Special Opportunities

National Outdoor Badges—The five National Outdoor Badges recognize a Scout or Varsity Scout who demonstrates both knowledge and experience in camping, hiking, aquatics, riding, or adventure. Scouts earning the National Outdoor Badges have demonstrated that they are knowledgeable, safe, and comfortable in the outdoor activity covered by the badge.

Complete Angler Recognition—The Complete Angler recognition was established by the BSA’s Nationa l Fishing Task Force in October 2014 to honor well-rounded youth anglers. Scouts who have earned the Fishing, Fly-Fishing, and Fish and Wildlife Management merit badges can earn the award. Read more .

Totin’ Chip—This card, No. 34234, indicates that a Scout has demonstrated proper handling, care, and use of the pocketknife, ax, and saw.

Paul Bunyan Woodsman—This card, No. 34235, and corresponding patch recognize that a Scout has used woods tools skills to accomplish one of several beneficial projects.

Firem’n Chit—This card, No. 34236, signifies that a Scout has read the fire use and safety section in the Scouts BSA Handbook and accepts responsibility for fire safety.

Historic Trails Award—This embroidered patch, No. 00188, or leather patch, No. 00244, is earned when a Scout studies about a historic trail, hikes and camps along it, performs a public service project, and completes the Historic Trails Award application, No. 34408.

50-Miler Award—This embroidered patch, No. 00191, or leather patch, No. 00241, is earned when a Scout hikes, paddles, bikes, or rides horseback for at least 50 miles over five consecutive days, performs 10 hours of service, and completes the 50-Miler Award application, No. 34408.

Keep America Beautiful/Hometown USA Award—A Scout who earns three merit badges from a list of 13 choices, completes a minimum of eight hours of community service, and completes the Keep America Beautiful/Hometown USA Award application is eligible to wear the Hometown USA Award patch, No. 00356.

World Conservation Award—This distinctive panda patch, No. 00140, is earned by Scouts who complete either the Environmental Science or Sustainability merit badge; Citizenship in the World merit badge; and either the Soil and Water Conservation or Fish and Wildlife Management merit badge. The Scout must also participate in a conservation project as part of an approved Scouting program totaling at least three hours that addresses a conservation need common to more than one country. Scout applicants must complete the World Conservation Award application.

Conservation Good Turn—Scout units that perform a meaningful conservation project and complete the Conservation Good Turn Award application, No. 21-386, may be awarded a Conservation Good Turn certificate, No. 21-389.

Hornaday Awards—There are seven different William T. Hornaday Awards that may be earned by Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and adult Scouters. The Silver and Bronze medals are the highest, most distinguished youth conservation awards. Each medal requires earning a number of merit badges and performing three (Bronze) or four (Silver) conservation projects that demonstrate research, planning, leadership, involvement of others, and a positive impact on the local community. Click here for brochure . Click here for more information about the Hornaday Awards.

Outdoor Ethics Awareness and Action Awards—Scouts, Venturers and adult Scouters earn the Outdoor Ethics Awareness and Action Awards by learning more about the Outdoor Code, Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! and then putting this knowledge into practice on outings, teaching others, and assisting in a related service project. Click here for more information.

Religious Emblems Programs—A Scout is reverent. He is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion. Click here for more information.