different merit badges. We recommend that you don't take on more than
three, because camp is geared for fun -- not just advancement.
Many of the merit badges we offer have requirements that must or
should be done before you arrive. Some require four weeks of
observation, others require some written work. Why take fun time to
write a report when you could do it at home on your computer in less
time?
As you will see below, we have grouped merit badges in recommended
groups for first-year campers on up to veterans. With the exception of
those recommended for fourth-year campers (in the Older Scout program),
these are just recommendations.
Recommended for first-year campers and older:
Basketry, Fishing, Indian Lore, Leatherwork, Mammal Study, Swimming and Woodcarving
Recommended for at least your second year in camp:
Camping, Canoeing, Forestry, Lifesaving, Orienteering, Pioneering, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Rowing and Wilderness Survival
Tougher badges recommended for third-year campers and older:
Archery, Astronomy, Environmental Science, Geology, Nature, Shotgun Shooting, Rifle Shooting, and Weather.
Badges that require you to be at least a fourth-year camper:
Climbing and Space Exploration
Take a look at the following merit badges and choose which ones that you would like to complete at camp. Then get to work!
Archery Merit Badge
This is one of the tougher merit badges we offer. It is also one of
the most fun. Although some Scouts will be natural shots, some will
never shoot well enough to qualify.
We
recommend this merit badge for Scouts who are in their third summer
camp or beyond. But if archery is your hobby, you can sign up earlier.
We will teach you to shoot properly and safely.
To qualify you must make at least one complete arrow and a
bowstring. We have the materials for purchase in the camp Trading
Post. You may bring your own personal archery tackle to camp, but we
do not encourage you to do so. And if you do, we are not responsible
for it. Bows may not exceed 40 pounds pull, and they must be locked in
the camp office when not in use.
Before camp: Read the merit badge book, and practice shooting if possible.
Time offered: 2 p.m.; two-hour session
Astronomy Merit Badge
Heres another of the tougher badges. It is also recommended for
third-year campers and beyond. But if astronomy is your hobby, come on
down. It is unlikely that you could qualify for this badge without
prior work.
A great web site to check out is www.space.com. On
this web site are tons of interesting information and photos of what is
happening above you every night. If stargazing is your hobby, the
Starry Night series of computer programs are easy to use. You'll find
them also on www.space.com.
Before camp: Requirements that you must complete beforehand
are 5b, 6 and 7b. We recommend that you do the sketches for 4c and 7a at
home where it will be easier for you to do. Read the merit badge
pamphlet, and get plenty of skywatching in.
Times offered: 10:15 a.m. and 3 p.m.; one-hour sessions in the nature area, with evening stargazing out of your campsite, as possible
Basketry Merit Badge
Here's one thats a piece of cake. You could actually do this one before you come to camp, or do it in your spare time.
This is a fine first-year camper badge, open to all Scouts. There
are only three requirements. You may purchase your kits ahead of time
at the Scout Shop or a hobby shop. If you wait until you get to camp,
you can buy the kits in the Trading Post for $15-$24, depending on
which kits you choose to weave.
Assistance is available in the Scoutcraft area daily from 2 to 5 p.m. Just come on down and ask for help.
Times offered: 11:15 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Camping Merit Badge
Here's a great badge to earn at camp, and it's required for Eagle. You
should have 20 days and nights of camping before you sign up for this
one.
Before camp: Requirements 8c and 9 must be complete prior
to camp. Requirements 1-6 should either be done or prepared for. These
are the bookwork-type requirements that will save you time at camp.
Times offered: 9:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the Scoutcraft area.
Canoeing Merit Badge
This badge is great fun. Canoeing and Swimming are our most-earned
merit badges in camp. You must be a swimmer before you can sign up.
Learn to paddle a canoe the right way. Learn to save yourself and
others in a boating accident.
Plan
on taking some time in the afternoon to practice the skills that you
learn in the sessions. You will have to demonstrate your handling of
the canoe in a number of situations.
Before camp: Read the merit badge pamphlet. Practice your
swimming. To complete this badge, you must come to camp with a
completed red card indicating that you have the necessary CPR
instruction. This badge requires some strength in moving and lifting a
canoe, and the ability to climb back into a canoe from the water.
Study requirements 4, 5 and 10.
Times offered: 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. at Lake Potashnik; 1 hour, 15-minute sessions
Climbing Merit Badge
Make sure that you have a
current book. You must be a fourth-year camper or older to sign up. It
is part of the Older Scout program.
This merit badge is strenuous, so you need to be in good condition.
Before camp: Pre-camp sign-up is necessary (see your
Scoutmaster). Read the merit badge pamphlet to become familiar with
the equipment and terminology. A red card for CPR will help. If you
can visit a climbing facility before camp it will help.
Times offered: 9:15 a.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday. Meet at the Climbing Tower.
Environmental Science Merit Badge
This is a good camp
merit badge, but requires a lot of pre-camp work to complete. It is
also another Eagle required badge. Sessions for this badge are 1.5
hours each day. We recommend that you be at least a third-year camper
for this badge.
If you are a resident of the state of Missouri, you may receive (free of charge) the excellent magazine Missouri Conservationist. Simply send your written request with your name, full address, city, state and zip code to:
Missouri Conservationist
Circulation
P.O. Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180
Illinois residents may subscribe to Outdoor Illinois magazine. Go to www.dnr.state.il.us for subscription information ($10 per year).
Before camp: Read the merit badge pamphlet. It is
recommended that you complete requirement 5. To complete this badge,
you must come with requirements 4 and 6 completed.
Times offered: 9:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. Remember that these
are two-hour sessions and this is a time-consuming merit badge. It is
also an important badge if you want to become an Eagle Scout.
Fishing Merit Badge
Heres the perfect badge to complete before you get to camp, and all you have to do is fish!
Bring your fishing gear and the pictures of fish that you've caught
in the past. Bone up on the bookwork requirements and parts of the
tackle and you're home free.
Before camp: Fish, fish, fish. You can fish at camp as well, but
if theyre not bitin'??? Read the merit badge pamphlet and come ready
to answer the questions every fisherman should know.
For requirement 7 involving state fishing regulations, go to this web site for Missouri: www.conservation.state.mo.us;
and for Illinois, go to www.dnr.state.il.us/fish/digest.
Time offered: 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Lake Potashnik
Forestry Merit Badge
This is a merit badge
for those who love trees and forests and want to learn more.
Recommended for second-year campers and older, this is a badge that is
better researched before coming to camp. A tree identification guide
and spiral notebook are essential.
Before camp: Requirement 7 would be helpful to have done and Requirement 5 must be done.
Read the merit badge pamphlet and start assembling your collections.
Times offered: 9:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the nature area.
Geology Merit Badge
Wouldn't you like to
be able to identify the rocks and minerals around you, and know how
they formed? This one is for you, recommended for third year campers
and older.
Before camp: You must complete requirement 4 and we
recommend that you work on requirement 5 depending on which option you
choose. A rock and mineral guide will definitely help you out.
Time offered: 11:15 a.m. in the Nature Area.
Indian Lore Merit Badge
The Indian Lore merit badge is a good one that can be completed at home
prior to camp which will allow you more time to take part in the fun
Native American skills and games that we will show you in the
Scoutcraft area. Any Scout may sign up for Indian Lore. If you are a
member of an Order of the Arrow ceremonial team, this one may be right
for you.
Before camp: Requirement 2 must be done, and we highly recommend that you complete requirement 1 as well.
Times offered: 10:15 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Leatherwork Merit Badge
This merit badge is open to all Scouts and is a great one for camp,
where we provide leatherworking tools and advice. You may purchase
your kit materials prior to camp at the Scout Shop or a leather craft
store. If you purchase them at camp, plan on spending $7-$14,
depending on your choice of kits.
Before camp: Read the merit badge pamphlet. Bring your
personal item for requirement 3 to camp to show. If you choose options
a, b or d in requirement 4, youll need to have done them before camp as
well.
Times offered: 9:15 a.m. or 4 p.m. in the Scoutcraft area
Lifesaving Merit Badge
Here's a great badge that gets you in the water every day, and may
help you save your or someone else's life in the future. It is also an
alternative required badge for the rank of Eagle Scout (Emergency
preparedness is the other option). Although it is not a requirement,
you should have first earned the Swimming merit badge. You must be a
strong swimmer before coming to camp, as requirement 1 requires you to
swim 400 yards using four different strokes in a strong manner.
Before camp: Swim, swim, swim, then read the merit badge
pamphlet. You must have completed those requirements for second and
first class regarding swimming. You must have completed the red card
CPR training prior to camp to complete this badge. You will need a
long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Blue jeans are not recommended.
Times offered: 11:15 a.m. or 3 p.m.
Mammal Study Merit Badge
Mammal Study is a good badge for any Scout. This is definitely one
where you should do the paperwork and research before you come to camp.
Before camp: We highly recommend that you complete requirements 3 and 4.
Missouri residents should receive (free of charge) the Missouri Conservationist magazine. Illinois residents may subscribe to Outdoor Illinois magazine. See subscription information under the Environmental Science merit badge.
Times offered: 10:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the nature area. You can choose either Monday and Tuesday or Wednesday and Thursday.
Nature Merit Badge
Designed for Scout in their third year or more of summer camp, this badge will help you appreciate our natural wonders.
Before camp: Depending on which five of the eight options
you choose, you should complete the following requirements before
camp: a2, d1, d2, e1, f2 or h2.
Times offered: 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Nature Area
Orienteering Merit Badge
This is a great camp badge, recommended for second-year Scouts and
beyond. Orienteering is like a treasure hunt with a map and compass.
It is the largest participant sport in the Nordic countries. You will
need your compass and sturdy shoes or boots for running.
Before camp: Requirements 7, 8, 9 and 10 are recommended.
If you don't do most of these requirements, it will be tough to
complete. Read the merit badge pamphlet.
Check out the St. Louis Orienteering Club's web site at www.sloc.us.orienteering.org.
This club has great events that can help you qualify for requirement 7;
and if you contact and assist them, you can complete 9.
Times offered: 11:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Scoutcraft area
Pioneering Merit Badge
This Scoutcraft merit
badge is recommended for second-year campers and beyond. Building
towers and bridges is a lot of fun, but you need to know your knots and
learn to lash. The Scoutcraft area has all the spars and ropes that
you will need. Pioneering sessions are two hours long.
Before camp:
You need to be prepared to pass requirements 1 and 2. We strongly
suggest you make your simple ropemaking machine for requirement 6. The
Trading Post will have twine for you to purchase for using with your
ropemaking machine if you wait until camp to try it out. Read the
merit badge pamphlet.
Times offered: 9:15 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge
This badge is offered to second-year campers and older. If you like things that crawl, jump and swim, chase this badge.
Before camp: Requirement 8 must be completed. Bring your
records with you to camp. If you complete requirements 1 and 4, you
will be well on your way.
Times offered: 9:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the Nature Area
Rifle Shooting Merit Badge
This merit badge is a lot like Archery. It is a lot of fun. Some
Scouts pass the shooting requirement with no problem; other Scouts
never seem to get the hang of it. The session is 2 hours long and is
held at, you guessed it, the rifle range. Ammunition is .22 caliber
single shot, and bolt action rifles are used for option A. You may not bring your own rifle or ammunition to camp.
This merit badge is recommended for third-year campers and older.
But if you are a marksman or hunter and have your Scoutmaster's and
rifle range director's permission, you may sign up.
For a portion of requirement No. 1 regarding hunting laws go to this web site: www.conservation.state.mo.us (for Missouri residents) or www.dnr.state.il.us (for Illinois residents).
Before camp: Read the merit badge pamphlet and practice shooting if possible. Even if it is with a BB gun, it will help you prepare.
Time offered: 2 p.m.
Rowing Merit Badge
Here's another
fun aquatic merit badge. Although not required, we recommend that you
earn the Canoeing merit badge first. You must be a swimmer to sign
up. This is a recommended merit badge for second-year campers and
beyond.
Before camp: Read the merit badge pamphlet. Earn the red
card for CPR instruction. Be prepared for requirements 4 and 10.
Practice your swimming skills.
Times offered: 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. at Lake Potashnik.
Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge
Shotgun Shooting
merit badge is recommended for those Scouts who are at least in their
third year of camp. It is a lot of fun but is time-consuming. Shotgun
Shooting is a two-hour a day badge. It will also cost you an
additional $10 for ammunition. The fee is paid at the time you sign up
on Monday morning.
We will be using option A (modern cartridge type).
Before camp: Read the merit badge pamphlet and be prepared
for requirement 1. See Rifle Shooting Requirements above for resources
for state regulations. Practice shooting if possible.
Time offered: 9:15 a.m. at the shotgun range
Space Exploration
This badge will be offered to Scouts in the Older scout Program. Times will be announced at camp.
Before camp: Complete requirements 2 and 7.
You will need to purchase at rocket kit at camp. These will be
available at camp for a cost of between $5 and $15 depending on your
choice of rockets.
Do not bring any rocket engines with you to camp.
Swimming Merit Badge
Swimming and Canoeing are the most earned badges in summer camp. If
you are a first-year camper and a swimmer, this one's for you. It is
lots of fun, and you swim everyday. Surface dives, different swimming
strokes, and using mask, fins, and snorkel are just a few of the skills
that you will learn.
Before camp: Read the merit badge pamphlet and practice
your swimming. To complete at camp, you must have your signed red card
that shows you have completed the CPR instruction. You must have
completed requirement 3 in your troop, which qualifies you for the
Second and First Class swimming requirements before you can sign up for
this merit badge.
Times offered: At your troop instructional swim time, 9:15 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. (see your Scoutmaster for your time)
Weather Merit Badge
This badge is offered to third-year campers and older. Learn great skills to improve your status as an outdoorsman.
Before camp; Requirement 8 must be completed before camp. We also recommend that you work on requirements 3 and 6.
Times offered: 11:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Nature Area.
Wilderness Survival Merit Badge
Do you really like roughing it? Then try Wilderness Survival.
Recommended for second-year campers, this badge will have a survival overnight.
Before camp: Read the merit badge pamphlet. Make your own
survival kit for requirement 5, and practice your fire-building for 6.
Be prepared to answer questions on requirements 2, 3 and 7.
Times offered: 11:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. with an overnight.
Wood Carving Merit Badge
Wood carving is a great merit badge for all Scouts in camp; but it
is also a great one to start before you get here. Step one is to get
the merit badge pamphlet and read it. Next get a pocketknife with a
small blade. Sharpen the blade so that it is very sharp, and then take
your time carving the two projects that you will need to complete
requirements 4 and 5.
You
may secure neckerchief slide blanks at any Scout Shop. For the relief
carving, most Wal-Mart stores have basswood (or lindenwood) in their
hobby/crafts area. Most hobby shops will have carving wood as well.
Check out your library for whittling or carving books for ideas. Also check out www.meritbadge.com for ideas.
Before camp: No requirements must be done before camp.
Equipment and instruction is available in the scoutcraft area.
Times offered: 11:15 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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HOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR TIME AT CAMP LEWALLEN
OK, youve got all this information on merit badges. Now how do you
make it work for you? We suggest that you build yourself a schedule.
Step 1 -- decide what you really want to do and accomplish
Step 2 -- make sure that you plan to have some time just for fun.
Step
3 -- check out your troop's time for instructional swim and free swim.
If you are going to earn Swimming or Lifesaving merit badge, this time
is set for you in the Camp Lewallen Leaders Guide.
Step 4 -- fill in the times for your highest-priority badges first.
Here's the list of merit badges by times:
- 9:15 a.m. -- Camping, Canoeing (75 minutes), Climbing,
Environmental Science, Forestry, Leatherwork, Pioneering, Reptile and
Amphibian Study,Rowing, Shotgun Shooting (2 hours), Swimming
- 10:15 a.m. -- Astronomy, Indian Lore, Lifesaving, Mammal Study
- 10:45 a.m. -- Canoeing (75 minutes),
- 11:15 a.m. -- Basketry, Fishing, Geology, Swimming, Orienteering, Weather, Wilderness Survival, Wood Carving
- 2 p.m. -- Archery (2 hours), Environmental Science, Pioneering, Rifle Shooting (2 hours), Weather, Wood Carving
- 3 p.m. -- Astronomy, Fishing, Lifesaving, Mammal Study,
Orienteering, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Whitewater (3:30 on Monday,
3:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday) Wilderness Survival
- 4 p.m. -- Basketry, Camping, Forestry, Indian Lore, Leatherwork, Reptile and Amphibian Study
