Most merit badges can be completed at camp; however, because of time requirements, special projects, or other considerations, some merit badges require prerequisites or special skill levels. Merit Badges are listed alphabetically with a short description of each badge including any requirements that may or must be completed at home. We are always looking for skilled instructors for merit badges. If any unit leader possesses a skill that they would like to teach at camp, feel free to contact us. We will contact you directly to inquire about your specific request.
Check out our Merit Badge Guide Info Sheet for more information about our merit badge program at Camp Constantin.
The following list is subject to change. There will be a camp-specific program guide released in February.
Advanced Sailing
This class is designed for the Scout that has taken small boat sailing and is ready for the next challenge. Participants will spend time in our larger boats that include 14’ vanguard racing boats. They will also learn to maneuver a boat with multiple sails and advanced tacking techniques. This class is intended for older Scouts.- Class size limit
- Two hour course
- Age requirement
- Must pass BSA Swim Test
- Award only
Animation
Animation merit badge is an introduction to the art of animation. In this merit badge you’ll learn how to create animations; the ways in which animation is used and experienced not only in cartoons and movies, but also in everyday life; and the fun and exciting career opportunities in animation.
- One Hour Class
- Older Scouts
- Partial Only
Archery
Scouts receive experience shooting on Genesis bows. It is fun and challenging. Each session is limited to 16 Scouts. Scouts must be at least second year campers.
- Program fee for Material Cost
- Class Size Limit
- One Hour Class
- Young Scouts
Art
This fun one hour merit badge session teaches Scouts to explore their creative side. They will paint, draw, and sculpt in a variety of media. Their completed artwork will be put on display.
- One Hour Class
- Partial Only
Astronomy
In learning about astronomy, Scouts study how activities in space affect our own planet and bear witness to the wonders of the night sky: the nebulae, or giant clouds of gas and dust where new stars are born; old stars dying and exploding; meteor showers and shooting stars; the moon, planets, and a dazzling array of stars.
- One Hour Class
- Young Scouts
Automotive Maintenance/Farm Mechanics
Modern automobiles are important to many aspects of American life. Those who service automobiles must understand each principle, and how these principles interact to provide smooth, efficient performance. Owners of cars also benefit by understanding how their vehicles operate. This enables them to understand why certain periodic maintenance is required to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape.
- One Hour Class
Backpacking & Backpacking/Hiking
(One class-two merit badges. )This is recommended for older Scouts who are interested in high adventure. Scouts will be out and about most of the day learning about techniques, gear, Leave No Trace and trail maintenance. Scouts are encouraged to bring their own backpacks.
- Partial Only
- One Hour Class
- Required for Eagle Rank
- Older Scouts
Basketry/Leatherwork
Each Scout will learn to weave their own basket and make one that they can take home. This is an excellent merit badge for young Scouts. There is a $15 cost for basket materials needed.
- Program fee for Material Cost
- One Hour Class
- Young Scouts
Bird Study
Many of the most important discoveries about birds and how they live have been made by amateur birders. In pursuing this hobby, a Scout might someday make a valuable contribution to our understanding of the natural world.
- One Hour Class
- Partial Only
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
- Partial Only
- One Hour Class
- Required for Eagle Rank
Canoeing
For several centuries, the canoe was a primary method of travel for explorers and settlers. Today, it remains an important part of the wilderness experience and an enjoyable leisure activity that teaches communication, teamwork, and physical fitness.
- One Hour Class
- Must Pass the BSA Swim Test
Chemistry/Nuclear Science
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.
- One Hour Class
- Class Size Limit
- Age Requirement
Chess
Scouts will learn the classic game of chess. Going beyond the basics, they will learn different moves and tactics used in the game. A great way to start your career to becoming a Chess International Grandmaster!
- One Hour Class
Citizenship in the Nation
Citizenship in the Nation is an Eagle required badge. Scouts will learn about the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Scouts will learn about the unique history that formed our great nation.
- Partial Only
- One Hour Class
- Older Scouts
- Required for Eagle Rank
Citizenship in the World
This is a 1-hour badge and is Eagle required. Scouts will learn about diplomacy, international trade, and foreign relations. It is recommended that Scouts have already earned Citizenship in the Nation
- Partial Only
- One Hour Class
- Older Scouts
- Required for Eagle Rank
Communication
Communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. The field of communication promotes the effective and ethical practice of human communication.
- Partial Only
- One Hour Class
- Older Scouts
- Required for Eagle Rank
Composite Materials/Painting
Composites can be found just about everywhere: in airplanes and sports cars, golf clubs and guitars, boats and baseball bats, bathtubs and circuit boards, and even bridges. Composites make bicycles and skis lighter, kayaks and canoes stronger, houses warmer, and helmets tougher.
- One Hour Class
Cooking
The Cooking merit badge introduces principles of cooking that can be used both at home or in the outdoors. Scouts who earn this badge will learn about food safety, nutritional guidelines, meal planning, and methods of food preparation, and will review the variety of culinary (or cooking) careers available.
- Program fee for Material Cost
- Class Size Limit
- Two Hour Class
- Older Scouts
- Required for Eagle Rank
Digital Technology
Technology has come a long way since Computers merit badge was first introduced in 1967. This badge will teach Scouts about technology in the digital age.
- One Hour Class
Electronics
Electronics is the science that controls the behavior of electrons so that some type of useful function is performed. Today, electronics is a fast-changing and exciting field. This is recommended for older Scouts because they will be soldering and building their own circuits.
- Program fee for Material Cost
- One Hour Class
- Older Scouts
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.
- One Hour Class
- Older Scouts
- Required for Eagle Rank
- Partial Only
Engineering
Engineers use both science and technology to turn ideas into reality, devising all sorts of things, ranging from a tiny, low-cost battery for your cell phone to a gigantic dam across the mighty Yangtze River in China.
- One Hour Class
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. Scouts will need to bring a notebook.
- Partial Only
- Two Hour Class
- Required for Eagle Rank
- Older Scouts
Farm Mechanics/Auto Maintenance
From the mattock and hoe to the horse and mule, the cotton gin and reaper, the tractor and air seeder – this is the story of farm equipment. Today, most farms are mechanized and farmers can do most of their own maintenance work and make the adjustments needed on their many intricate farm implements.
- One Hour Class
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.
- One Hour Class
- Young Scouts
Fishing
In this one-hour class, Scouts will learn how to use a regular spin cast and an open-faced reel. In order to complete this merit badge, Scouts must catch at least two fish and clean one. Scouts are encouraged to bring their own fishing pole.
- One Hour Class
- Partial Only
Geocaching
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.
- Partial Only
- One Hour Class
Geology
Geology is the study of Earth. It includes the study of materials that make up Earth, the processes that change it, and the history of how things happened, including human civilization, which depends on natural materials for existence.
- One Hour Class
Hiking
Hiking is a terrific way to keep your body and mind in top shape, both now and for a lifetime. Walking packs power into your legs and makes your heart and lungs healthy and strong. Exploring the outdoors challenges you with discoveries and new ideas. Your senses will improve as you use your eyes and ears to gather information along the way.
- Partial Only
- One Hour Class
- Required for Eagle Rank
Indian Lore
Far different from the stereotypes or common images that are portrayed on film, on television, and in many books and stories, American Indians have many different cultures, languages, religions, styles of dress, and ways of life. Participants in this class will learn about these different groups and take an exciting journey of discovery in which you will meet some of America’s most fascinating people.
- Program fee for Material Cost
- One Hour Class
- Young Scouts
Kayaking
This merit badge can be earned concurrently with the Kayaking BSA Award but earning one does not automatically qualify the Scout as earning the other.
- One Hour Class
- Must Pass the BSA Swim Test
Leatherwork/Basketry
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.
- Program fee for Material Cost
- One Hour Class
- Young Scouts
Lifesaving
No Scout will ignore a plea for help. However, the desire to help is of little use unless one knows how to give the proper aid. The main purpose of the Lifesaving merit badge is to prepare Scouts to assist those involved in water accidents, teaching them the basic knowledge of rescue techniques, the skills to perform them, and the judgment to know when and how to act so that they can be prepared for emergencies.
- Class Size Limit
- Two Hour Class
- Must Pass the BSA Swim Test
- Required for Eagle Rank
Mammal Study/Nature
A mammal may weigh as little as 1/12 ounce, as do some shrews, or as much as 150 tons, like the blue whale. It may spring, waddle, swim, or even fly. But if it has hair of some kind, is relatively intelligent, and has warm blood, then it is a mammal. The Mammal Study merit badge is a fun one for Scouts to work on and has many options for Scouts in order for the Scout to complete with either study or hands-on requirements.
- One Hour Class
- Young Scouts
Metalwork
Scouts will begin their work on this merit badge by learning about the properties of metal, how to use simple metalworking tools, and the basic metalworking techniques. Then they will practice using these tools and techniques before concentrating on the more intricate skills of one of four metalworking options.
- One Hour Class
Motorboating
In this one hour merit badge, Scouts will learn the proper techniques for operating a motorboat, dropping anchor, fueling, and much more.
- Class Size Limit
- One Hour Class
- Older Scouts
- Must Pass the BSA Swim Test
- Program fee for Material Cost
Moviemaking
Moviemaking includes the fundamentals of producing motion pictures, including the use of effective light, accurate focus, careful composition (or arrangement), and appropriate camera movement to tell stories.
- One Hour Class
Nature/Mammal Study
There is a very close connection between the soil, the plants, and all animal life, including people. Understanding this connection, and the impact we have upon it, is important to preserving the wilderness, as well as to our own well-being as members of the web of nature.
- One Hour Class
- Young Scouts
- Partial Only
Nuclear Science/Chemistry
Earning the Nuclear Science merit badge is a chance for Scouts to learn about radiation, atoms, electrons, elements from the periodic table, and more.
- Partial Only
- One Hour Class
Orienteering
Orienteering, the use of map and compass to find locations and plan a journey, has been a vital skill for humans for thousands of years. Orienteering is also a recognized sport at the Olympic Games, and thousands of people participate in the sport each year in local clubs and competitions.
- Partial Only
- One Hour Class
Painting/Composite Materials
This merit badge provides an opportunity for Scouts to learn more about painting, focusing on the practical aspects of painting. From surface preparation to proper techniques of applying coatings. This class does not necessarily focus on the artistic part of painting – rather it develops the skill set needed to successfully work with finishes for both preservation and beauty.
- One Hour Class
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.
- Partial Only
- One Hour Class
- Required for Eagle Rank
Personal Management
The Personal Management merit badge is earned by Scouts who have mastered long-term and short-term life planning. This badge is primarily for Scouts to understand how to prepare for life events, budget, and the value of money This badge is a requirement for the Eagle Scout Award.
- Partial Only
- One Hour Class
- Required for Eagle Rank
Photography
Beyond capturing family memories, photography offers a chance to be creative. Many photographers use photography to express their creativity, using lighting, composition, depth, color, and content to make their photographs into more than snapshots.
- One Hour Class
Pioneering
Pioneering—the knowledge of ropes, knots, and splices along with the ability to build rustic structures by lashing together poles and spars—is among the oldest of Scouting’s skills. Practicing rope use and completing projects with lashings also allow Scouts to connect with past generations; ancestors who used many of these skills as they sailed the open seas and lived in America’s forests and prairies.
- Partial Only
- One Hour Class
Plumbing
Scouts learn important basic plumbing skills while earning their Plumbing merit badge. Requirements include learning about different pipes, safety practices, tools, and more!
- One Hour Class
Reptile and Amphibian Study
Developing knowledge of snakes, turtles, lizards, and alligators, as well as frogs and salamanders leads to an appreciation for all native wildlife. Understanding the life cycle of a reptile or amphibian and keeping one as a pet can be a good introduction to natural history and knowing about venomous species can help Scouts to be prepared to help in case of an emergency.
- Partial Only
- One Hour Class
Rifle Shooting
Shooting experience is highly recommended, and this merit badge requires a lot of time to qualify. Scouts should 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 their thumb and the top of their upper arm. Each session is limited to 16 Scouts.
- Program fee for Material Cost
- Class Size Limit
- Two Hour Class
Rowing
In this one hour session, your Scouts will learn this unique skill that can turn into a hobby, or competitive sport.
- One Hour Class
- Must Pass the BSA Swim Test
Sculpture
This merit badge introduces Scouts to sculpture, an art form that allows an artist to express what they see and feel by using three dimensions by shaping materials such as clay, stone, metal, and wood.
- Two Hour Class
Search & Rescue
Scouts aiming to earn the Search and Rescue merit badge will first learn the important differences between a search and rescue. A search is an emergency situation requiring a team of trained searchers to locate, access, stabilize, and transport a lost person to safety. A rescue is an emergency situation where the person’s location is known but he or she must be removed from danger and returned to safety.
- One Hour Class
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. Each session is limited to 12 Scouts.
- Program fee for Material Cost
- Class Size Limit
- One Hour Class
- Older Scouts
Signs, Signals and Codes
American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most used language in the United States. The Signs, Signals, and Codes merit badge will cover Morse code, ASL, Braille, signaling, trail markings, and other nonverbal communications. Did you know that some of these have even saved people’s lives?
- One Hour Class
Small-Boat Sailing
Have your Scouts climb aboard and set sail in this two-hour merit badge. Your small sailors will learn the necessary skills to command sailing vessels including knots and rigging. This badge is not for land lubbers! It’s Big Fun in Small Boats!
- Two Hour Class
Space Exploration
Space is mysterious. We explore space for many reasons, not least because we don’t know what is out there. It is vast, and humans are full of curiosity. Each time we send explorers into space, we learn something we didn’t know before. We discover a little more of what is there.
- Program fee for Material Cost
- One Hour Class
Sustainability
This badge focuses on lifestyle adaptations which use our planet’s natural resources more wisely. Either Sustainability merit badge or Environmental Science merit badge is required for the rank of Eagle.
- Partial Only
- One Hour Class
- Required for Eagle Rank
Swimming
This is a good entry-level Aquatics badge and is required for Eagle. It is strongly suggested that Scouts take this before other Aquatic badges. Be sure to bring a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, and shoes that can get wet. Scouts must pass the BSA Swimmer Test in order to take this badge.
- Class Size Limit
- One Hour Class
- Young Scouts
- Must Pass the BSA Swim Test
- Required for Eagle Rank
Swimming – Instructional
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.
Water Sports
At Camp Constantin we use the water skiing option for this badge. Water sports are a fun and exhilarating way to enjoy being outdoors while developing strength, coordination, and fitness. By developing experience with water sports and practicing good judgment, Scouts will gain skills that will serve them well for a lifetime and have extreme fun while they do.
- Class Size Limit
- One Hour Class
- Older Scouts
- Age Requirement
- Must Pass the BSA Swim Test
- Program fee for Material Cost
- Two Hour Class
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 in weather is helpful. Requirements 8, and 9 may be completed before coming to camp.
- One Hour Class
Welding
Part of our STEM area, Scouts that participate in this class will learn the fundamentals of a skilled profession as well as learn about job opportunities associated with it.
- Program fee for Material Cost
- Class Size Limit
- One Hour Class
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.
- One Hour Class
Wood Carving
This merit badge is recommended for first-year Scouts. There is a small cost for materials needed. 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.
- Program fee for Material Cost
- One Hour Class
- Young Scouts