Woodwork Merit Badge Activity Planner
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'Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide for the Woodwork Merit Badge
*** Activities for the Youth Lead Patrol ***
Exploring Woodwork 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 / Covers work done helping on many Eagle Scout Service Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Field Trip | POOR | Usually requires a facility with proper equipment |
| Family Activity | GREAT | Make one or more useful gadgets for the home. Many families have appropriate equipment |
| Service Activity | GREAT | See Req #6e. Also Covers work done helping on many Eagle Scout Service Projects |
| S.T.E.M. Activity | GREAT | Complete 4 Engineering Projects using Woodworking |
| Field Trip | GREAT | See Req #6e. Also Covers work done helping on many Eagle Scout Service Projects |
| Duty-to-God | FAIR | Req #6e - option to complete a project for a Faith-based charity. |
| MB Day | FAIR | Usually requires a separate facility with proper equipment |
| Overnighter | FAIR | Usually requires a separate facility with proper equipment |
| Summer Camp | FAIR | Usually requires a separate facility with proper equipment and donated lumber & supplies. Complete projects needed at Scout Camp |
Online Resources
- Woodwork Merit Badge Requirements: BoyScoutTrial.com lists all requirements, additional resources, activity worksheet, etc.
- Woodwork Merit Badge File Store: Online resources
- Woodwork 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.
- Woodwork Merit Badge Booklet: Everything thing you need to know about Woodwork 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.
- Woodwork @ 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.
Woodwork is a classic example of a patrol sized activity. When you have too few scouts it is hard to finish the projects, and if you have too many scouts then there is not enough space or equipment and many end up just standing around. But for the typical patrol (4-10 scouts) you should find that there is plenty for everyone to become fully immersed in the activity and have fun.
News Flash
C. Homework / Prerequisites
Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity.
- Req #1c: Earn the Totin' Chip recognition.
- Lumber Purchased: Funds to purchase lumber for to build your four projects below
- Lumber Donated: Contact your MBC, carpenter or cabinetmaker to see if they now of a collection of excess lumber that may be donated free for your use.
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.
MBC Discussion Group
- Woodwork Safety Video - Youtube.
- Req #1: Discussion - Woodshop Safety
- Req #2: Discussion - Introduction to Wood
- Req #3: Discussion - Proper Tool Care
- Req #7: Discussion - Careers in Woodworking: "Talk with a cabinetmaker or carpenter. "
Woodshop Activity A: Something Useful
Req #4: "Using a saw, plane, hammer, brace, and bit, make something useful of wood. Cut parts from lumber that you have squared and measured from working drawings."
Woodshop Activity B: Something Unique
Req #5: "Create your own woodworking project. Begin by making working drawings, list the materials you will need to complete your project, and then build your project. Keep track of the time you spend and the cost of the materials."
Woodshop Activities C & D : Twin Projects
Req #6: Do any TWO of the following:
- Make working drawings of a project needing beveled or rounded edges and build it.
- Make working drawings of a project needing curved or incised cuttings and build it.
- Make working drawings of a project needing miter, dowel, or mortise and tenon joints and build it.
- Make a cabinet, box or something else with a door or lid fastened with inset hinges.
- Help make and repair wooden toys for underprivileged children
- OR help carry out a woodworking service project approved by your counselor for a charitable organization.
E. Field Trip
A related field trip with the MBC will be a great time to do the second half of this merit badge activity:
- Many, many Eagle Scout Service Projects involve a substantial amount of woodwork. Bet you didn't know you can get a merit badge for helping out.
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:
- Home Repairs
- Painting
- Bird Study - Building a Bird Feeder project (Req #9)