Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge Activity Planner

Come learn how to have fun with Emergency Preparedness.

'Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide for the Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge

*** Activities for the Youth Lead Patrol ***

Exploring Emergency Preparedness 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

1. Merit Badge Activity Planning Tips - 14 tips for a successful patrol activity. Read carefully before you start your plan!
2. 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.
3. 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	FAIR	Demonstration Activities best done in person with patrol buddies
Family Activity	GREAT	Several home based activities
Service Activity	GREAT	Be Prepared to Render Scouting Service
S.T.E.M. Activity	FAIR	Preparedness aided by modern technology.
Field Trip	POOR	n/a
Duty-to-God	GREAT	Coordinate emergency plans with faith based organizations.
MB Day	FAIR	Best done within your troop.
Overnighter	POOR	n/a
Summer Camp	FAIR	Best done within your troop.

Online Resources

• Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge Requirements: BoyScoutTrial.com lists all requirements, additional resources, activity worksheet, etc.
• Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge File Store: Online resources
• Emergency Preparedness 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.
• Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge Booklet: Everything thing you need to know about Emergency Preparedness 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.
• Emergency Preparedness @ Simple-Wikipedia: Get the basics quickly.

B. Introduction Meeting

File:EmergencyDrill3.png

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.

News Flash

Did you scout unit "Activate" for the 2020 Pandemic Emergency? How can your scout unit render meaningful Emergency Service during the current global crisis?

From B.S.A. Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge Req #7: "Do the following: a) Take part in an emergency service project, either a real one or a practice drill, with a Scouting unit or a community agency. b) Prepare a written plan for mobilizing your troop when needed to do emergency service. If there is already a plan, explain it. Tell your part in making it work."

• 19 Scout Service Projects for Covid-19 - Emergency Service that both older and younger scouts can do while participating in "Shelter in Place" in their communities.

C. Homework / Prerequisites

Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity.

• Req #1: Completion of the First Aid Merit Badge is required.
• Req #2b: Prepare Response Chart for Ten Emergencies
• Req #2c: Family Emergency Plan & Meeting.
• Req #9: Home Safety Inspection

From BSA Emergency Preparedness Req #8b - Prepare a personal emergency service pack for a mobilization call. Prepare a family kit (suitcase or waterproof box) for use by your family in case an emergency evacuation is needed. Explain the needs and uses of the contents.

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.

• Scout and Troop's First Aid Kit displays
• First Aid drills
• Knot tying Drills

MBC Discussion Session

Discuss with your MBC the following :

• Req #2a: What is "Emergency Preparedness"?
• Req #2b: Prepare Response Chart for Ten Emergencies
• Req #6: Discussion - NIMS & ICS
• Req #8a: Discussion - Scouting Emergency Services

Patrol Night Activity: Rescue Demonstration

• Req #3: Rescue Demo - Four Household Scenarios
• Req #4: Demonstrate - Rescue Communications
• Req #5: Demonstrate - Rescue Transport

Patrol Night Activity: Emergency Contact Drill

From B.S.A. Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge Req #7: "Do the following: a) Take part in an emergency service project, either a real one or a practice drill, with a Scouting unit or a community agency. b) Prepare a written plan for mobilizing your troop when needed to do emergency service. If there is already a plan, explain it. Tell your part in making it work."

Discussion Resources:

• Youtube NOAA Weather Alert Broadcast - Severe Thunderstorm alert.

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!

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 19 Scout Service Projects for Covid-19 - Emergency Service that both older and younger scouts can do while participating in "Shelter in Place" in their communities.

Related Merit Badges

Sometimes it is easier by doing two or more merit badges together as a joint activity:

• First Aid - Req #1 for Emergency Preparedness. Both are required for Eagle Rank Advancement.
• Citizenship in the Community
• Citizenship in the Nation
• Citizenship in the World
• Safety
• Lifesaving
• Radio