National Outdoor Achievement Award

The National Medal for Outdoor Achievement is the highest recognition that a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout can earn for exemplary achievement, experience, and skill in multiple areas of outdoor endeavor.

To earn this medal, the scout demonstrates proficiency in a wide array of skills and participates in a broad range of outdoor activities. The award is achieved by earning National Outdoor Badges and further expanding his skills and knowledge through training, leadership, and merit badges.

This award replaces the individual National Camping award.

In order for a Scout to earn the National Medal for Outdoor Achievement, the Scout must complete the following requirements:

1. Earn the First Class rank.
2. Earn the National Outdoor Badge for Camping with a silver device.
3. Earn any two additional National Outdoor Badges, each with two gold devices.
4. Earn the following merit badges: Backpacking, Emergency Preparedness, Nature, and Wilderness Survival.
5. Complete a 16-hour course in Wilderness First Aid from the American Red Cross, Wilderness Medical Institute, or other recognized provider.
6. Become a Leave No Trace Trainer by completing the 16-hour training course from a recognized Leave No Trace Master Educator.
7. Plan and lead, with the approval of your unit leader, an outing for your troop, team, patrol, or squad in two of the following activity areas: hiking and backpacking, aquatic activities, or riding. Include in each outing a service element addressing recreational impacts resulting from that type of activity. With the approval of your unit leader, you may plan and lead the outings for another Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, Varsity Scout team, Sea Scout ship, or Venturing crew.
8. Complete at least one of the following:
   1. Plan and lead, with the approval of your unit leader, an adventure activity identified in the National Outdoor Badge for Adventure for your troop, team, patrol, or squad.
   2. Successfully complete a season on a council summer camp staff in an outdoor area, such as aquatics, Scoutcraft, nature/environment, climbing, or COPE.

The unit leader completes the National Outdoor Achievement Award application and submits it to the local council service center.