Boy Scouts of America's World Crest Flag
The trail to Eagle Scout requires the scout to earn 21 merit badges. Twelve of the required merit badges are chosen for them, while the scout may choose the other nine from the 129 available. Attending a program, class or other organized activity can help the scout achieve their goals in an environment that is suited for the merit badge requirements, with other scouts with similar goals and a qualified merit badge counselor.
Merit Badge Day Camp
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Venture Crew members sponsor merit badge day camps from May through July that focus on nature related merit badges. Badges are earned at the Department of Natural Resources Morgan Run Center in Westminster, MD and include fishing, bird study, insect study, tracking, environmental science, oceanography, soil and water conservation, nature, mammal study, camping and wilderness survival. The Venture Scouts hosting this camp are older, more senior scouts. They state on their website, "The Venture Crew's main objective in hosting Merit Badge Camp is to pass along the knowledge that we have obtained to younger scouts who are the future of American Boy Scouting."
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
Boy Scouts can earn the archaeology merit badge at this park which has archaeological facilities, a research library and an Indian Village for scouts to explore. The program teaches scouts the basic theories of archaeology by providing them hands-on experience through the scientific process, from research, to the field and then the laboratory. The scouts work with park archaeologists and a merit badge counselor throughout the program.
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
10515 Mackall Road
St. Leonard, MD 20685
410-586-8501
jefpat.org
Meadowside Nature Center
The Meadowside Nature Center is part of the Montgomery County Department of Parks and offers more than 30 years of combined experience to guide scouts in achieving their merit badge goals. This organization offers multiple merit badges scheduled throughout the year including chemistry, astronomy, geology and environmental science. Meadowside's exhibits bring pioneer and woodland Native American lifestyles to life with the Legacy People exhibits. The aviary and nature exhibits along with seven miles of hiking trails through meadow, forest, lake and stream environments maximize the learning and earning opportunity while having fun.
Meadowside Nature Center
5100 Meadowside Lane
Rockville, MD 20855
301-924-4141
meadowsidenature.org
Reptile Wonders' The Nature Center on the Go
The Nature Center on the Go teaches courses for more than 16 merit badges throughout the year at their environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation center. Each class is a hands-on session led by a Park Naturalist who is also a BSA merit badge counselor. Merit badges currently offered include first aid, environmental science, Indian lore, insect study, bird study, fish and wildlife management, mammal study, forestry, home repair and entrepreneurship. These courses are intensive, one-day sessions that last from four to 10 hours.
The Nature Center on the Go
2242 Snydersburg Road
Westminster, MD 21157
410-374-0336
naturecenteronthego.com
Tags: Nature Center, merit badges, badge counselor, environmental science, Meadowside Nature, Meadowside Nature Center
