Overview
To bring appreciation to the ideals, principles, and traditions that have made our country strong; requirements emphasize cooperation between historic societies and Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scout units, which should establish a close relationship with a local society as soon as possible when planning a historic activity—most communities have such societies.
Love of America and devotion to our country depend upon a thorough appreciation of the ideals, principles, and traditions that have made our country strong. Historic Trails Award requirements emphasize cooperation between historic societies and Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scout units. Scouts should establish a close relationship with a local society as soon as possible when planning a historic activity—most communities have such societies. Reports from many units indicate that these societies have been eager to offer their cooperation by
- Suggesting trails or sites that are suitable for Scout historic activities and exploration
- Providing Scouts with historic information about the trails or sites
- Offering guidance to Scouts during restoration and marking projects
- Financing the cost of materials used by Scouts for restoration and marking projects
- Staging historic pageants and ceremonies with Scout participation
- Directing public attention to Scout historic activities through newspapers, television, and radio
Visit the Guide to Safe Scouting for current youth protection policies.
Who Can Earn This Award?
Presented to youth and adult members who meet the criteria.
How To Get the Award
Award Requirements
To earn the award, members of your unit must plan and participate in a historic activity. A unit historic activity requires members to:
1. Locate a historic trail or site and study information relating to it. (The information may be obtained from an adult historic society, public library, or people living near the trail or site.
Texas Southwest Council has two such locations within it’s borders, Fort Concho, in San Angelo, TX, and Fort McKavitt, TX.
2. Hike or camp two days and one night along the trail or in the vicinity of the site. Options include an area hotel or the home of other Scouts.
3. Cooperate with an adult group such as a historic society to restore and mark all or part of this trail or site. (This may be done during the hike or overnight camp.) Or cooperate with such a group to plan and stage a historic pageant, ceremony,
or other public event related to this trail or site—such an event should be large enough to merit coverage by the local press.
Your unit leader must then file the Historic Trails Award application with your local council service center.
