It requires Venturers to earn the Pathfinder Rank, participate in adventures, and demonstrate leadership, service and personal growth.

The badge is a rotated square cloth patch, with the Venturing Summit rank emblem and the words LEAD THE ADVENTURE above.

The badge is worn on the left pocket by youth have earned the rank The medal is an antique silver colored roundel with the words LEAD THE ADVENTURE in the border.

The design incorporates elements from the Exploring Silver Medal (Type II) issued between 1954 and 1965.

The knot is to be worn above the left pocket by adults who achieved the Summit award while they were a youth.

The first presentation of the Summit Award was on February 16, 2015, by former BSA National President, Wayne Perry.