MERIT BADGES AND OTHER PROGRAMS

Most of the merit badges offered at Camp Buck Toms can be completed at camp; however, because of time constraints and requirements, special projects or other considerations, some merit badges prerequisites, special skill levels may need to be completed in the troop with a merit badge counselor. Camp Buck Toms tentatively offers about 50 merit badges and other special programs for the 2011 schedule. All merit badges at Camp Buck Toms will be taught in accordance with the 2011 Boy Scout Requirements booklet. Any changes in requirements published before summer camp starts will be used. All Great Smoky Mountain Council Units are encouraged to use online advancement. (Please see appendix M for details.)

KEY TO THE PROGRAM ICONS

The following icons are used in the Program Information section to help you easily identify which sessions are most appropriate for each Scout. Be sure to read the description for each merit badge and special program for details about that particular program.

One-Hour Session

Merit Badge Required for Eagle

Two-Hour Session

Writing Materials Required

Half-Day Session

Program Fee or Material Cost

All-Day Session

Taught in Conjunction with another Merit Badge

Recommended for all Scouts Physically Strenuous Recommended for Younger Scouts

Recommended for Older Scouts

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AQUATICS
All campers must take the BSA swimmers test before engaging in any aquatics activities at camp. Exceptions are made only for those enrolled in the Swimming Skills class or special activities under the supervision and permission of the Aquatics Director. All aquatics merit badges require knowledge of first aid and CPR, and the demonstration of CPR on an approved device. It is recommended that this knowledge be learned and demonstrated prior to the Scout's week at camp.

MOTORBOATING

It is recommended that Scouts under age 16 obtain the TWRA safety education certificate before camp. However, our camp has a waiver so that Scouts may complete the merit badge without having the certificate. (See www.state.tn.us/twra/boated.)

ROWING

CANOEING
Recommended for older and stronger Scouts. This is a more difficult skill than canoeing. Good physical strength and stamina are required to finish this badge. It is a fun skill that is a good introduction to boating.

SMALL-BOAT SAILING

CANOEING SKILLS
This is a two-hour session. Scouts will learn the skills and knots necessary to rig, launch, and sail small sailboats. This class is for Scouts who are completely new to canoeing. Some Canoeing MB requirements can be earned.

SWIMMING

LIFESAVING
Knowledge of how to swim is necessary to succeed in this class, and it is NOT SUITABLE FOR NONSWIMMERS OR BEGINNERS. This badge is required for Eagle (with alternates), and is a good entry-level aquatics merit badge. Bring long pants, a long sleeve shirt, and shoes that can get wet.

This is a difficult merit badge and should only be undertaken by Scouts with good swimming skills. Scouts in Lifesaving will need to bring clothing (similar to Swimming requirement #4) for requirement #7e.

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SWIMMING SKILLS

able to take place unless a minimum of two participants exist.

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.

ECOLOGY/CONSERVATION
E/Con merit badges generally require written work. Scouts in these sessions should be especially mindful to come to class prepared with paper and a pen or pencil, as well as the merit badge pamphlet, given the amount of specialized knowledge contained in each badge.

WATER SPORTS

ARCHAEOLOGY
This session will involve water-skiing. Space is very limited, so sign up early! Scouts will learn about archaeology, archaeological digs, and the importance of protecting the past.

KAYAKING BSA (FORMALLY WHITEWATER)

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
This session will concentrate on completing the Kayaking BSA award, but requirements toward Whitewater MB will be earned. Canoeing MB is recommended as a prerequisite for this class.

MILE SWIM BSA

This badge required for Eagle is a two-hour session. It will involve a great deal of study, observation, note taking, and writing. Younger Scouts are discouraged from taking this badge.

FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Over the week, Scouts will gradually build up towards swimming a non-stop mile. This badge requires both some written material and some conservation work. Accordingly, bring paper, pencil, and shoes that can get muddy.

BSA LIFEGUARD

This course will certify successful participants as BSA Lifeguards. Participants must be age 15 or older. Adults may take the class as well, and recertification is available. This class will not be Visit www.bsa-gsmc.org 12
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FORESTRY

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION

This session will involve collections and observations, as well as a good deal of written material.

Scouts taking this merit badge will learn about the importance water plays on 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.

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

This badge covers a lot of material. An interest or background in weather is helpful. Scouts will be recording weather data throughout the week.

INSECT STUDY

HANDICRAFT
Diligence in collecting specimens will help Scouts' success in this session. Most Handicraft sessions require one or more kits, which are available at the Trading Post.

COMMUNICATIONS NATURE STUDIES

This badge is required for Eagle and requires a good deal of writing and a thoughtful approach.

This two-hour session combines Bird Study, Mammal Study, Reptile and Amphibian Study, and Nature merit badges. This is a good session for younger Scouts and is a good introduction to the Ecology/Conservation area. Reptile and Amphibian Study requirement #8 cannot be completed at camp. Mammal Study requirement #3C is best done at home before camp. Additional instruction is provided, given the breadth of this session, and Scouts who have already completed one or more of the contained merit badges may spend more time on another topic.

LEATHERWORK

This is a good badge for younger Scouts. The session will teach basic leatherworking techniques, although experienced Scouts will have plenty of opportunity for honing their skills.

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FINGERPRINTING & CRIME PREVENTION

PHOTOGRAPHY

This is a good session for all Scouts, although some requirements for Crime Prevention cannot be completed at camp.

Scouts must bring a camera and, if needed, a roll of film. Digital cameras are acceptable, so long as the instructor can take the memory unit to make prints. There will be a cost for the processing and printing of pictures.

BASKETRY & WOODCARVING

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Scouts may bring their own knives for Woodcarving, although knives are available for Scouts to use. Personal knives should be sharp and pocketknives are discouraged. Scouts should plan on spending time on their projects in the campsite. Both of these badges are good for younger Scouts.

FIRST AID

INDIAN LORE

This badge covers a great deal of written material, and there are skills to master. Familiarity with knots is extremely important. This badge is recommended for older Scouts. It is highly recommended that CPR instruction, as well as requirements 1, 2d, 3c, and 7, be completed prior to camp.

This session is excellent for all Scouts. The badge will involve the study of various American Indian tribes.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

RADIO & ELECTRONICS

First Aid merit badge is a prerequisite. Some requirements must be done at home. There will be some written work in this class, as well as some practical demonstration of rescue carries.

Members of the Jack Goforth Radio Club, who provide an excellent program and learning opportunity to Scouts, teach this session.

FIRE SAFETY

ART & SCULPTURE

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 may include a visit to/from a local fire station. 14
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Scouts in this session should have some drawing or artistic experience. Visit www.bsa-gsmc.org

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SCOUTCRAFT
AVIATION

Therefore, so a good working knowledge prior to the class is helpful. Scouts will be going crosscountry on their courses, so physical fitness, long pants, and insect repellent are recommended.

PERSONAL FITNESS
This badge will involve a field trip to a local airport on one afternoon. Assistance from unit leaders for transportation will be needed. This badge, required for Eagle, guides Scouts in developing a fitness plan that they must maintain for 12 weeks. Scouts also learn about different diseases related to lack of fitness and nutrition and learn methods to help prevent them. Some requirements may conflict with certain religious views. Please review the requirements for this badge before enrolling.

HIKING

This half-day session will involve lots of walking. Scouts will see many miles of trails that few others walk on. A daypack and a water bottle are necessary for the hikes. Four of the five ten mile hikes will be the aim of this session. The 20-mile hike will not be done at camp. Some basic backpacking skills and knowledge will also be instructed, and some Backpacking merit badge requirements will be fulfilled.

PIONEERING

SPACE EXPLORATION

This two-hour session requires the completion of a pioneering project. Scouts should be familiar with knots and lashings. Requirement #2 outlines prerequisites.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL
Scouts have the opportunity to construct, launch, and recover a model rocket. Rocket kits will be available at the Trading Post, and engines will be available through the instructor. Scouts may not bring engines from home.

The survival kit should be assembled at home and brought to camp. There will be an overnight trip during the week for participants in this class.

ORIENTEERING

This session will teach Scouts how to use a map and compass; however, the instruction moves quickly from basic to advanced techniques. Visit www.bsa-gsmc.org 15
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FISHING

ARCHERY

Bring your own tackle box or purchase it at the Trading Post. Camp Buck Toms has a waiver from Tennessee that allows Scouts to fish at camp without a license. The section of requirement #9 entailing cooking the fish will not be done at camp.

Shooting experience is highly recommended. This badge requires a lot of time and practice to qualify. Accordingly, Scouts should be prepared to spend time outside of the class hour at the range. Scouts must be strong enough to draw a 25-pound bow.

PAUL BUNYAN WOODSMAN

SHOTGUN SHOOTING

This is an award for advanced use of woods tools and is taught in conjunction with the Dan Beard staff.

This program will teach the basics of handling and shooting a shotgun as well as safety precautions for firearms. Scouts should be age 14 and have strength and size to manage a 20-gauge shotgun.

SHOOTING SPORTS
Violation of safety rules will result in immediate dismissal from the following classes. All Shooting Sports sessions are recommended for second year or older campers.

MUZZLE-LOADING RIFLE

RIFLE SHOOTING

Shooting experience is highly recommended for this two-hour session. A lot of time and practice is necessary to qualify. Scouts should be at least 13 years of age or second year camper and have the strength and size to manage a 10-pound target rifle. A .22 caliber bolt-action rifle will be the primary tool for qualifying. Each session is limited to 16 Scouts.

This session is recommended for Scouts who already have the Rifle Shooting merit badge and are interested in hands-on experience with black powder rifles. It will give Scouts the opportunity to load, fire, and clean a muzzle-loading rifle. Due to range restrictions, Scouts will not be able to qualify for the Rifle Shooting merit badge, but it is a fantastic experience for those who already have it.

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ADVANCED SPORT BADGES

CLIMBING

This two-hour session focuses on safety aspects of the sport of climbing while teaching practical climbing and rappelling skills. Care of rope, hardware, and other equipment is also covered indepth.

CYCLING

Cycling experience is a must for this session. Scouts will learn safety, maintenance, and riding techniques, as well as learning about Tennessee state laws regarding bicyclists. This session will meet at the Camp Administration Office on Monday and will take the entire first half of the day. Scouts will return around lunch each day. The rides will be on roads in and around the nearby town of Rockwood, TN. Scouts will need to bring their own bicycle and helmet. Multi-speed (10 or more) bicycles are necessary, and road bikes are recommended. Bicycles must be in good, working condition in order to participate.

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FIRST-YEAR SCOUT PROGRAMS

DAN BEARD
some additional work to push on to Second Class and First Class. This half-day session, offered for the morning and afternoon, will concentrate on Second and First Class rank requirements related to nature, first aid, Scoutcraft, and navigation.

This program is for Scouts who are new to camp and have not yet earned the Second Class rank. This program is named for Daniel Carter Beard, one of the founders of the Boy Scouts of America and the first National Scout Commissioner. The Dan Beard program gives first-year Scouts a taste of the entire summer camp program, including opportunities to: rappel at the tower, learn from the Ecology/Conservation staff, spend time at the Waterfront, visit the Rifle and Archery Ranges at the Shooting Sports area, as well as many other fun experiences. Most importantly, Dan Beard participants will have the opportunity to complete many requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. Dan Beard participants will be organized into patrols, led by a staff Patrol Guide, and will get to experience some of the Patrol Method at camp. Dan Beard participants should be prepared daily for trekking all over camp: substantial footwear and water bottles are a must. Daypacks for towels, Scout Handbooks, water bottles, and other materials are highly recommended. Participants will be busy from morning to evening, and may have less opportunity for free time compared to other campers. However, they can go home with tangible evidence of their hard work in the forms of the Totin' Chip, Firem'n Chit, and requirements checked off by their counselor.

REQUIRED ITEMS FOR DAN BEARD AND BROWNSEA CADETS

SUBSTANTIAL FOOTWARE (HIKING BOOTS/STURDY SHOES) WATER BOTTLES SWIM TRUNKS TOWEL WRITING MATERIALS

REQUIREMENTS COVERED
TENDERFOOT 4A, 4B, 4C, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12A, 12B SECOND CLASS 1A, 2, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 6, 7A, 7C, 8A, 8B, 8C, 9B FIRST CLASS 1, 2, 6, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 11 BROWNSEA CADETS SC: 1A, 6, 7A, 7C FC: 1, 2, 6, 7A, 7B, 8A-D, 9A

BROWNSEA CADETS

This program is designed for Scouts who have been in the troop for six months or more and have already earned the Tenderfoot Rank, but who need Visit www.bsa-gsmc.org 18
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HIGH ADVENTURE PROGRAMS

C.O.P.E.

The Challenging Outdoor Person Experience, or C.O.P.E. Program, is a weeklong high adventure program for older Scouts that teaches advanced team building and problem solving sills. Scouts will learn to work as a group and function as a team to meet a series of low course and high course C.O.P.E. elements. Participants should be at least 13 years old and in sound physical condition. The goals of project C.O.P.E. are to build leadership, self-esteem, decision-making, trust, and teamwork. These goals are accomplished by progressing, as a group, through a series of increasingly physically and mentally challenging exercises that require cooperation and teamwork to complete. Buck Toms offers one of the finest high ropes courses, as well as a multi-level repelling tower and zip line. When you complete the course, you and your group will receive a special C.O.P.E. t-shirt, stating that you have Met the C.O.P.E. Challenge!

REQUIRED FOR C.O.P.E.

STURDY SHOES (ABSOLUTELY NO SANDALS OR CROCKS) WATER BOTTLE A SENSE OF ADVENTURE AND AWESOMENESS

MOUNTAIN MAN

Mountain Man is a five-day expedition that may consist of, but not limited to, the following: backpacking, caving, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, rappelling, and various water sports. There is a planning session on Sunday evening to set the weeks schedule. At this meeting, each participant will have input on the journey for the week. Mountain Man is led by a seasoned guide and promises to be fun for any participant. At the end of the week, upon completing the trek, each participant who completes the trek will be granted a shirt and named Mountain Men!

REQUIRED FOR MOUNTAIN MAN

PLEASE SEE APPENDIX G FOR THE EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
BUCK TOMS WILL ONLY PROVIDE TENTS TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO
WISH TO RENT THEM. THESE ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE MADE BEFORE ARRIVAL AT CAMP.

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ADD-ONS
RAFTING

NOTE: By State Law, participants in this program MUST be at least 12 years old. The Ocoee River, site of the 1996 Olympics, provides a thrilling afternoon trip on Class 1 through Class 4 rapids. You will get wet so be sure to bring an extra set of clothes and shoes. The following items are recommended for the trip: tennis shoes (footwear that ties or straps), swim trunks, and towel. Cameras may be taken at your own risk. Each group will need to provide their own transportation. Participants will miss Fridays classes and some activities. Groups will depart camp after breakfast on Friday morning and return at approximately 4pm. A cooler lunch will be provided by the camp, which should be picked up before departing. The expected fee for this exciting experience is $40 per person (price may change pending the outfitters fee for 2011). Fees are payable by Tuesday morning to the Camp Administration Office. This activity is separate from the Whitewater Merit Badge taught in the Aquatics program. Participants must leave camp for this activity and will miss all Friday merit badge classes. This activity cannot be used to meet any of the requirements for the Whitewater Merit Badge at camp.

THIEF NECK PIRATES

This program is designed for older Scouts who are in their third or fourth year of camp and are looking for challenging activities or new skills to develop. It takes place outside the scheduled class hours of the day. Scouts must be at least First Class rank, and either 14 years of age or entering ninth grade in the fall. Scouts must also have basic canoeing skills, as there is a canoe-skills test for the required overnight canoe trip to Thief Neck Island on Monday evening. Other activities include building a coracle (sign up to find out what this is), going down the zip line, and numerous others. Adults wishing to participate will be accepted on a spaceavailable basis, and they must have earned the Camp Buck Toms Scout Leader's Merit Badge. Sign-up will be at camp on Sunday during check-in and Monday morning at breakfast.

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2011 CAMP BUCK TOMS MERIT BADGE SCHEDULE

MERIT BADGE CLASSES Aquatics BSA Lifeguard Canoeing Canoeing Skills Lifesaving Mile Swim Motorboating Rowing Small Boat Sailing Swimming Swimming Skills Water Sports Kayaking BSA Nature Fish & Wildlife Management Nature Studies Archaeology Fishing Forestry Geology Insect Study Soil & Water Conservation Environmental Science Weather Handicraft Art/Sculpture Basketry/Woodcarving Communications Fingerprinting/Crime Prevention Indian Lore Leatherwork Photography Radio/Electronics Health and Safety First Aid Emergency Preparedness Fire Safety Scoutcraft Pioneering Aviation Hiking Orienteering Personal Fitness Wilderness Survival Fishing Space Exploration Cycling Paul Bunyan Woodsman Shooting Sports Archery Muzzle loading Rifle Rifle Shooting Shotgun Shooting Extended Programs C.O.P.E. Climbing Dan Beard Brownsea Cadets Mountain Man Expedition Class Size 10 16 6 10 10 8 8 8 10 4 4 4 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 4 16 4 16 8 24 10 100 50 12 ALL ALL ALL DAY DAY DAY EVERY EVERY EVERY DAY DAY DAY 9:30 ALL = CLASS NOT OFFERED AT THIS TIME 10:30 1:00 DAY EVERY 2:00 DAY

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2011 SUMMER CAMP MERIT BADGE AND ACTIVITY REGISTRATION FORM

Troop #: _________ District: ____________________ Council: ____________________________________________ Week #: _____ TO THE LEADER: This form is the alternative to online registration. This form should be discussed with the Scout, then reviewed and completed by YOU. Please use the Scouts full name (no nicknames, please) and PRINT CLEARLY. If not completed, the form will be returned to YOU for correction. Please sign the form and turn it in along with payment NO LATER THAN the Pre-Camp Meeting for your week of camp. If registration is completed prior to your Pre-Camp Meeting, it is possible that a complete schedule for your troop be available at the Pre-Camp Meeting. Scouts Name: _________________________________________ Age: _______ BSA ID#: ____________________ Rank: __________ TO THE SCOUT: List the merit badges you want to take. List alternate badges in the SECOND CHOICE column, making sure they meet at the same time as your first choice. IMPORTANT: EIGHT SEPARATE merit badges must be listed. SECOND CHOICES CANNOT REPEAT FIRST CHOICES. ALL-DAY ACTIVITIES: Please list all day activities under FIRST CHOICE, 9:30 A.M. timeslot. NOTICE: Some merit badges cannot be completed at camp. Many may have additional fees. SESSION # 1 2 3 4 (TIMES) 9:30 AM 10:30 AM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM FIRST CHOICE SECOND CHOICE

REMINDER TO LEADERS: The Great Smoky Mountain Council begins taking online and paper Merit Badge registrations March 4, 2011.

On My Honor, I discussed with the Scout and approve this form:

___________________________________________________ Scoutmaster

__________________________________________________ Scout

___________________________________________________ Parent/Legal Guardian (Must be signed. No Exceptions)

_____________________________________ Date

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