Merit Badge College
February 10, 2024
Registration opens December 15, 2023, 9 AM
Sign up early as spaces are limited
Landisville Mennonite Church, 3320 Bowman Road, Landisville
Event registration starts at 8:00am, last session ends at 4:00pm
Merit Badge Session one is 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Merit Badge Session two is 1:00-4:00 PM
Cost: $14 per scout
Merit Badges Include:
Scouts will have the opportunity to work towards 1-5 merit badges at the college. All merit badges will have prerequisites that need to be completed BEFORE the day of the college. Even though there is a charge for the college, there is no guarantee that you will complete the merit badge- a partial completion is acceptable, but it is up to the scout to find a counselor to complete the work. Each scout must complete each requirement as written. Classes are being led by certified merit badge counselors.
There will be intersession merit badges available. These merit badges include: Collections, Dog Care, Fingerprinting, Genealogy, Pets, Reading, Scholarship, and Veterinary Medicine. Merit Badge Counselors for these badges will be available in the lobby to sign off on COMPLETED requirements for these badges. Bring evidence that you have completed ALL requirements. Pre-registrations is not required for these badges.
Purchase lunch on Tentaroo when you register! Order of the Arrow will provide choice of 1 Manwhich or 2 Hotdogs (chips and drink included) for $10.00. Scouts are welcome to bring a bag lunch. Refrigerators are available. If packing, please clearly label your lunch.
Parents are welcome to stay in the seating area in the lobby, but space is limited.
For more information, contact Kim Kautz at 717-689-0593 or at mamabuchter@yahoo.com
2024 Merit Badge Information:
Automotive Maintenance
Both Sessions are Full
Session size: 12
Prerequisites:
Bring something to wear outside that can get greasy/oily.
Review a vehicle owner’s manual.
11a. Determine the value of three different vehicles you are interested in purchasing. One must be new, and one must be used; the third vehicle can be new or used. For each vehicle, find out the requirements and cost of automobile insurance to include basic liability and options for collision, comprehensive, towing, and rental car. Using the three vehicles you chose and with your merit badge counselor’s assistance, complete the operation/maintenance chart provided in the merit badge pamphlet. Use this information to determine the operating cost per mile for each vehicle and discuss what you learn with your counselor.
12. Find out about three career opportunities in the automotive industry. Pick one and find about the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.
Citizenship in the Community
Session is Full
Session limit: 20
Prerequisites:
- Prepare a statement to discuss with your counselor what citizenship in the community means and what it takes to be a good citizen in your community. You will discuss the rights, duties, and obligations of citizenship, and explain how you can demonstrate good citizenship in your community, Scouting unit, place of worship, or school.
- Do the following:
- Print out a map of your community and locate the following:
- Chief Government buildings such as your city hall, county courthouse and public works/services facility.
- Fire station, police station, and hospital nearest your home.
- Parks, playgrounds, recreation areas, and trails
- Historical or other interesting points of interest
- Chart the organization of your local or state government. Show the top offices and tell whether they are elected or appointed.
- Print out a map of your community and locate the following:
- Do the following:
- Attend a meeting of your city, town, or county council or school board; OR a municipal; county, or state court session.
- Choose one of the issues discussed at the meeting where a difference of opinions was expressed, and explain to your counselor why you agree with one opinion more than you do another one.
- Choose an issue that is important to the citizens of your community, then do the following:
- Find out which branch of local government is responsible for this issue.
- With your counselor’s and a parent’s approval, interview one person from the branch of government you identified in requirement 4a. Ask what is being done about this issue and how young people can help.
- Share what you have learned with your counselor.
- With approval of a parent, watch a movie that shows how the action of one individual or group of individuals can have a positive effect on a community. Discuss with your counselor what you learned for the movie about what it means to be a valuable and concerned member of the Community.
***The following are good movies to pick from: Follow Me Boys (1966), 42 (2013), Lincoln (2012), Pay it Forward (2000), Zootopia (2016), Holes (2003), He Named Me Malala (2015), Remember the Titans (2000), Dunkirk (2017), The Blindside (2009), Cars (2006), Facing the Giants (2006), Mr. Hollands Opus (1995), Hidden Figures (2016), The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019), Dark Waters (2019), The Kite Runner (2007).
- List some of the services (such as the library, recreation center, public transportation, and public safety) your community provides that are funded by taxpayers. Tell your counselor why these services are important to your community.
- Do the following:
- Identify three charitable organizations outside of Scouting that interest you and bring people in your community together to work for the good of your community.
- Pick ONE of the organizations you chose for requirement 7a. Using a variety of resources (including newspapers, fliers and literature, the Internet, volunteers, and employees of the organization), find out more about this organization.
- With your counselor’s and your parent’s approval, contact the organization you chose for requirement 7b and find out what young people can do to help. While working on this merit badge, volunteer at least eight hours of your time for the organization. After your volunteer experience is over, discuss what you have learned with your counselor.
8. Develop a public presentation (such as a video, slide show, speech, digital presentation, or photo exhibit) about important and unique aspects of your community. Include information about the history, cultures, and ethnic groups of your community; its best features and popular places where people gather; and the challenges it faces. Stage your presentation in front of your merit badge counselor or a group, such as your patrol or a class at school. (You may choose to either present at the Merit Badge College, or bring a note from your Scoutmaster that you completed the requirement).
Citizenship in the World
Session is Full
Session size: 20
Prerequisites:
3.Do the following: a. Pick a current world event. In relation to this current event, discuss with your counselor how a country’s national interest and its relationship with other countries might affect areas such as its security, its economy, its values, and the health of its citizens. b. Select a foreign country and discuss with your counselor how its geography, natural resources, and climate influence its economy and its global partnerships with other countries.
4.Do TWO of the following:
a. Explain international law and how it differs from national law. Explain the role of international law and how international law can be used as a tool for conflict resolution.
b. Using resources such as major daily newspapers, the Internet (with your parent’s permission), and news magazines, observe a current issue that involves international trade, foreign exchange, balance of payments, tariffs, and free trade. Explain what you have learned. Include in your discussion an explanation of why countries must cooperate in order for world trade and global competition to thrive.
c. Select TWO of the following organizations and describe their role in the world.
1. The United Nations and UNICEF
2. The World Court
3. Interpol
4. World Organization of the Scout Movement
5. The World Health Organization
6. Amnesty International
7. The International Committee of the Red Cross
8. CARE (Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere)
9. European Union
7.Do TWO of the following and share with your counselor what you have learned:
a. Visit the Web site (With your parent/guardian’s permission) of the U.S. State Department. Learn more about an issue you find interesting that is discussed on this Web site.
b. Visit the Web site (With your parent/guardian’s permission) of an international news organization or foreign government, OR examine a foreign newspaper available at your local library, bookstore, or newsstand. Find a news story about a human right realized in the United States that is not recognized in another country.
c. Visit with a student or Scout from another country and discuss the typical values, holidays, ethnic foods, and traditions practiced or enjoyed there. d. Attend a world Scout jamboree. e. Participate in or attend an international event in your area, such as an ethnic festival, concert, or play.
Disabilities Awareness
Available Afternoon Session
Session limit: 10
Prerequisites:
2. Visit an agency that works with people with physical, mental, emotional, or educational disabilities. Collect and read information about the agency’s activities. Learn about opportunities its members have for training, employment, and education. Discuss what you have learned with your counselor. Come prepared to give a brief presentation on the above.
3a, b, or d (pick one).
a: Talk to a scout who had a disability and learn about this person’s experiences taking part in Scouting activities and earning different merit badges. Discuss what you have learned with your counselor.
b: Talk to an individual who has a disability and learn about this person’s experiences and the activities in which this person likes to participate. Discuss what you have learned with your counselor.
d: Learn about independent living aids such as service animals, canes, and augmentative communication devices such as teletypewriters (TTYs). Discuss with your counselor how people use such aids.
4. Do EITHER option A or option B:
Option A. Visit ONE of the following locations (a place of worship will be covered) and take notes about the accessibility to people with disavitilities. In your notes, give examples of five things that could be done to improve upon the site and five things about the site that make it friendly to people with disabilities. Discuss your observations with your counselor.
a. Your School C. A scouting event or campsite D. A public exhibit or attraction (such as a theater, museum, or park)
Option B. Visit ONE of the following locations (a place of worship will be covered) and take notes while observing features and methods that are used to accommodate people with invisible disabilities. While there, ask staff members to explain any accommodation features that may not be obvious. Note anything you think could be done to better accommodate people who have invisible disabilities. Discuss your observations with your counselor
a. Your school C. A scouting event or campsite D. A public exhibit or attraction (such as a theater, museum, or park)
5. Explain what advocacy is. Do ONE of the following advocacy activities.
a. Present a counselor-approved disabilities awareness program to a Cub Scout pack or other group. During your presentation, explain and use person-first language. If you choose this one, bring a letter from the Cubmaster or group representative stating you completed this. Bring your notes to the college.
b. Find out about disability awareness education programs in your school or school system, or contact a disability advocacy agency. Volunteer withy a program or agency for eight hours. If you choose this one, bring a letter from the agency verifying the 8 hours.
c. Using resources such as disability advocacy agencies, government agencies, the internet (with your parent’s permission), and news magazines, learn about myths and misconceptions that influence the general public’s understanding of people with disabilities. List 10 myths and misconceptions about people with disabilities and learn the facts about each myth. Share your list with your counselor, then use it to make a presentation to a Cub Scout pack or other group. If you choose this one, make a poster listing the 10 myths/misconceptions and the facts related to each one. Be prepared to present your poster.
Electronics
Both Sessions are Full
Session limit: 10
There is an additional cost of $15 for a kit for this badge
Prerequisites:
- Find out about three career opportunities in electronics that interest you. Discuss with and explain to your counselor what training and education are needed for each position.
Emergency Preparedness
Both Sessions are Full
Session limit: 12
Prerequisites:
1. Earn the First Aid merit badge. (Bring proof of completed First Aid Merit Badge)
2. (c) Meet with and teach your family how to get or build a kit, make a plan, and be informed for the situations on the chart you created for requirement 2b. Complete a family plan. Then meet with your counselor and report on your family meeting, discuss their responses, and share your family plan.
6.Do the following:
- (a) Describe the National Incident Management System (NIMS)/Incident and the Incident Command System (ICS).
- (b) Identify the government or community agencies that normally handle and prepare for emergency services similar to those of the NIMS or ICS. Explain to your counselor ONE of the following:
- (1) How the NIMS/ICS can assist a Scout troop when responding in a disaster
- (2) How a group of Scouts could volunteer to help in the event of these types of emergencies
- (c) Find out who is your community’s emergency management director and learn what this person does to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond to, and recover from emergency situations in your community. Discuss this information with your counselor, utilizing the information you learned from requirement 2b.
7. Do the following:
- (a) Take part in an emergency service project, either a real one or a practice drill, with a Scouting unit or a community agency.
- (b) Prepare a written plan for mobilizing your troop when needed to do emergency service. If there is already a plan, explain it. Tell your part in making it work.
- Do the following:
- (b) Prepare a personal emergency service pack for a mobilization call. Prepare a family emergency kit (suitcase or waterproof box) for use by your family in case an emergency evacuation is needed. Explain the needs and uses of the contents.
(Either bring your pack or bring pictures of it.)
9. Do ONE of the following:
- (a) Using a safety checklist approved by your counselor, inspect your home for potential hazards. Explain the hazards you find and how they can be corrected.
- (b) Review or develop a plan of escape for your family in case of fire in your home.
- (c) Develop an accident prevention program for five family activities outside the home (such as taking a picnic or seeing a movie) that includes an analysis of possible hazards, a proposed plan to correct those hazards, and the reasons for the corrections you propose.
Family Life
Both Sessions are Full
Session limit: 15
Prerequisites:
- List several reasons why you are important to your family and discuss this with your parents or guardians and with your merit badge counselor.
- Prepare a list of your regular home duties or chores (at least five) and do them for 90 days. Keep a record of how often you do each of them. Discuss with your counselor the effect your chores had on your family. Bring signed note from a parent indicating the discussion was held.
- With the approval of your parents or guardians and your merit badge counselor, decide on and carry out a project that you would do around the home that would benefit your family. Submit a report to your merit badge counselor outlining how the project benefited your family.
- Plan and carry out a project that involves the participation of your family. After completing the project, discuss the following with your merit badge counselor:
- The objective or goal of the project
- How individual members of your family participated
- The results of the project
6 B. Prepare a meeting agenda that includes the following topics, review it with your parents or guardians, and then carry out one or more of the family meetings:
- How living the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law contributes to your family life
- The greatest dangers and addictions facing youth in today’s society (examples include use of tobacco products, alcohol, or drugs and other items such as debts, social media, etc.)
- Understanding the growing-up process and how the body changes, and making responsible decisions dealing with sex *This conversation may take place with only one or both of your parents or guardians.
- Personal and family finances
- A crisis situation within your family
- The effect of technology on your family
- Good etiquette and manners
Fire Safety
Session is Full
Session limit: 12
Prerequisites:
- Conduct a home safety survey with the help of an adult. Then do the following:
- Draw a home fire-escape plan, create a home fire-drill schedule, and conduct a home fire drill.
- Visit a fire station. Identify the types of fire trucks. Find out about the fire prevention activities in your community.
First Aid
Both Sessions are Full
Session limit: 12
Prerequisites:
- Demonstrate to your counselor that you have current knowledge of all first-aid requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. Please bring along your scout book with your first aid requirement signed off for proof.
5. Do the following:
(a) Prepare a first-aid kit for your home. Display and discuss its contents with your counselor. Please bring along to share.
(b) With an adult leader, inspect your troop’s first-aid kit. Evaluate it for completeness. Report your findings to your counselor and Scout leader.
Geocaching
Session is Full
Session limit: 12
Prerequisites:
7. With your parent’s permission*, go to www.geocaching.com. Type in your city and state to locate public geocaches in your area. Share with your counselor the posted information about three of those geocaches. Then, pick one of the three and find the cache.
8. Do ONE of the following:
(a) If a Cache to Eagle® series exists in your council, visit at least three of the locations in the series. Describe the projects that each cache you visit highlights, and explain how the Cache to Eagle® program helps share our Scouting service with the public.
(b) Create a Scouting-related Travel Bug® that promotes one of the values of Scouting. “Release” your Travel Bug into a public geocache and, with your parent’s permission, monitor its progress at www.geocaching.com for 30 days. Keep a log, and share this with your counselor at the end of the 30-day period.
(c) Set up and hide a public geocache, following the guidelines in the Geocaching merit badge pamphlet. Before doing so, share with your counselor a three-month maintenance plan for the geocache where you are personally responsible for those three months. After setting up the geocache, with your parent’s permission, follow the logs online for 30 days and share them with your counselor. You must archive the geocache when you are no longer maintaining it.
(d) Explain what Cache In Trash Out (CITO) means, and describe how you have practiced CITO at public geocaches or at a CITO event. Then, either create CITO containers to leave at public caches, or host a CITO event for your unit or for the public.
9. Plan a geohunt for a youth group such as your troop or a neighboring pack, at school, or your place of worship. Choose a theme, set up a course with at least four waypoints, teach the players how to use a GPS unit, and play the game. Tell your counselor about your experience, and share the materials you used and developed for this event.
Leatherwork
Both Sessions are Full
Session Limit: 10
There is an additional cost of $15 for a kit for this badge.
Public Health
Available Morning and Afternoon Sessions
Session Limit: 12
Prerequisites:
*** Note that there are some topics covered in this badge that may be considered mature subject matter. Make sure to look over the requirements found at Public Health Merit Badge | Boy Scouts of America (scouting.org) before registering your Scouts for this badge.
- With your parent’s and counselor’s approval, do ONE of the following:
(a) Visit a municipal wastewater treatment facility or a solid-waste management operation in your community.
- Describe how the facility safely treats and disposes of sewage or solid waste.
- Discuss your visit and what you learned with your counselor.
- Describe how sewage and solid waste should be disposed of under wilderness camping conditions.
(b) Visit a food service facility, such as a restaurant or school cafeteria.
- Observe food preparation, handling, and storage. Learn how the facility keeps food from becoming contaminated.
- Find out what conditions allow microorganisms to multiply in food, what can be done to help prevent them from growing and spreading, and how to kill them.
- Discuss the importance of using a thermometer to check food temperatures.
- Discuss your visit and what you learned with your counselor.
7. With your parent’s and counselor’s approval, do
ONE of the following:
(a) Visit your city, county, or state public health agency.
(b) Familiarize yourself with your city, county, or state health agency’s website.
After completing either 7a or 7b, do the following:
(i) Compare the four leading causes of mortality (death) in your community for any of the past five years with the four leading causes of disease in your community. Explain how the public health agency you visited is trying to reduce the mortality and morbidity rates of these leading causes of illness and death.
(ii) Explain the role of your health agency as it relates to the outbreak of diseases.
(iii) Discuss the kinds of public assistance the agency is able to provide in case of disasters such as floods, storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other acts of destruction. Your discussion can include the cleanup necessary after the disaster.
8. Pick a profession in the public health sector that interest you. Find out the education, training, and experience required to work in this profession. Discuss what you learn with your counselor.
Pulp and Paper
Session is Full
Session Size: 10
Prerequisites:
*** For Requirement 4: Bring the following supplies with you: 1 gallon-sized zip-loc baggie, 4 paper towels, and the equivalent of 4 pieces of 8.5×11 paper. These can be small scraps (that put together would equal one piece of larger paper), and they can have writing on them. Colored paper is great and all of your paper can be different colors including plain white. Please do not include newspaper or glossy paper. Excellent sources for this paper include: junk mail, craft scraps (construction paper, scrapbooking paper), flyers or newsletters. If you are not sure if something will work, bring it anyway and bring extra paper scraps.
*** For Requirement 6: Bring a cardboard box (which can be one of the 10 items) containing 9 other examples. Bring a list that has all 15. Examples do not need to be large.
2. Learn about the pulp and paper industry.
- (a) Describe the ways the industry plants, grows, and harvests trees.
- (b) Explain how the industry manages its forests so that the supply of trees keeps pace with the demand.
- (c) Tell how the industry has incorporated the concepts of sustainable forest management (SFM).
- (d) Describe two ways the papermaking industry has addressed pollution.
6. Make a list of 15 pulp or paper products found in your home. Share examples of 10 such products with your counselor.
7. With your parent’s and counselor’s approval, do ONE of the following:
- (a) Visit a pulp mill. Describe how the mill converts wood to cellulose fibers.
- (b) Visit a paper mill and get a sample of the paper made there. Describe the processes used for making this paper. Tell how it will be used.
- (c) Visit a container plant or box plant. Describe how the plant’s products are made.
- (d) Visit a recycled paper collection or sorting facility. Describe the operations there.
- (e) Using books, magazines, your local library, the Internet (with your parent’s permission), and any other suitable research tool, find out how paper products are developed. Find out what role research and development play in the papermaking industry. Share what you learn with your counselor.
8. Find out about three career opportunities in the papermaking industry that interest you. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.
BRING A SIGNED BLUE CARD FOR EACH MERIT BADGE YOU ARE WORKING ON
Lunch will be available to purchase. Lunch can be purchased in advance when registering for the Merit Badge College online.
Parents are welcome to stay in the seating area in the lobby, but space is limited.
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