BSA National Outdoor Challenge Application
The National Outdoor Challenge is a unit award that recognizes troops that maintain or increase the amount of outdoor activity when compared to the previous year.
The recognition is a streamer for the unit’s flag.
To earn this award, the unit states on the application that it has:
- Developed an annual plan for the current year.
- Conducted 10 outdoor trips or activities with at least 50 percent of the registered youth participating OR increased the number of outdoor trips or activities compared to the previous year.
- Attended long-term resident camp or a local/national high-adventure experience of at least six days/five nights.
- Conducted at least one outing with a Webelos Scout den.
- Earned at least one outdoors-related* merit badge per Scout.
- Conducted at least one Leave No Trace program during the calendar year for a minimum of 50 percent of the members.
Note: Outdoors-related merit badges are: Backpacking, Camping, Canoeing, Climbing, Cooking, Cycling, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, First Aid, Fish and Wildlife Management, Fishing, Fly-Fishing, Forestry, Hiking, Kayaking, Lifesaving, Orienteering, Pioneering, Rowing, Scuba, Snow Sports, Soil and Water Conservation, Swimming, Water Sports, Whitewater.
The unit leader completes the National Outdoor Challenge application (PDF) and submits it to the local council camping committee.