50-Miler Award
Plan the trip, cover 50 miles over five days without motors, do 10 hours of trail work, then the unit leader files the application with the council.
6 steps. · Version 1, published 9 October 2026 · About 50-Miler Award
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This is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody.
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The steps
Stage 1 of 6
1 step
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Pick a route, with two-deep leadership Milestone
A suitable trail or waterway, travelled by sailboat, canoe, on foot, on horseback or by bicycle. Two-deep leadership at all times, following the Guide to Safe Scouting. Chartered units are preferred, but provisional units are eligible.
Stage 2 of 6
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1. Plan the whole trip first Document
Complete, satisfactory plans, including the chances it offers for advancement, conservation, leadership and service.
Usually comes after Pick a route, with two-deep leadership.
Stage 3 of 6
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all ticked
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2. Cover 50 miles over five days, without motors Requirement
At least 50 consecutive miles and at least five consecutive days. The application explains what a water trek may leave out of the distance.
Stage 4 of 6
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3. Ten hours of work improving the route Often forgotten Requirement
Group work on the trail, springs, campsite, portage or area, done during the trip. A similar project at home only if the route's authorities say none is possible.
No unauthorized cutting of brush or timber. Check with the authorities who manage the route before planning the work.
Stage 5 of 6
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4. Unit or tour leader files the application Document
With the local council service center, not the national office.
Usually comes after 3. Ten hours of work improving the route.
Stage 6 of 6
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Council approves; the award is presented Milestone
Each person who took a satisfactory part in an approved trip receives it. The patches are for tents, packs or blankets, not the uniform.
Usually comes after 1. Plan the whole trip first, 3. Ten hours of work improving the route and 4. Unit or tour leader files the application.
This plan is a planning aid: the current Boy Scouts of America publication is always the authority, and the sources used here are listed in full. Each step names its own.