Historic Trails Award
A Walk to Remember
Historic Trails Award honors Scouts, Scouters who bring history to life.
Some of the most memorable hikes Scouts take explore history, whether that means tracing the steps of Billy Yank and Johnny Reb at Gettysburg, hiking part of the Oregon Trail, or visiting an historic site in their own community. The Historic Trails Award recognizes youth and adult leaders who not only explore history but also share it with other people.
Why have an Historic Trails Award?
The award is designed to foster an appreciation of the ideals, principles, and traditions that have helped make our country strong. It also connects Scouts with a local historical society or association, pointing them toward opportunities for further exploration of history.
What are the Requirements?
Members of the unit must plan and participate in an historical activity involving either a an historic trail or an historic site. Specifically they must (1) locate and study a an historic trail or site, (2) hike or camp two days and one night along the trail or near the site, and (3 work with an adult group, like an historical society, to restore and mark all or part of the trail or site.
Who is eligible?
It varies for different trails. In most cases, Cut Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and adult leaders are eligible.
Are there nationally approved historic trails?
Yes. More than 300 trails have been approved. The BSA recommends that hikers use only the historic trails have been nationally approved.
Does the trail work have to coincide with the hiking or camping trip?
No.
What if the trail or site doesn't need to be restored or marked?
As an alternative, the unit may work with the adult group to plan and stage an historical pageant, ceremony, or other public event related to the trail or site. The event should be of sufficient scope to merit coverage by the local press.
A National Park in our Council has a designated Historic Trail. Does hiking it count for this award?
Only if your unit also studies the trail ad either works on the trail or conducts an event related to it.
Do we have tow work a certain number of hours or mark a trail of a certain length?
No.
What recognition items are available?
Individuals who complete the award may receive an embroidered emblem (No. 188) and/or a leather patch (No. 244). Many of the approved trails also offer a patch or medal for completing the trail. These can be purchased from the host council.
Is either recognition item approved for uniform wear?
No. The recognition items are intended for display on things like tents, backpacks, and patch blankets.
Can an individual earn the award more than once?
Yes.
Who approves the award?
The unit leader submits the Historic Trails Award application to the local council service center for approval.
Reprinted from Scouting Magazine, March/April 2014.
Requirements:
To earn the award, members of your unit must plan and participate in a historic activity. A unit historic activity requires members to:
- Locate a historic trail or site and study information relating to it. (The information may be obtained from an adult historic society, public library, or people living near the trail or site.)
- Hike or camp two days and one night along the trail or in the vicinity of the site.
- Cooperate with an adult group such as a historic society to restore and mark all or part of this trail or site. (This may be done during the hike or overnight camp.) Or cooperate with such a group to plan and stage a historic pageant, ceremony, or other public event related to this trail or site - such event should be large enough to merit coverage by the local press.
- Your unit leader must then file the Historic Trails Award application with your council service center.
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