BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN SUMMER CAMP

MERIT BADGE GUIDELINES

The following is a list of the merit badges offered at Camp Ottari in the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation. Many badges require advance preparation if the Scout is going to complete the badge during camp. If the advance requirements are not completed before camp Scouts will receive a partial completion at camp. Other badges require certain materials - some of these must be brought from home, other items can be purchased at camp. These are noted below. All Scouts are strongly encouraged to purchase or borrow the merit badge pamphlet for the classes they are planning to take, to review the requirements, and to read the book before attending camp. If you have any questions please call Mr. Don Yurewicz.

Archery: Plan extra time to practice shooting skills (open Archery). Arrow making materials will cost approximately $2.50 and are available at the camp. This is often a difficult badge for younger Scouts to complete, as it requires some upper body strength and coordination.

Backpacking: This is offered to Scouts on the High Knoll Backpacking Trek. A partial completion will be given to those Scouts to have not completed all three 3-day trips.

Basketry: Basket materials starts around $4.00 and are available for purchase at camp.

Camping: Complete requirements 7, 8, and 9 prior to camp. Bring gear for an overnighter. Note – Scouts must have 20 days and nights of camping to complete this badge.

Canoeing: A Scout must be a "swimmer". Learn CPR before camp.

Cooking: Camp will teach cooking skills but it is difficult to cook all 5 required meals in camp. Do requirements 2, 3a, and as much of 4 before coming to camp.

Emergency Preparedness: Complete requirements 1 (First Aid Merit Badge) and 8c prior to camp.

Environmental Science: Read the merit badge book before going to camp.

First Aid: Must know First Aid requirements through First Class Rank. Bring a triangular bandage and a roller bandage.

Fish & Wildlife Management: Complete requirements 5, 6, and 7 prior to camp.

Fishing: Bring rod, reel, and tackle.

Forestry: Complete requirements 5a and 5b prior to camp.

Geology: Complete requirement 2 prior to camp.

Indian Lore: Costs will vary on requirement selection. Minimum craft costs are about $4.00.

Insect Life: Complete requirements 3, 7 and 9 before or after camp.

Leatherwork: Cost of material will be determined by a Scout's choice of projects. A Scout may not use a pre-punched kit. Bulk leather is available.

Lifesaving: Scout must already have the Swimming Merit Badge. Bring a loose-fitting, tight weave, long sleeve, button down shirt and long pants. Requirements 1a and 14 should be completed before camp. Learn CPR before camp. Must be a strong swimmer. This is a 2 hour class.

Mammal Study: Scouts should complete requirement 4 prior to camp.

Nature: Scouts should complete requirements 4 and 5 prior to camp.

Orienteering: Knowledge of basic orienteering skills is useful. Bring a compass suitable for orienteering work

Pioneering: Know basic knots and lashings. Plan to spend an extra 3-4 hours late in the week on a pioneering project.

Reptile and Amphibians Study: Scouts should complete requirement 8 prior to camp.

Rifle Shooting: Prior experience with firearms is suggested. This is a 2 hour class.

Rowing: A Scout must be a "swimmer". Learn CPR before camp.

Shotgun Shooting: Prior experience with firearms is suggested. This is a 2 hour class. There is a fee of 25¢ per shot. The absolute minimum cost to earn the badge (shoot two qualifying rounds) is $12.50.

Small Boat Sailing: A Scout must be a "swimmer". Learn CPR before camp.

Soil & Water Conservation: Requirement 7 should be completed before camp.

Swimming: This is strongly recommended for all Scouts who have not already earned this badge. Bring loose-fitting tight-weave, long-sleeve button down shirt and long pants.

Wilderness Survival: Complete requirement 5 before camp.

Woodcarving: Bring a knife suitable for whittling. The camp sells pocket knives at the Trading Post. The cost of the craft goes from $1.75 and up. The Scout must have a Toten Chip card.