Summer Camp 2024

Merit Badge Definitions


 

Archery

Archery is a fun way for Scouts to exercise minds as well as bodies, developing a steady hand, a good eye, and a disciplined mind. This merit badge can provide a thorough introduction to those who are new to the bow and arrow—but even for the experienced archer, earning the badge can help to increase the understanding and appreciation of archery. A $6.00 fee will be added for this class to pay for the required arrow kit at registration.

 

Art

This merit badge concentrates on two-dimensional art, specifically drawing and painting in various media, including an introduction to design applications in the fields of graphic arts and industrial design, history and design principles, and how these fields relate to fine art. Approximate additional free of $5.00 for supplies.

 

Basketry

Basketry is a handy skill for a Scout. A basket can be a sturdy companion on campouts, carrying clothes snugly and efficiently, holding potatoes and corn for roasting over a campfire, or carrying the day’s fishing catch back to camp for dinner. Baskets and basket-weaving projects also make great gifts for family and friends.  Approximate additional free of $16.00 for supplies.

 

Bird Study

Birds are among the most fascinating creatures on Earth. Many are beautifully colored. Others are accomplished singers. Many of the most important discoveries about birds and how they live have been made by amateur birders. In pursuing this hobby, a Scout might someday make a valuable contribution to our understanding of the natural world.

 

Canoeing

For several centuries, the canoe was a primary method of travel for explorers and settlers. Today, it remains an important part of the wilderness experience and an enjoyable leisure activity that teaches communication, teamwork, and physical fitness. Participants must be classified as a “SWIMMER” on swim check. This class is 1 1/2 hours each day.

 

Climbing

Climbing is not a sport that requires tremendous muscular strength; it demands mental toughness and the willingness to practice hard to master a set of skills. The adventure of climbing can also provide a new way to enjoy the outdoors. Participants must be a minimun of 13 years old -or- at least 1st Class rank. This class is 1 1/2 hours long each day.

 

Emergency Preparedness

Scouts are often called upon to help because they know first aid and they know about the discipline and planning needed to react to an emergency situation. Earning this merit badge helps a Scout to be prepared by learning the actions that can be helpful and needed before, during, and after an emergency.

 

Environmental Science

While earning the Environmental Science merit badge, Scouts will get a taste of what it is like to be an environmental scientist, making observations and carrying out experiments to investigate the natural world.

 

First Aid

First aid — caring for injured or ill persons until they can receive professional medical care — is an important skill for every Scout. With some knowledge of first aid, a Scout can provide immediate care and help to someone who is hurt or who becomes ill. First aid can help prevent infection and serious loss of blood. It could even save a limb or a life.

 

Fish & Wildlife Management

Wildlife management is the science and art of managing the wildlife—both animals and fish—with which we share our planet. Maintaining the proper balance and the dynamics that go with it requires humankind’s attention. We use this stewardship tool to help minimize or eradicate the possibility of extinction of any given species. We want our descendants to have the opportunity to experience the same animal diversity that we now enjoy.

 

Fishing

Every Scout ought to be able to fish in order to get food for himself. A tenderfoot [beginner] who starved on the bank of a river full of fish would look very silly, yet it might happen to one who had never learned to catch fish.

 

Fly Fishing

Fly-fishing is a specialized form of fishing that combines skill and artistry. Because it is so rich with tradition, it is a passion for millions of people. The beauty of the water, the solitude, and the skills that the sport requires have made fly-fishing very important in the lives of many notable people.

 

Indian Lore

Far different from the stereotypes or common images that are portrayed on film, on television, and in many books and stories, American Indians have many different cultures, languages, religions, styles of dress, and ways of life. To learn about these different groups is to take an exciting journey of discovery in which you will meet some of America’s most fascinating peoples.

 

Leatherwork

Scouts who complete the requirements to earn the Leatherwork merit badge will explore leather’s history and its endless uses. They will learn to make a useful leather item using the same types of raw materials that our ancestors used; be challenged to master skills like hand-stitching, lacing, and braiding.; and learn how to preserve and protect leather items so they will last a lifetime and beyond. Approximate additional free of $4.00 for supplies.

 

Lifesaving

No Scouts BSA participant will ignore a plea for help. However, the desire to help is of little use unless one knows how to give the proper aid. The main purpose of the Lifesaving merit badge is to prepare Scouts to assist those involved in water accidents, teaching them the basic knowledge of rescue techniques, the skills to perform them, and the judgment to know when and how to act so that they can be prepared for emergencies. Must be a First Class Scout to participate in the Lifesaving Merit Badge. Participants must be 1st Class and be classified as “SWIMMER” on swim check. This Class is 1 1/2 hours each day.

Mammal Study

A mammal may weigh as little as 1/12 ounce, as do some shrews, or as much as 150 tons, like the blue whale. It may spring, waddle, swim, or even fly. But if it has milk for its young, has hair of some kind, is relatively intelligent, and has warm blood, then it is a mammal.

 

Nature

There is a very close connection between the soil, the plants, and all animal life, including people. Understanding this connection, and the impact we have upon it, is important to preserving the wilderness, as well as to our own well-being as members of the web of nature.

 

Oceanography

The oceans cover more than 70 percent of our planet and are the dominant feature of Earth. Wherever you live, the oceans influence the weather, the soil, the air, and the geography of your community. To study the oceans is to study Earth itself.

 

Orienteering

Orienteering, the use of map and compass to find locations and plan a journey, has been a vital skill for humans for thousands of years. Orienteering is also a recognized sport at the Olympic Games, and thousands of people participate in the sport each year in local clubs and competitions. Must be a First Class Scout to participate in the Orienteering Merit Badge. Participants must be at lease 1st Class Rank. Some evening workshops are required to complete certain requirements. This class is 2 hours each day.

 

Pioneering

Pioneering—the knowledge of ropes, knots, and splices along with the ability to build rustic structures by lashing together poles and spars—is among the oldest of Scouting’s skills. Practicing rope use and completing projects with lashings also allow Scouts to connect with past generations, ancestors who used many of these skills as they sailed the open seas and lived in America’s forests and prairies. Must be a First Class Scout to participate in the Pioneering Merit Badge. Participants must be at least 1st Class rank. Some evening workshops are required to complete certain requirements. This class is 2 hours each day.

 

Plant Science

Plant scientists use their curiosity and knowledge to develop questions about the world of plants. Then they try to answer those questions with further observations and experiments in the laboratory and in the field. To earn this merit badge, Scouts will explore three of the most important plant science specialties: agronomy, horticulture, and field botany.

 

Rifle Shooting

Unless a rifle is handled incorrectly or recklessly, it is not dangerous. A rifle, like any other precision instrument, is manufactured to perform a specific task and can do so at no risk to the user or others. By earning this badge, Scouts can develop their shooting skills while learning safe practices. This class is 1 1/2 hours each day. A $10.00 fee will be charged at registration which will provide you with “unlimited” rounds and targets used during class time.

 

Rowing

Rowing is the use of oars as a means of propelling boats, has grown from a basic method of transportation to a competitive sport and an enjoyable method of exercising. Participant must be at least 1st Class and be classified as a “SWIMMER” on swim check. This class lasts 1 1/2 hours each day.

 

Shotgun Shooting

A shotgun is a precision instrument, designed to shoot a shot charge in a specific pattern to cover a designated area at a certain distance. Unlike a rifle, the bore of the shotgun is not rifled, so the shot emerging from the muzzle is not spinning. Participants must be a minimum of 13 years old -or- at least 1st Class rank. This class is 1 1/2 hours each day. A $40.00 fee will be charged at registration time which provides your first 50 rounds and pigeons used during class time.

 

Signs, Signals, and Codes

American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most used language in the United States. The Signs, Signals, and Codes merit badge will cover Morse code, ASL, Braille, signaling, trail markings, and other nonverbal communications. Did you know that some of these have even saved people’s lives?

 

Soil & Water Conservation

Conservation isn’t just the responsibility of soil and plant scientists, hydrologists, wildlife managers, landowners, and the forest or mine owner alone. It is the duty of every person to learn more about the natural resources on which our lives depend so that we can help make sure that these resources are used intelligently and cared for properly.

 

Space Exploration

Space is mysterious. We explore space for many reasons, not least because we don’t know what is out there, it is vast, and humans are full of curiosity. Each time we send explorers into space, we learn something we didn’t know before. We discover a little more of what is there. Purchase of model rocket kit from Trading Post. Cost range $15-$25

 

Swimming

Swimming is a leisure activity, a competitive sport, and a basic survival skill. Scouts who earn this badge will learn about safety when swimming and diving, how swimming can contribute to overall fitness and health, and gain some basic competitive swimming skills This Class is 1 1/2 hours each day.

 

Welding

There are no details provided by the council for this merit badge.

 

Wilderness Survival

In their outdoor activities, Scouts learn to bring the clothing and gear they need, to make good plans, and do their best to manage any risks. But now and then, something unexpected happens. When things go wrong, the skills of wilderness survival can help make everything right again. A $2.00 fee will be charged at registration to pay for your safety glow sticks used during your outpost experience.

 

Wood Carving

As with any art, wood carving involves learning the basics of design, along with material selection and tools and techniques, as well as wood-carving safety. The requirements of the Wood Carving merit badge introduce Scouts to an enjoyable hobby and that can become a lifetime activity. Approximate additional free of $5.00 for supplies.

 

 

Activity Classes

 

Fishing Outpost

This is the time set aside to practice the techniques taught for the Fishing and Fly Fishing merit badges. The Fishing Outpost intended to help Scouts qualify for the Fishing and Fly Fishing merit badges. However, anyone attending camp (including Adult Leaders, may attend. All participants must provide their own transportation and equipment. If you choose to fish while the instructor is not present, you will also need to provide your own Fishing License. This outpost experience is 3 hours each day.

 

Mile Swim

Work with qualified and certified BSA Aquatics Instructor or equivalent to do training and then swim a mile. Participants must attend all sessions (M-F) to do final swim to qualify on Friday. This experience is 1 1/2 hours each day.

 

Rock ON Challenge

An exciting program for Scouts and adults who are looking for a true climbing adventure. This is an opportunity to earn a hardcore version of the Climbing merit badge. Adults have the opportunity to earn their Level 1 Climbing Instructor Certification during the week. Adults are invited to participate as space is available. This class is 3 hours long each day. Only offered at Camp Morrison for the 2021 camp season.

 

Swim Instruction

Basic swimming instructions. Improve your swimming skills. Work to become classified as a “swimmer” in the B.S.A.

 

Tapawingo Adventure – Trail to 1st Class

National based advancement program directed at first year campers.