50 Miler Award

50 Miler Award requirements

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 advancement, conservation, leadership, and service requirements.

1. Make complete and satisfactory plans for the trip, including the possibilities of advancement.
2. Cover the route of not less than 50 consecutive miles; take a minimum of five consecutive days to complete the trip without the aid of motors for the qualification of the 50-mile distance. For example, in the case of water treks and the use of motors, qualification distances exclude maneuvering in or out of slips or ports, safety/weather transverses, managing tidal currents, and accessing the open water. (In some areas, pack animals may be used.) Note: Qualification for the 50-mile distance does not have to be continuous, provided the primary purpose objective is met.
3. During the time on the trail or waterway, complete a minimum of 10 hours each of group work on projects to improve the trail, springs, campsite, portage, or area. If, after checking with recognized authorities, it is not possible to complete 10 hours each of group work on the trail, a similar project may be done in the unit’s home area. (There should be no unauthorized cutting of brush or timber.)
4. Unit or tour leader must then file a 50 Miler Award application with the local council service center.

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: Boy Scout Requirements, 2018 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #641568)

The official source for the information shown in the section below is: 50 Miler Award Application, No. 430-067 (2015 Printing).

The primary objective of this program is to stimulate Boy Scout, Varsity Scout,^{[Note 1]} Sea Scout, and Venturer interest in the ideals of the movement and to promote activity that will result in personal fitness, self-reliance, knowledge of wood lore, water trek, and/or outdoor experience.

Chartered unit participation is most desirable; however, provisional groups are eligible. This award does not apply if any other BSA award is available for a trip.

The Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturing unit or provisional group must follow these rules for a 50-Miler trip:

• Select a suitable trail or waterway.
• Two-deep leadership must be in effect at all times. Adult leadership should utilize and follow the Guide to Safe Scouting.
• Trips outside council boundaries, trips of 500 miles or more, or trips that include aquatics, climbing/rappelling, or shooting sports components require a tour and activity plan to be submitted to the council. You can find more information here: www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/Alerts/TourActivityPlan.aspx.^{[Note 2]}