Outdoors Award

by Makayla Russell

The Outdoor Award is presented to girls who not only explore the outdoors, but have gained the skills necessary to fully enjoy it and work within it.  Like the Life Skills Achievement Award, the Outdoors Award builds on knowledge and skills as the girls age.  All lower level requirements must be completed before you can earn the award at a higher level.

Penguin Level
  1.  Learn to recognize and name at least 5 different trees in your area.
  2.  Learn to recognize and name at least 5 different wild animals in your area.  Know which animals can be dangerous and why.
  3.  Learn to recognize and name at least 5 different flowers or plants in your area.  Know which plants can be dangerous and why.
  4.  Understand safety precautions to take to avoid dangerous plants.
  5.  Know how to protect yourself from wildlife in your area while hiking or camping.
  6.  Take a hike of at least a half mile. (Penguins only)
  7.  Go camping for at least one night on two different occasions.
  8.  Earn the Water Safety badge at your current level
  9.  Earn the Outdoor Safety badge at your current level
  10.  Earn the Camping badge at your current level
  11.  Earn the Weather badge at your current level.
  12.  Earn the Fire Safety badge at your current level
  13. Earn the Leave No Trace badge at your current level.
  14. Earn the First Aid badge at your current level
Otter Level
  1.  Complete all requirements from the Penguin level unless a requirement specifically states it is for that level only and then add the requirements below.  If you have earned the Outdoor Award at a lower level, all knowledge must still be maintained and all activities must be redone with Otter level ability and experience.
  2.  Learn about the different kinds of cloud formation and what they can tell you about the weather.
  3. Take a hike of at least one mile (Otters only)
  4. Earn the Pocketknife Safety badge at your current level
  5. Learn the importance of having a whistle with you anytime you are hiking or backpacking and learn what to do if you are ever lost in the woods in order to have the best chance of being found.  Learn to blow S.O.S. on your whistle.
Dolphin Level
  1. Complete all requirements from the Otter level unless a requirement specifically states it is for that level only and then add the requirements below.  If you have earned the Outdoor Award at a lower level, all knowledge must still be maintained and all activities must be redone with Dolphin level ability and experience.  Camping trips should include 2 nights.
  2. Take a hike of at least 2 miles (Dolphins only)
  3. Earn the Fire Building badge at your current level.
  4. Earn the Outdoor Cooking badge at your current level.
  5. Earn the Pocketknife badge at your current level.
  6. Learn 4 different knots used for outdoors and why they are important.
  7. Learn about different types of tents such as 2-man, family, dome, quick pitch. Understand what each is used for.
  8. Create your own survival bag including first aid kit, compass, knife, rope, whistle, lighter, bandana, notebook, pen, playing cards, heat blanket, snacks etc.  If you cannot actual create the bag, make a comprehensive list of what should be in it and why.
  9. Know food safety while camping, what temperature meats, mayonnaise etc need to be kept at to avoid illness, and how to maintain temperature control.  Understand how to store food to keep it safe from wild animals.
  10. Learn how to make your shoes waterproof and why it is important
Butterfly Level
  1. Complete all requirements from the Dolphin level unless a requirement specifically states it is for that level only and then add the requirements below.  If you have earned the Outdoor Award at a lower level, all knowledge must still be maintained and all activities must be redone with Butterfly level ability and experience.
  2. Start a fire without a match, other options include flint and steel, friction, bow rubbing or magnifying glass
  3. Know how to sharpen a knife, ax, hatchet
  4. Pack a backpack meal and eat from your backpack for a full day while hiking
  5. Be able to identify plants, berries and trees in your area and which ones are safe to eat
  6. Take a hike of at least 5 miles
  7. Go camping for at least 2 nights on at least 3 separate occasions.
  8. Be able to navigate a compass and use it on a hike or backpack trip
  9. Learn about different hiking equipment, such as proper backpack fitting, hiking boots, camping equipment, etc.
  10. Know at least 3 different ways to signal for help while outdoors without a phone or Wi-Fi.
Eagle Level
  1. Complete all requirements from the Butterfly level unless a requirement specifically states it is for that level only and then add the requirements below.  If you have earned the Outdoor Award at a lower level, all knowledge must still be maintained and all activities must be redone with Eagle level ability and experience.
  2. Know how to find and sanitize water in your area
  3. Know how to get an injured hiker out of the woods safely
Owl Level
  1. Complete all requirements from the Eagle level unless a requirement specifically states it is for that level only and then add the requirements below.  If you have earned the Outdoor Award at a lower level, all knowledge must still be maintained and all activities must be redone with Owl level ability and experience.
  2. Teach at least 6 outdoors skills to others.  Ideas may include first aid, knots, compass work, shelter building, fire building, outdoor cooking, water safety, knife safety etc.