Camping | MeritBadgeCourses.com

Important Notes:

Pre-work is required. Be prepared to discuss your completed work during the class.

There are some prerequisites that you need to finish before coming to the online session.

Zoom Link: Scouts will attend the online Zoom session using a Zoom link sent to the email address you used to register. If you don't see that email, check your spam and junk folders.

To receive your blue card, Scouts must complete the prerequisites below.

Merit Badge Prerequisites:

Requirement #1:

(a) Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in camping activities and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
Resources: Camping Safety Tips (video)
What to Do in a Bear Encounter (and How to Avoid One) (video)

(b) Discuss with your counselor why it is important to be aware of weather conditions before and during your camping activities. Tell how you can prepare should the weather turn bad during your campouts.
Resources: 5 Mistakes EVERY New Camper Makes in WET WEATHER (video)
Cold Weather Camping Tips (video)

(c) Show that you know first aid for and how to prevent injuries or illnesses that could occur while camping, including hypothermia, frostbite, heat reactions, dehydration, altitude sickness, insect stings, tick bites, snakebite, blisters, and hyperventilation.
Resources: Backpacking First Aid (What to Carry + Foot Care, Snakes, Poison Plants, Hypothermia, etc) (video)
First Aid for Snakebites (video)
Types of Heat Reactions (website)
Bad Bugs and Their Bites (website)

Submit Req #1 by: Come prepared with answers to the questions above. We will discuss this during the Zoom session.

Requirement #2:

Learn the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code, and explain what they mean. Write a personal and group plan for implementing these principles on your next outing.

Resources: Principles of LNT (video)

The Outdoor Code (website)

LNT/Outdoor Code Planning (PDF)

Submit Req #2 by: Come prepared to talk about Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code. You will submit the plans to the online classroom.

Requirement #5a - #5d:

(a) Prepare a list of clothing you would need for overnight campouts in both warm and cold weather. Explain the term "layering."
Resources: Cold Weather Gear (website)
Warm Weather Gear (website)

(b) Discuss footwear for different kinds of weather and how the right footwear is important for protecting your feet.
Resource: The ONE Tip You Need to Choose Between Hiking Boots, Shoes, and Trail Runners (video)

(c) Explain the proper care and storage of camping equipment (clothing, footwear, bedding).
Resource: How to Clean and Store Camping Gear (website)

(d) List the Scout Basic Essentials necessary for any campout, and explain why each item is needed.

Submit Req #5a-#5d by: Come prepared with answers to the questions above. We will discuss this during the Zoom session. You will submit #5e to the online classroom.

Requirement #6:

(a) Describe the features of four types of tents, when and where they could be used, and how to care for tents. Working with another Scout, pitch a tent.
Resources: Types of Tents (video)
Choosing a Tent (website)

(b) Discuss the importance of camp sanitation and tell why water treatment is essential. Then demonstrate two ways to treat water.
Resources: Types of Water Purification (video)
How to Wash Dishes at Camp (video)

(c) Describe the factors to be considered in deciding where to pitch your tent.
Resources: How to Pick a Campsite (video)
How to Choose a GREAT Campsite *AVOID THESE MISTAKES* (video)

(d) Tell the difference between internal- and external-frame packs. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Resource: How to Choose a Backpack (video)

(e) Discuss the types of sleeping bags and what kind would be suitable for different conditions. Explain the proper care of your sleeping bag and how to keep it dry. Make a comfortable ground bed.
Resources: Choosing a Sleeping Bag (video)
Backpacking Bags (video)
Caring for a Sleeping Bag (video)
Cleaning a Sleeping Bag (video)

Submit Req #6 by: Come prepared with answers to the questions above. We will discuss this during the Zoom session.

Requirement #8a and #8b:

(a) Explain the safety procedures for:

(1) Using a propane or butane/propane stove
Resource: How to Use a Propane Stove (video)

(2) Using a liquid fuel stove
Resource: How to Use a Liquid Fuel Stove (video)

(3) Proper storage of extra fuel

(b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different types of lightweight cooking stoves.
Resource: Canister vs Liquid Fuel Stoves (video)

Submit Req #8a and #8b by: Come prepared with answers to the questions above. We will discuss this during the Zoom session.

Requirement #10:

Discuss how the things you did to earn this badge have taught you about personal health and safety, survival, public health, conservation, and good citizenship. In your discussion, tell how Scout spirit and the Scout Oath and Scout Law apply to camping and outdoor ethics.

Submit Req #10 by: Come prepared with answers to the questions above. We will discuss this during the Zoom session.

How to submit completed work:

Use the Online Merit Badge Workbook: https://form.jotform.com/262527051526151
There is a 1-year deadline to complete this.
The online classroom does not auto-save work.
You need to hit the save button to save a draft.
Saved Drafts are auto-deleted after 2 months so save your work in your own WORD doc or Google Doc and copy and paste into the online classroom.
Scouts have three months to complete this.

Blue Cards:

Upon submitting work in the online classroom and approval from our merit badge counselor, Scouts will be issued a digital blue card signed by our merit badge counselor. This can be done with a digital PDF or signed on Scoutbook.com

Camera Requirement

All participants MUST have their cameras on during online sessions.
If you are unable to turn your camera on, you will not be allowed to stay in the session and will need to rebook at your parent/guardian's expense.