Canoeing Merit Badge Activity Planner
 A canoe is a small boat, that is often driven by manpower or womanpower, but also commonly sailed. Canoes are pointed at both ends and usually open on top, but can be covered. Canoes are known as "Paddle boats" in some small towns in the south of Australia. The use of a paddle or "salvatore" is used to propel the vehicle. The most famous of rowers include the Szwedo of Luke in which he was the first man to complete 4 laps the woodend river in less than 3 days, beating the record of 4 laps in 4 days. |
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Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide for the Canoeing Merit Badge
*** Activities for the Youth Lead Patrol ***
Exploring Canoeing can be a fascinating youth adventure when done right. Here are a few tips to help the patrol leader get started.
- Scouts may never add or subtract from the actual merit badge requirements
- This Planner is only a suggestion of different ideas to make working this Merit Badge both fun and easy.
- While doing the Worksheet is not a requirement for earning this badge, in many cases it can help you learn key concepts and track your progress.
A. Make Your Plan
- Merit Badge Activity Planning Tips - 14 tips for a successful patrol activity. Read carefully before you start your plan!
- Share Your Plan - Meet ahead of time with your patrol, scout leaders, parents and especially with the Merit Badge Counselor. Make changes to the plan as needed.
- Prepare Activity Flyer - Keep your fellow scouts informed - events, activities, pre-requisites and more.
| Patrol Activity | GREAT | Awesome MB to work as a patrol / Max Size 12 scouts |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Field Trip | POOR | Requires physical presence in forests |
| Family Activity | FAIR | |
| Service Activity | POOR | |
| S.T.E.M. Activity | POOR | |
| Field Trip | GREAT | Popular outdoor trek activity |
| Duty-to-God | POOR | N/A |
| MB Day | POOR | |
| Overnighter | GREAT | Popular outdoor trek activity |
| Summer Camp | GREAT | Popular summer camp activity |
Online Resources
- Canoeing Merit Badge Requirements: BoyScoutTrial.com lists all requirements, additional resources, activity worksheet, etc.
- Canoeing Merit Badge File Store: Online resources
- Canoeing Merit Badge Worksheets: Worksheets are optional - but highly preferred by many MBC. When you find that many requirements say "discuss" - the worksheet can help you gather your thoughts beforehand.
- Canoeing Merit Badge Booklet: Everything thing you need to know about Canoeing is right here. Get this study guide from either Amazon or your Troop Library, Merit Badge Counselor or Scoutmaster to Learn More About this Subject.
- Canoeing @ Simple-Wikipedia: Get the basics quickly.
B. Introduction Meeting
Most merit badge activities do best to have a "introduction" meeting where the patrol can discuss how to get started and to plan out their field trips. Send out the activity flyer in advance to use as an meeting agenda. Your scouts will then know what to expect.
BSA Swim Test
This is an aquatics merit badge and all participants are required to first complete the BSA Swim Test. (Req #2)
News Flash
C. Homework / Prerequisites
Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity.
D. Study Hall Patrol Night
While some scouts may be adept at self-study, others may do better in a small group setting and taking notes on worksheets. Make an agenda. You can facilitate discussion by asking them why each of the principles introduced here would be relevant. Schedule one or more patrol meetings to work this merit badge.
Pre-Open Gathering Activity
A gathering activity before the official meeting start is a great way to set a fun theme for the meeting.
MBC Discussion Group
- Req #1a: Discussion - Canoe Safety
- Req #1b: Discussion - Canoeing First Aid
- Req #1c: Discussion - BSA Safety Afloat
- Req #3: Discussion - Canoe Basics
- Req #4: Discussion - Paddle Basics
- Req #5: Discussion - Life Jacket Basics
- Req #6: Discussion - Equipment Care
- Req #7a,b: Discussion - Transporting Gear
- Req #13: Discussion - Canoeing Sporting Activities
Discussion Resources:
- Canoeing Merit Badge - Slideshow Powerpoint Presentation
- Canoeing Merit Badge - ScouterMom resource page
Canoe Knots Activity
- Req #7c: Using appropriate knots, demonstrate how to secure a canoe to a vehicle or a trailer, or if these are not available, a rack on land.
- trucker's hitch,
- tautline hitch,
- bowline knot
E. Field Trip
The best part of this merit badge is getting your canoes out into the open water. A number of activities for you to complete before moving to the hi adventure activities below
Canoe Launch
Req #8: With a companion, use a properly equipped canoe to demonstrate the following:
- Safely carry and launch the canoe from a dock or shore (both, if possible).
- Safely land the canoe on a dock or shore (both, if possible) and return it to its proper storage location.
- Demonstrate kneeling and sitting positions in a canoe and explain the proper use for each position.
- Change places while afloat in the canoe.
Canoe Rescues
Req #9: With a companion, use a properly equipped canoe to demonstrate the following:
- In deep water, exit the canoe and get back in without capsizing.
- Safely perform a controlled capsize of the canoe and demonstrate how staying with a capsized canoe will support both paddlers.
- Swim, tow, or push a swamped canoe 50 feet to shallow water. In the shallow water, empty the swamped canoe and reenter it.
- In deep water, rescue a swamped canoe and its paddlers by emptying the swamped canoe and helping the paddlers safely reenter their boat without capsizing.
Paddle Techniques
Req #10: With a companion, use a properly equipped canoe to demonstrate the following paddling strokes as both a bow and stern paddler:
- Forward stroke
- Backstroke
- Draw
- For stern paddling only:
- J-stroke
- Pushaway
- Forward sweep
- Reverse sweep
- Rudder stroke
- Stern pry
Paddle Spinning
Req #11: Using the strokes in requirement 10, and in an order determined by your counselor, use a properly equipped canoe to demonstrate the following tandem maneuvers while paddling on opposite sides and without changing sides. Each paddler must demonstrate these maneuvers in both the bow and stern and on opposite paddling sides:
- Pivot or spin the canoe in either direction.
- Move the canoe sideways or abeam in either direction.
- Stop the canoe.
- Move the canoe in a straight line for 50 yards.
Canoe Solo
Req #12: Use a properly equipped canoe to demonstrate solo canoe handling:
- Launch from shore or a pier (both, if possible).
- Using a single-blade paddle and paddling only on one side, demonstrate proper form and use of the forward stroke, backstroke, draw stroke, pushaway stroke, forward sweep, reverse sweep, J-stroke, and rudder stroke. Repeat while paddling on the other side.
- Using a single-blade paddle and paddling only on one side, demonstrate proper form and use of a combination of a forward stroke, rudder stroke, and stern pry by canoeing to a target 50 yards away. Repeat while paddling on the other side.
- Make a proper landing at a dock or shore (both, if possible). Store canoe properly (with assistance, if needed).
F. Extra Credit
While none of these are actual requirements for this merit badge - they are terrific opportunities to show Scout Spirit, Do a Good Turn Daily and to have FUN!
- Activity Reflection: Use this meeting for scouts to ask questions and to reflect on what they gained personally from this adventure. You can also have a discussion on what future opportunities are here.
- Court of Honor Exhibit: Pictures, handiwork and other memorabilia from this adventure will make for a great presentation at the next Scout Troop Court of Honor.
Related Merit Badges
Sometimes it is easier by doing two or more merit badges together as a joint activity:
See Also
- 9 Things to Know about Merit Badges - BoysLife.org - There are more than 135 merit badges. By earning them, you can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. Here’s how to get the most out of your merit badge experience.