Camping Merit Badge Activity Planner: Difference between revisions
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= C. Homework / Prerequisites = | = C. Homework / Prerequisites = | ||
Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity. | Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity. | ||
** <b>BSA Standard List of the [[Ten Essentials]] for any backcountry adventure.</b> | |||
== Prepare Outdoor Code Plan == | == Prepare Outdoor Code Plan == | ||
Revision as of 13:29, 22 April 2020
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'Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide for the Camping Merit Badge
*** Activities for the Youth Lead Patrol ***
Exploring Camping 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 | GREAT | Require presenter shares Camping in virtual meeting |
| Family Activity | POOR | Requires access to Camping Transmitter |
| Service Activity | FAIR | Useage in Emergency Preparedness Drills |
| S.T.E.M. Activity | GREAT | Learn how to use Modern Digital Technology |
| Field Trip | FAIR | Find a remote broadcast location |
| Duty-to-God | POOR | N/A |
| MB Day | GREAT | But only if you broadcast equipment. Many special Camping MB Day groups abound. |
| Overnighter | GREAT | Find a remote broadcast location |
| Summer Camp | GREAT | Pre-requisite: Scout Camp has their own broadcast transmitter |
Online Resources
- Camping Merit Badge Requirements: BoyScoutTrial.com lists all requirements, additional resources, activity worksheet, etc.
- Camping Merit Badge File Store: Online resources
- Camping 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.
- Camping Merit Badge Booklet: Everything thing you need to know about Camping 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.
- Camping @ 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.
Camping is an example of a patrol sized activity. Many rank advancement requirements for camping and camp meals are connected directly to a the scout-led patrol.
- Camping Merit Badge Powerpoint Presentation - AuthorStream.com
News Flash
C. Homework / Prerequisites
Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity.
- BSA Standard List of the Ten Essentials for any backcountry adventure.
Prepare Outdoor Code Plan
- Req #2: Learn the Leave No Trace principles and the Outdoor Code and explain what they mean. Write a personal plan for implementing these principles on your next outing.
Prepare Overnight Trek Plan
- Req #3 Make a written plan for an overnight trek and show how to get to your camping spot using a topographical map and a compass, a GPS receiver and a smartphone with a GPS app.
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 #1
- Req #1: Discussion - Safety Rules of Camping
- Req #2: Scout Presentation - Written Personal Plan for keeping the Outdoor Code
- Req #3: Scout Presentation - Written Plan for Overnight Trek
- Req #4a: Prepare Patrol Duty Plan
- Req #4b: Plan Patrol Campout
Pre-Open Gathering Activity : PackCheck
A gathering activity before the official meeting start is a great way to set a fun theme for the meeting.
- Req 5a: Prepare a list of clothing you would need for overnight campouts in both warm and cold weather. Explain the term 'layering'.
- Req 5b: Discuss footwear for different kinds of weather and how the right footwear is important for protecting your feet.
- Req 5c: Explain the proper care and storage of camping equipment (clothing, footwear, bedding).
- Reg 5d: List the outdoor essentials necessary for any campout, and explain why each item is needed.
- Req 5e: Present yourself to your Scoutmaster with your pack for inspection. Be correctly clothed and equipped for an overnight campout.
- Req 7a: Prepare Pack List
- Req 7b: Pack Inspection - Weight, Balance, Comfort
- BSA Standard List of the Ten Essentials for any backcountry adventure.
MBC Discussion Group #2
- Req #6: Discussion - Tenting
- Req #7: Discussion - Camp Meals & Menus
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:
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:
- Cooking - Did you know...scouts usually complete these two requirements together - multiple weekends cooking, camping and having fun.
- Hiking -
- Backpacking -
- Nature -
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.