Merit Badge Outline For

Reptile and Amphibian Study

Introduction	Your challenge as a summer camp merit badge counselor is to see that the Scouts who attend your session have the best opportunity to learn about reptile study. It is important that they have a positive experience. This lesson plan is designed to help you plan a logical, high quality program experience. You may have to use a slightly different approach in presenting the material based on your camp resources and facilities.
Resources	Be sure to utilize all the resources available to you. There are many state and federal agencies that can provide you with a variety of materials and support to help you deliver the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge program. Sign off on requirements as Scouts complete them.
Special Note	In order to have requirement 8 approved, bring records kept and confirmation from the Scoutmaster that the requirement was satisfactorily achieved. This should be shared with troops before attending summer camp.


DAY	ACTIVITY		DESCRIPTION

1	Greet Scouts	A.	Examine all merit badge cards for the Scoutmaster's signature. Make a roster of the Scouts.
1	Hike/Observe	B.	Take a nature hike, explaining to the group the information for requirements 1-10. Remind them to watch for species of reptiles and amphibians.

2	Observe/Discuss	A.	Show 10 reptiles or amphibians and discuss information in requirements 3 and 6.
2	Observe/Sketch	B.	Allow Scouts to complete requirement 1. Remember that all Scouts are not Rembrandts. It is what the drawings contain that is important. Have the Scouts share with you what is in the drawing.

3	Discuss/ Demonstrate	A.	Discuss information in requirements 2, 4, and 5.
3	Demonstrate	B.	Demonstrate treatment for snakebite and then have Scouts do the same.

4	Discuss/ Demonstrate	A.	Divide Scouts into groups of four and have them pick a partner. Instruct one partner to treat snakebite on the other, then reverse the partners allowing each other to treat the first.
4		B.	Have each Scout describe to his group the information in requirements 3, 5, 6, 7, and 10 or allow each group to hold a discussion on this information.

5	Review	A.	Wrap up all the requirements. Prepare the merit badge cards for the proper signatures. If any Scout does not complete all the requirements, make sure that his records properly indicate the requirements that he has completed and that the Scout knows why he did not complete the merit badge requirements.
5		B.	Submit necessary records to the camp program director.

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