Summer Camp
Merit Badge
Program Outlines

INTRODUCTION

The summer camp merit badge program must be a quality experience for the Scouts who attend your camp. All too often, Scouts are not given the best possible program because of lack of planning on the part of the merit badge counselor.

Merit badge counseling in a summer camp setting is an opportunity for young men to really have a "hands-on" experience. Nine months out of the year these Scouts spend time in a classroom with a one-way conversation and learning experience. Merit badge activities should provide fun with a purpose and practical experience.

The program outlines included in this pamphlet are designed to assist merit badge counselors at summer camp with a daily outline of activities to support the respective merit badge. It is important that the merit badge counselors become familiar with the merit badge they will be working with at summer camp as soon as they are recruited. Staff training week is too late to prepare for merit badge counseling.

Troop leaders must be notified of any merit badges that cannot be completed during the time at camp. In many cases, a Scout can prepare for these merit badges before arriving at camp. Any Scout who does not complete all the requirements should receive credit for the requirements he did complete. This information should be given to the Scoutmaster.