualify if taken in an urban or cultivated area. It is intended as a qualifying exercise for Long-Term Backpacking Treks/50 Milers. Each training hike is a 5 mile minimum(or 7 hours backpack hiking) with an overnight camp(primitive or trail camp site) that has been accessed only by hiking to it (not necessarily inaccessible by other means) with return hike-out the following day. Requirements: 1. Take an overnight backpack of at least 5 miles (round trip) to a trail camp in the backcountry or wilderness. NOTE: "Car Camp" campsites do not qualify as a "Trail Camp." 2. There must be snow on both the trail and the campsite. NO EXCEPTIONS! 3. At least two meals, supper and breakfast, shall be prepared in the Trail Campsite. Everything must be backpacked in, including food. 4. All weekend hiking award requirements except Backpack hours must be met, plus the following items. 5. Each boy and adult must meet minimum experience requirements. 3 weekend hike awards within the previous 2 years. 12 years of age for Scouts. Completion of winter camping and snow travel HAT training by one adult accompanying the group. Two thirds of the Scouts and one adult going on the hike must have : (1) completed unit overnight drive in camp in the previous 18 months, camping on snow and preparing 2 meals in camp, or (2) received a snow hike patch in the previous 24 months. Comply with the GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, except First Aid Card requirements do not apply. For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

Trailsaver Conservation Program Description: Requirements: For complete current information: John Jones, 1014 Burr St., Davis CA 95616, (530)758-9867

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Introduction
The High Adventure Team is chartered with the responsibility to conduct training courses to provide an awareness of the various aspects of High Adventure activities. This allows maximum participation within safe and acceptable limits. Knowledge can often insure success, completion and enjoyment and prevent tragedy and misery. In addition to help promote the various High Adventure activities, an awards program was created to recognize various accomplishments. It is the intent of the various council High Adventure Teams to standardize the GENERAL REQUIREMENTS to avoid confusion. Specific requirements will henceforth be included with the specific awards, i.e. distances, hiking hours, conservation hours, conditioning requirements, etc.
 

1. CHANGES OR EXCEPTIONS
Changes, exceptions, modifications, or waivers of any High Adventure Award requirements shall be made only in advance of the outing and in writing by the High Adventure Team of the council sponsoring the award. They shall not be made by any other person, including professional scouters, council employees, or volunteer scouters.  
2. AWARDS MUST BE EARNED
No High Adventure Award shall be given, or otherwise made available to any person who has not completed all of the requirements for the award, including these GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. The awards described in this booklet are often in form of general information only. It is suggested that participants contact the Council issuing the award for complete and current information BEFORE attempting to complete the requirements. Many awards have additional maps, brochures and help aids that are necessary supplements to the requirements.  
3. RECIPEINTS MUST BE REGISTERED
Only Currently registered members of the Boy Scouts of America are eligible to receive High Adventure Awards.  
4. REGISTERED UNITS
Awards may be earned only on scheduled outings of registered units, or a District or Council function.  
5. ONE TRIP/ONE AWARD
Generally, only one award may be earned for one outing, unless otherwise stated in writing in the award requirements. Example: The Dan Diego Council "High Sierra Indicator Segments" are designator segments for use with other awards. The Western LA Council "14,495' Club" Mount Whitney climb may be earned individually or as part of a long term backpack trip in conjunction with another award, and the various Trailsaver Awards may be earned in addition to hiking awards. The awards specifically contained in this book, High Adventure Awards for Scouts and Ventures, are only available to registered Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts and in specific cases, Girl Scouts.  
6. BSA TOUR PERMIT
A Local Tour Permit, BSA Form 4426, issued by the local Council, is required if the distance is less than 500 miles and the trip is within the North American Continent, including Canada and Mexico. A National Tour Permit, BSA Form 4419, issued by the Western Region, is required if the tour is 500 miles or over or if the tour is in a foreign country. Applications for both tour permits are to be submitted in advance in accordance with local Council procedures. A tour permit number is required with all award applications. Some Councils require additional permits which must also be obtained.  
7. OTHER PERMITS REQUIRED
When/where other permits/requirements are necessary they must be obtained for the trip in order to be eligible for High Adventure Awards. These are "Wilderness", "Dispersed Area", "use", "Primitive Area", "National Park", "Camping", "Fire", "State Park", permits. It is the intent that units meet and comply with the various Agency Requirements for a particular area.  
8. REQUIREMENT FOR ADULTS
At least two (2) adult leaders, one of whom must be 21 years or older, are required for ALL trips or outings. A minimum of four (4) persons per trip is required to be eligible for a High Adventure Award. Minimum High Adventure Training requirements will be included in specific award descriptions. At least one (1) adult with the group taking the trip SHALL have a current, Multi-media, or Advanced First Aid Card or be qualified Medical Professional. For those trips where "Safety Afloat" is applicable, the CPR requirement will be met.  
9. FAMILIARITY WITH LITERATURE
Leaders should be familiar with the BSA Outdoor Skills Manuals, the San Diego County Council Trek Aids, Los Angeles Area Council Hike Aids and other current Hi8gh Adventure literature. Familiarity with the new BSA Field Book, similar literature is encouraged.  
10. HIGH ADVENTURE AWARD APPLICATION FORM
The High Adventure Award Form must be filled in completely before submitting it to the High Adventure Team Approval person for review and approval. All High Adventure Awards must include a complete and approved High Adventure Award Application. Awards can not be ordered through your local Council Scout Shop or the Council sponsoring the award. If you have questions about any specific award, contact the appropriate Council H.A.T Chairman listed in the of the booklet.  
11. SAFETY
A signed Parent Consent Form and Medical Release Form is required for each youth (under 18) going on the trip. It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that trips and outings NEVER be lead by only one adult. At least two (2) adult leaders, one of whom must be 21 years or older, are required for all trips or outings. The "Safety Rule of Four" requires that no fewer than four individuals (always with a minimum of two adults) go on any backcountry expedition. If an accident occurs, one person always stays with the injured and two go for help. Additional adult leadership requirements (i.e. training) must reflect an awareness of such factors as size and/or skill level of the group, anticipated environmental conditions, and overall degree of challenge. No pets, firearms, alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or non-prescription drugs are allowed with any participant on the trip. EXCEPTIONS: Seeing Eye Dogs. Each participant including adults, must have an appropriate medical exam within twelve (12) months prior to a long-term trip, or shorter period is listed as a specific requirement for an award. Evidence must be shown if requested.  
12. CONSERVATION
If a specific award requires a conservation project, the project must be accomplished prior to receiving the award. It should be authorized prior to work commencement and signed off upon completion by a representative for that Agency for which the work was accomplished.  
13. GENERAL
These requirements are intended for Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts and where applicable Girl Scouts.  
14. NATIONAL POLICY
Boy Scouts/Venture Scouts are encouraged to participate in short-term (less than 6 days) and long-term (6 or more days) camps as well as wilderness expeditions and tours to develop skills essential to living in a primitive setting. Scouting provides High Adventure programs for this purpose.  
15. YOUTH PROTECTION
National Policy is currently in effect in many Council's participating in the awards programs outlined in this booklet.
1. Tour Permits will be issued only to those leaders that have successfully completed the Youth Protection course.
2. The designated Trek Leader must have completed the Youth Protection Course.