Pathfinder Outdoor Skills Award

Outcomes

Through participating in various outdoor activities and camps, Scouts develop advanced outdoor knowledge and skills, with a focus on hiking and extended camping in safe and environmentally friendly way.¹

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Requirements

1. Camp outdoors for a minimum of six (6) nights, not including those done for the Voyageur Award. This must include at least two, two-night or one, three-night camps, and one lightweight or mobile camp.
2. Participate in three (3) additional hikes/trips of at least six (6) hours duration each:
   1. One must include an overnight stay of at least two nights. (These nights may be included in the camps detailed above).
   2. Another must be in winter conditions.
      Note: For the purpose of this requirement alternate methods may be chosen, i.e. bikes, cross-country skiing, horseback, canoeing, etc. Motorized transportation is not acceptable.
3. Demonstrate the proper care, use and maintenance of equipment including stoves, tents, axes, saws, cooking equipment.
4. Plan a menu for two Scouts for a weekend camp:
   1. The plan shall have minimum of five (5) meals.
   2. The plan must include a food and supplies list, which includes quantity.
5. Plan a balanced menu for a patrol of Scouts for a weekend camp. The plan shall have minimum of five (5) meals and must include a food and supplies list which includes quantities required.
6. Sleep in a temporary overnight shelter that you built, while minimizing the damage to the environment.
7. Demonstrate square and diagonal lashing and describe their uses.
8. Demonstrate to Voyageur level Scouts the proper care, maintenance and packing of personal camping gear suitable for a two-day camp. Include sleeping bag, pack, clothes, boots, etc.
9. Identify four wild birds and four mammals that are indigenous to the area where you live or camp. Keep a list of the sightings you encounter on at least two camps or hikes.
10. Identify four types of trees/shrubs in the area you camp or hike in.
11. Identify four types of wild flowers in the area you camp or hike in.
12. Demonstrate proper disposal of cooking residues, grey water and body waste.
13. Plan and lead an Environmental project for your patrol/troop.
14. Demonstrate throughout the Pathfinder Award that you have put into practice your personal Environmental Code and Leave No Trace philosophies.

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Cross-badge links:

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Program Suggestions

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Please note that this is a pilot site intended to help Scouters leading programs within Scouts Canada and is not officially endorsed or maintained by Scouts Canada.

Footnotes

1. Taken from MEASURING SUCCESS - THE SCOUTING WAY