Outdoor Merit Badges

Outdoor adventures are the heart and soul of Scouting America. It is in the great outdoors where youth can learn the most about ideals such as character development, citizenship, fitness and leadership. Plus, being outside is just plain fun. Here are 11 merit badges that will get you outside, where the real magic of Scouting happens.

Outdoor Adventures

Camping: Youth who earn the Camping merit badge don’t just learn how to set up a tent while spending at least 20 nights (not consecutive!) in the outdoors. They also learn how to Be Prepared for hot, cold and rainy weather; how to plan and cook meals; how to avoid getting lost by using a compass or GPS receiver; how to pack smartly and efficiently; and how to safely carry out a side adventure such as hiking, biking or rappelling.

Canoeing: For thousands of years, people have been exploring the world’s waterways by canoe. The Canoeing merit badge teaches youth the basic parts of a canoe and paddle, then moves on to more advanced activities like carrying and launching a vessel, handling a swamped canoe, and packing for a multiday canoeing adventure.

Climbing: Rock climbing is an outdoor activity that requires more mental toughness than physical strength. It also requires the right equipment, and in earning this merit badge, youth will learn all about harnesses, helmets, ropes and knots used to climb safely. They’ll also get to experience different aspect of climbing, such as bouldering, lead climbing and top-rope climbing.

Fishing and Fly-Fishing: Whichever type of fishing you prefer, both of these merit badges will get you outdoors and on the water. The Fishing merit badge will teach you the best techniques for catching fish using a traditional rod-and-reel setup, while Fly-Fishing covers the specialized art of using a fly rod. Both including knot-tying skills, fishing safety and also cleaning and cooking a fish that you catch.

Kayaking: This merit badge covers virtually every aspect of recreational kayaking, including proper use of life jackets, how to get in and out of a kayak (it’s trickier than it looks!), and different kayaking techniques like the forward stroke, reverse stroke and stern draw. Earning this badge will also help you prepare for more advanced kayaking trips, such as whitewater and sea kayaking.

Outdoor Learning

Environmental Science: This merit badge helps youth learn about environmental problems and human impacts on the environment. To earn it, you’ll have to go outside and conduct experiments on topics such as ecology, air pollution, water pollution, land pollution, endangered species and invasive species.

Forestry: While some Forestry requirements can be done at home or in a library, most of them require youth to get out and explore areas of nature around them. Activities include collecting wood samples from trees, visiting a managed forest are or logging operation, taking an inventory of trees near you, and visiting with a local forester near you.

Mammal Study: Whether you’re studying the tiniest or biggest mammals out there, this badge requires you to spend plenty of time outside. Requirements include visiting different kinds of natural habitats, taking pictures of animals in the wild, and carrying out a project to benefit one or more mammals.

Nature: To earn the Nature merit badge, youth will get outdoors to study birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, insects and spiders, fish, plants, and soils and rocks. They’ll also visit a natural area such as a forest, grassland, meadow or water feature.

Wilderness Survival: Youth working on this badge will spend one night outdoors in a natural shelter — no tents or hammocks! Don’t worry, you’ll stay warm by building a fire without matches, and you’ll stay safe by packing a personal survival kit.