Note to Mentors

Purpose

This award has been developed to

• Encourage the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills that promote fitness and safe conduct.
• Lay a skill, knowledge, and attitude foundation of the seven major components of fitness.
• Improve health, fitness, and quality of life through daily physical activity.

Mentor

These people will be identified by the council's health and safety committee, risk management committee, or training committee, and could include any person recognized and trained in activity education. A merit badge counselor in any physical activity-oriented merit badge may serve as a mentor for this award.

• Mentors and merit badge counselors must have undergone the appropriate BSA merit badge counselor orientation training, as reviewed and identified by the council's training committee and health and safety committee.
• The mentor should check to make sure all participants have had medical checkups from their physician prior to participation.
• The mentor should not omit, vary, or add requirements unless part of the individual's goal.
• The mentor should recognize that both youth and adults will participate in this program.
• Mentors, merit badge counselors, and adult Scouters will be provided with the new trifold Leader's Fitness Card (pocket card) as they initiate this program. The council's training committee and health and safety committee will ensure that adequate supplies are available for the duration of the BSA Physical Fitness Award program.

Recognition

Scouts completing the requirements can receive a patch. The complete award application should be submitted to the council by the unit leader.

Teaching Areas

Instruction and participation must be conducted in an environment free from all hazards and dangers. All BSA precautions and safety measures apply to this award.