MERIT BADGES

Aquatics Area

Swimming - This badge is required for Eagle (with alternates), and is required to take any other Aquatics merit badge. It is a good entrylevel Aquatics merit badge. Bring long pants, a long-sleeved button down shirt, and shoes that can get wet. This merit
badge should not be considered for nonswimmers or beginners. Scouts should
know how to swim well before taking this badge. It is highly recommended that
CPR instruction (requirement 2) be completed prior to camp.

Swim Instruction - This session is for Scouts in the Non-Swimmer and Beginner ability groups. The instruction will work to improve their swimming skills and aim toward advancing to the next ability group. The Beginner’s test completes requirement 7 for Second Class, and the Swimmer’s test completes requirement 9 for First Class.

Lifesaving - This badge is required for Eagle (with alternate), and is a two-hour session. It is a challenging merit badge that requires physical strength and stamina. Bring long
pants, long-sleeved button down shirt, and shoes that can get wet. It is recommended
that CPR Instruction (requirement 13b) be completed prior to camp.

BSA Lifeguard - This is a rigorous program that certifies a Scout to be a Lifeguard. Scouts are required to spend all of their time in the Aquatics area. Physical strength, stamina, and a great deal of written work are required. Bring long pants, a long-sleeved buttoned down shirt along with shoes that can get wet. This program is recommended only for older Scouts and strong swimmers. It is highly-recommended that the CPR instruction be completed prior to camp. Bring a copy of your current CPR card to assist in completing the paper work. Adults are welcome to participate in the BSA Lifeguard program.

Whitewater - Experience the thrills of running class II whitewater in a kayak. Scouts will learn the essentials of whitewater kayaking on the South Fork River. The highlight of the week will be a Thursday trip to the Spring River. This class is limited to 6 participants. Participants must be at least 13 years of age and pass the BSA swimmers test.

Rowing - This is a one-hour session. Physical strength and stamina required. The skills are more difficult to master than in Canoeing. It is highly recommended that CPR instruction (requirement 2) be completed prior to camp.

Canoeing - This is a two-hour session. Good physical strength and stamina are required. This is a good merit badge to introduce boating; it is more fun and less difficult than rowing. It is recommended that the CPR instruction (requirement 2) be completed before camp.

Motorboating - This is a one hour merit badge. Scouts will learn the proper technique for operating a motor boat, dropping anchors, fueling and much more. Recommended for 2nd year campers. It is recommended that the CPR instruction (requirement 1b) be completed before camp.

Small Boat Sailing - This badge will teach Scouts the skills necessary to rig
sails and launch a sailing vessel. Scouts will learn knots and other skills needed to safely sail. It is recommended that the CPR instruction (requirement 1b) be completed before camp.

Handicrafts

Art and Sculpture - Scouts in this session should have some drawing or artistic experience. There is a lot of freedom in choosing medium and subjects for artwork. Art requirement 4 must be completed before coming to camp. Art will be combined with Sculpture Merit Badge. Scouts will learn basic sculpting and molding techniques through the use of clay and plaster. There will be a $5.00 fee for materials payable at check-in. This is taught in conjunction with Art Merit Badge.

Woodcarving - This merit badge is not recommended for first-year Scouts. There is a small cost for materials needed from the Trading Post. Knives are available for Scouts to use or Scouts may use their personal carving knives. Personal knives should be sharp and pocket knives are highly discouraged.

Basketry - Each Scout will learn to weave his own basket and make one that he can take home. This is an excellent merit badge for young Scouts. There is a small cost for basket materials needed from the Trading Post.

Textiles - Scouts will learn the process for making cloth and the differences in types of fiber samples. Jobs in the textile industry are also discussed. This merit badge is excellent for younger Scouts.

Leatherwork - This is another good badge for young Scouts. There is a small cost for materials available at the Trading Post. Requirement 3 may be done before coming to camp.

Indian Lore - This badge is recommended for all Scouts. There is a small cost for materials available at the Trading Post. This merit badge will involve the study of various American Indian tribes. Requirement 1 may be completed before coming to camp.

Nature Lodge

Reptile and Amphibian Study - This badge requires drawing and night observation (frog hunt). Scouts must keep a reptile or amphibian for at least one month to complete this badge. This (requirement 8) must be done outside of camp. This merit badge is not recommended for Scouts who are very afraid of snakes, although the instruction may lessen these fears.

Fish & Wildlife Management/ Soil & Water Conservation - Scouts will learn to conserve and manage the world’s natural resources. Scouts taking these merit badges will learn about the importance water plays in our environment. They will also do an in depth
study on the conservation of soil and how soil plays an important role in environmental protection. There is some written material for this badge and a conservation project is also required. Scouts should bring old shoes to wear in the creek.

Chemistry - This session explores the chemical aspects of the environment through laboratory work and interactive discussions. Because of the nature of this merit badge, it is recommended for older Scouts. This merit badge will be limited to the first twelve Scouts.

Fishing and Fly-Fishing - Scouts will be instructed in the use of a rod and reel and a fly rod. Scouts will also get the opportunity to tie their own flies and lures. These two badges will be taught in conjunction with each other.

Environmental Science - This badge is required for Eagle and is a two-hour session. It requires daily hikes, field notes, and experiments. There is a great deal of written material, but some of it (Requirements 1 and 4) can be completed before coming to camp. Younger Scouts are discouraged from taking this badge.

Nature and Forestry - Nature is an excellent introductory merit badge to the Nature area. It requires some hiking, and observation. Forestry requires a leaf collection and a report. Scouts need a notebook and adhesive tape for mounting the leaf collection. (Requirement 1)These two badges will be taught in conjunction with each other

Geology - This badge teaches how rock and mineral formations are created. Scouts will also learn about fossils, faults, soil and stream erosion.

Space Exploration - Scouts have the opportunity to construct, launch and recover a model rocket. There is a small cost for the rocket kits. A couple of drawings are required which involve some creativity. These (Requirements 2 and 5b) may be done before coming to camp.

Weather - Scouts will build a weather instrument and use it to track the weather during the week. This badge covers a lot of material. An interest or background in weather is helpful. Requirements 8, and 9 may be completed before coming to camp.

Life to Eagle

Citizenship in the World - This is a 2-hour badge and is Eagle required. Scouts will learn about diplomacy, international trade, and foreign relations.

Citizenship in the Nation - This is an Eagle required badge. Scouts will learn about the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Scouts will also have the opportunity to contact their senator to share personal views on an issue. Scouts will go on a field trip to complete requirement 2a.

Communications and Public Speaking - This is a 2-hour badge and is Eagle required. Scouts will learn basic communication skills needed in today’s society. As an added bonus, Public Speaking will be taught in conjunction. Communications requirements 5,
7 and 8 may be completed before camp.

Scoutcraft

Camping - Scouts will be taught the basic skills of both front and back country camping. They will be taught the importance of Leave No Trace. Scouts are welcome to bring some of their own gear, but it is not required. Requirements 4b, 5e, 7, 8d and 9 may be done before or after coming to camp.

Fire Safety - This merit badge is recommended for all Scouts. They will learn about fire prevention in the home and create a protection plan for their family. This is an informative badge with lots of hands on, and includes a visit to a local fire station.
Requirement 11 may be done prior to camp.

Emergency Preparedness - Scouts will learn how to Recognize, Prevent, Prepare for and Respond to a wide variety of emergency situations. They will need to bring pen and paper with them to class. First Aid Merit Badge is a prerequisite. Requirements 2c, 8c have to be done at home because they involve the Scout’s family.

Geocaching - New Merit Badge! Scouts will be introduced to the growing sport of geocaching. Geocaching is a modern form of treasure hunting. They will be using GPS’s to hide and find hidden caches around camp.

Backpacking and Hiking - (One Class-Two Merit Badges) This is recommended for older Scouts who are interested in high adventure. This is a three hour course. Scouts will be out and about most of the day learning about techniques, gear, Leave No Trace and
trail maintenance.

Pioneering - This merit badge requires that you complete a pioneering project. Scouts should be familiar with knots, lashings, and splices. Requirement 2a outlines pre-requisites.

Orienteering - Lost in the woods? No problem. This badge teaches you how to use a map and compass. Scouts will have an in-depth look at topographical maps as well as GPS systems.

First Aid - Scouts will learn what to do first when a medical emergency strikes. They should come with pen and paper so they can take notes about skills such as splints, bandages and CPR. They should come with a serious attitude because the skills
they learn here might save someone’s life.

Wilderness Survival - This merit badge requires an overnight camping trip. Requirement
5 requires putting together a personal survival kit. This may be done before coming to camp. Scouts should bring these materials to camp.

Shooting Sports

Rifle Shooting - Shooting experience is highly recommended, and this merit badge requires a lot of time to qualify. Scouts should be at least 13 years of age or second year campers and have the strength and size to manage a 10-pound target rifle. As a means of determining this, the Scout should have a distance of at least 13 inches between the tip of his thumb and the top of his upper arm as shown above. Each session is limited to 16 Scouts.

Archery - Scouts receive experience shooting on recurve bows. It is fun and challenging. The Scouts get to make an arrow and a bow string. Each session is limited to 16 Scouts. Scouts must be at least second year campers.

Shotgun Shooting - This program will teach Scouts the basics of handling and shooting a shotgun as well as safety precautions for firearms. They will have the chance to shoot both skeet and trap as well as practice to sharpen their skills. Scouts must be at least 14 years of age to take this merit badge. Each session is limited to 12 Scouts.

Sports

Golf - In this program you will learn all about this challenging sport, including USGA rules, golf etiquette, history, proper grip, stance and swing. You will practice your swing and shots on the driving range. You will play a round of golf on a beautiful Cherokee Village golf course. A local golf instructor will give personal instruction and coaching. Participants can complete MOST of the requirements for Golf merit badge. You can bring your own clubs or use ours!

Athletics - In this merit badge you will learn about sports training, officiating and all aspects of sportsmanship. This badge requires a considerable amount of physical exertion. Scouts will need to complete a battery of jumps, swims, pull-ups, push-ups,
basketball throws, etc.

Personal Fitness - This required badge will give Scouts the opportunity to develop a fitness plan that they must maintain for 12 weeks. Scouts will also learn about different diseases related to lack of fitness and nutrition and learn different methods to help prevent them. Some requirements may conflict with certain religious views. Please review the requirements of this badge before enrolling.

Climbing - Scouts will learn the skills of climbing rappelling, and belaying. They will have many opportunities to practice these throughout the week on our 60ft climbing tower. And if that isn’t enough, on Friday, they will go off site and get to climb on
some real rock faces!

Trailblazers

The Trailblazer program is a three-hour program designed primarily for Scouts who are new to Scouting and are coming to camp for the first time. The purpose behind the program is to give new Scouts a jump start by teaching them the basic outdoor skills needed throughout their Scouting career. Such skills include camping, fire building, wood tools, knots, lashings, first aid, map and compass, and nature study. 
Each Scout will receive credit for the rank advancement requirements that he completes at camp. How much each Scout completes is up to him, and it is very possible that different Scouts will complete different requirements and some may complete more than others. Requirements that they may accomplish at camp include:

Tenderfoot-4a, 4b, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12a, 12b
Second Class-1a, 2, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 6, 7a, 7c
First Class-1, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 8c

High-Adventure Classes

Venture COPE

BSA Lifeguard (All Day)
This is a rigorous program that certifies a Scout to be a Lifeguard. Scouts are required to spend all of their time in the Aquatics area. Physical strength, stamina, and a great deal of written work are required. Bring long pants and a long-sleeved buttoned down shirt along with shoes that can get wet. This program is recommended only for older Scouts and strong swimmers. It is highly-recommended that the CPR instruction be completed prior to camp.

Ozark Ultimate Trek (OUT) 991 (Week Long Program)

Mountain Man

Mile Swim
This is not a merit badge, but allows Scouts to earn the Mile Swim badge. Scouts are required to swim an increased amount each day and build up to a mile.

Base KK River Adventure 981 (Week Long Program)


171 South Hollywood Memphis, TN 38112 901.327.4193