Merit Badges

MERIT BADGES OFFERED AT CAMP TUSCARORA

Each Troop designates an adult to sign-up each scout who is attending camp with his two (2) MBs picked from the list that he wants (needs) to take.

Once your Scouts have looked at their options, please go to the Tuscarora Online Merit Badge Sign-up

with their two (2) choices by May 15th, 2012.

Following is a comprehensive listing of each merit badge offered at Camp Tuscarora, the recommended amount of camping experience a scout should preferably have, a description of each badge, any pre-requisite work necessary, and any cost. Please review this carefully and follow these guidelines where applicable to your unit.

*blank square under age indicates badge is appropriate for all ages*

 

Merit Badge

Suggested Age at camp

Description

Pre-camp Preparation and Cost

Archaeology

12+

Learn the techniques of this science and facts about previous inhabitants

 

Archery

 

Learn to shoot!  Accuracy is required.

Obtain a copy of YOUR state hunting laws.

Art

 

Learn the science of making art

 

Athletics

12+

The badge to take if you are into sports.

Requirements 3 and 5 are done outside the camp environment

Basketry

12+

Learn how and then make your own round and square baskets and foot stool.

Basic materials provided, additional materials available for purchase

BSA Lifeguard

14+

Very physically demanding.  Recommended for Scouts age 14 and older. Must be able to swim 800 meters, demonstrate proficiency in aquatics merit badges, Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, and emergency action.

VERY TIME and PHYSICALLY –INTENSIVE

(Note- This is not a merit badge, rather a skill award- it is only listed here because of the complexity.)

Camping

12+

Understand the art of camping and the organization needed to go camping.

Requirement 9a. Bring a verified camping record to camp and a backpack and gear for an overnight hike

EAGLE REQUIRED

Canoeing

 

Learn the basics of canoeing safety, strokes, equipment and techniques.

Must successfully complete BSA swimmer test. Bring shoes that get wet daily.

Climbing

13+

Learn the basics of climbing, rappelling, equipment and safety.

13 Year old, Requirement # 1 & 2 done prior to camp TIME INTENSIVE

Emergency Preparedness

12+

Learn the fundamentals of how to deal with emergencies.

Earn First Aid Merit Badge

EAGLE REQUIRED

Environmental Science

13+

The study of our natural surroundings.  CONSIDERABLE time while at camp.

VERY TIME –INTENSIVE

EAGLE REQUIRED

Fingerprinting

 

Learn how to identify individuals with this crime fighter technique.

May only take one or two days to complete

First Aid

 

Learn basic First Aid techniques.

Class is a double-period.

EAGLE REQUIRED

Fishing

 

Understand the local rules and regulations of fishing.

Might be a good idea to bring your own fishing pole. 

Bait available at Trading Post

Forestry

13+

The study of tree management.  A conservation project will be done while at camp.

 

Geology

 

Learn about rocks, rock formations and how that knowledge is used.

 

Indian Lore

 

Study American Indian culture.

 

Leatherwork

 

Learn leatherworking techniques as you create your own work of leather art!

 

Lifesaving

13+

Advanced rescue and survival techniques in water safety.  For the dedicated scout.

Must have Swimming merit badge.  Long- pants, long sleeve shirt that buttons.  Class is a double-period.

EAGLE REQUIRED

Mammal Study

 

The study of mammals and other living things.

Offered with Nature MB as a full five day experience

Metalwork

13+

Learn how to make a piece of metal into an art form. 

VERY TIME –INTENSIVE

Additional cost of $10

Nature

 

The study of all that surrounds us.

Offered with Mammal Study MB as a full five day experience

Oceanography

 

To understand the principles of nature that governs our water.

 

Orienteering

13+

To understand the basic ideals and methods of orienteering.  TIME INTENSIVE!

Basic knowledge of compass and map reading helpful.  Recommend bring own compass.

Painting

 

To learn how to paint in the outdoors and protect furniture from the elements.

This badge is dependent on good weather the week you are at camp.

Personal Fitness

 

 To learn how to be in better physical shape.

1 a & b   (#8 cannot be completed at camp)  EAGLE REQUIRED

Pioneering

12+

To learn how to build using ropes and knots.

This is time consuming and requires the scout to know basic knots and lashings.

Reptiles and Amphibians

 

Learn all about the wonderful world of snakes and frogs.

This badge is offered as a partial unless scout comes to camp already having completed req. 8

Rifle Shooting

12+

Learn safety procedures and shooting techniques to improve your aim.

Scout must be 12 year old (NY state law) Obtain a copy of YOUR state hunting laws. Must include date of birth when signing up. Additional cost of $10.

Rowing

 

Rowboat safety, handling, history, parts of the boat, "Rowing Rescues."

Must successfully complete BSA swimmer’s test. Bring shoes that get wet daily.

Sculpture

 

Use your imagination to create sculptures that may last forever.

This badge may be time-intensive.

Shotgun Shooting

13+

Learn safety and shooting techniques of a shotgun.  Smaller scouts may have difficulties

Must be 13 years old as per State Law.  Must include date of birth when signing-up. Additional cost of $10.

Small- Boat Sailing

13+

Learn to tack, jibe, come-about. Care and storage of equipment will be covered.

Must successfully complete BSA swimmer’s test.  Bring shoes that get wet daily.

Swimming

 

Learn strokes, dives, simple rescues and self-preservation techniques.

Must be classified as a swimmer. Bring long pants and button up shirt which can get wet- No rips!

EAGLE REQUIRED

Weather

 

The study of meteorology and climatology, cloud formations, and weather regimes.

 

Wilderness Survival

14+

Learn how to survive in the wild with minimum equipment. Fire making, and an overnighter in a shelter you build.

Recommended to do requirement 5 prior to camp AND bring it with you.

Woodcarving

12+

Learn how to carve and shape wood

Locking-blade knife is REQUIRED.  Totin’ Chip Card is required.

INDEPENDENT STUDY OPPORTUNITIES 

The following Merit Badges will be signed up for either Sunday evening or during your week at camp.

Collections

 

Learn the art of collecting.

Bring your own collection/ pictures to camp. This badge is offered as independent study.

Cooking

12+

Learn how to cook in an outdoor setting.  Learn to cook healthy food.

This badge can be time-intensive and is offered as independent study.

Cycling

13+

Learn the basics of bicycle safety and operation 

This will be a PARTIAL; elements of requirements 8 & 9 must be done prior to camp

We will be using the camp’s trail bikes. Bring your own bike if you think it will hold up to the camp trails and if it is APPROVED by the camp to use for the Merit Badge ONLY. It will be secured when not used for the MB.

Electricity

13+

 

Learn the basics of electricity

Limited session size. Priority to oldest Scouts

Fish and Wildlife Management

12+

Learn all about Wildlife

This badge is offered as an independent study.

Mammal Study

 

The study of mammals and other living things.

Offered as a Two-Three day MB independent of Nature MB

Nature

 

The study of all that surrounds us.

Offered as a Two-Three day MB independent of Mammal Study MB

Photography

 

Learn the basics of photography

Bring your own DIGITAL camera

Explore requirement 5 prior to camp

Rifle Shooting

(MUZZLE LOADING)

13+

Learn safety procedures and shooting techniques with the muzzle - loading rifles to improve your aim.

Scout must be 12 year old (NY state law) 13 for this camp

Obtain a copy of YOUR state hunting laws

Must include date of birth when signing up. Additional cost of $15.

Textile

12+

Learn about the science of textiles

This badge is offered as an independent study badge.

 

Baden-Powell Council - Tuscarora Scout Reservation, BSA

  • By mail: 
    • Council Office: Baden-Powell Council, BSA - 2150 NYS Route 12, Binghamton, NY 13901
    • During the camp season: Tuscarora Scout Reservation, BSA - 205 Summit Lake Road, Windsor, NY 13865
  • By phone: 
    • Council Office:  - (607) 648-7888 - 877-674-8876 (toll free) 
    • Fax: (607) 648-7895
    • Camp phone: (607) 467-2721
  • By E-mail: 

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