General Instructions

(Applicable to Cub Scouts and Webelos)

INTRODUCTION

The High Adventure Team is chartered with the responsibility to conduct training courses to provide an awareness of CUB ADVENTURE outdoor activities. This awareness 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 CUB ADVENTURE outdoor activities, an awards program was created to recognize various accomplishments. It is the intent of the various council’s 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.

CHANGES OR EXCEPTIONS

Changes, exceptions, modifications, or waivers of any CUB ADVENTURE AWARD 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.

AWARDS MUST BE EARNED

No CUB ADVENTURE AWARD shall be given, otherwise made available, to any person who has not completed all of the requirements for the award, including these GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

RECIPIENTS MUST BE REGISTERED

Only currently registered members of the Boy Scouts of America are eligible to receive CUB ADVENTURE AWARDS.

REGISTERED UNITS

Awards may be earned only on scheduled outings of registered units, or a District or Council function.

ONE TRIP/ONE AWARD

Generally, only one award may be earned for one outing, unless otherwise stated in writing in the award requirements. CUB SCOUTS & WEBELOS MAY ONLY EARN THOSE AWARDS SPECIFICALLY CONTAINED IN THIS BOOK, CUB ADVENTURE AWARDS FOR CUBS & WEBELOS.

BSA TOUR PERMIT

Also refer to note #15.  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 the local Council procedures. A tour permit number is required with all award applications. Some Councils require additional permits which must also be obtained.

OTHER PERMITS REQUIRED

When/where other permits/requirements are necessary they must be obtained for the trip in order to be eligible for CUB 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.

REQUIREMENTS 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 CUB ADVENTURE AWARD. High Adventure Training requirements (such as Outdoor Leader or Basic Backpack Awareness, for example) will be included in specific award requirements. At least one (1) adult with the group taking the trip SHALL have a current approved First Aid Card or be a qualified Medical Professional.

FAMILIARITY WITH LITERATURE

Leaders should be familiar with the B.S.A. Outdoor Skills Manuals, the San Diego County Council Trek Aids, Los Angeles Area Council Hike Aids and other current Cub Adventure literature.

CUB ADVENTURE AWARD APPLICATION FORM

The CUB ADVENTURE AWARD Form must be filled in completely before submitting it to the High Adventure Team approval person for review and approval. All CUB ADVENTURE AWARDS must include a complete and approved CUB ADVENTURE AWARD Application. Awards can 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 INDEX of this booklet.

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. (See note #14 below). 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 if listed as a specific requirement for an award. Evidence must be shown if requested.

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 the Agency for whom the work was accomplished.

GENERAL

These requirements are intended for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and, where, applicable, Girl Scouts.

NATIONAL POLICY

Overnight camping is not approved for CUB SCOUTS. WEBELOS Scouts are encouraged to have several Adult-Boy campouts a year. Camping for CUB SCOUTS and WEBELOS SCOUTS is not backpacking or wilderness camping. CUB DENS may have backyard or neighborhood sleepouts. RESIDENT CUB SCOUT camping (minimum 3 nights) is permitted for CUB SCOUTS and WEBELOS SCOUTS only at Council controlled Camps.

YOUTH PROTECTION

In many Councils, Tour Permits will be issued to leaders only upon showing evidence of successful completion of the Youth Protection course. Completion of a Youth Protection course is required by new B.S.A. National Policy. Each leader should check with their own Council Office for specifics on Youth Protection prerequisites and procedures.