Length: 1 hour

Length: 1 hour

Length: 1 hour

Requirements Covered: All

Length: 2 hours

Length: 1 hour

Requirements Covered: All

Length: 1 hour

Length: 1 hour

Requirements Covered: All

Length: 1 hour

Length: 1 hour

Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes 

Length: 2 hours

Requirements Covered: All

Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Requirements Covered: All

Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Length: 1 hour

Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Requirements Covered: All

Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Length: 1 hours

Length: 2 hours

Length: 2 hours

Requirements Covered: All

Length: 2 hours

Length: 1.5 hours

Requirements Covered: All

Length: 1 hour

Requirements Covered: All

This program is approximately three hours long.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Art Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 5: Complete one of the following:
  • Design something useful and make a sketch or model of your design.
  • Design a logo and be prepared to explain its significance. With permission from a parent or guardian and counselor, place the logo on Scout equipment, furniture, ceramics or fabric.
  • Tell a story using pictures or a 3-D rendering.
• Requirement 7: Research three career opportunities in art. Choose one and learn about the education, training and experience required. Be prepared to discuss whether the profession interests you.

Scouts completing a 3-D rendering should bring photographs or printed screenshots of the completed piece if they cannot bring the item to class.

Additional Work After Class

No additional work is required if all prework and in-class requirements are completed. Scouts who do not complete all requirements may receive a partial completion and finish remaining work with a merit badge counselor.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact the Art merit badge counselor at Megan.Edwards@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately four hours long. Portions of the program may take place outdoors.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Chemistry Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirements 1a and 1b: Obtain safety data sheets for sucrose, isopropyl alcohol and a waterproofing spray. Compare their properties, hazards, handling and disposal guidelines, toxicity information and recommended personal protective equipment.
• Requirement 4a: Design and conduct an experiment comparing at least two types of waterproofing. Be prepared to discuss which you would use on a tent and which you would use on boots.
• Requirement 6: Identify five fields of chemistry. Briefly describe each, explain how each applies to your life and describe how the fields interact.
• Requirement 7: Identify three government agencies that oversee or provide guidance on the use of chemicals. Choose one and briefly describe its history and responsibilities.
• Requirement 8c: Identify three career opportunities that use chemistry. Choose one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, expenses, employment prospects, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals associated with the field.

Prework must be emailed to Kari.Schilling@fairfaxcounty.gov as a PDF or Word document at least one week before class. Google Docs cannot be opened on Fairfax County Government computers. Scouts should also bring copies of their prework to class.

Additional Work After Class

The blue card will be held at Hidden Oaks Nature Center until all requirements have been reviewed and approved by a merit badge counselor. Upon completion, the blue card will be mailed to the scout.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Kari Schilling at Kari.Schilling@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately four hours long.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Chess Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 1b: Research a famous chess player and the accomplishments that made the person famous.
• Requirement 3: Demonstrate knowledge of chess pieces, board setup, movement, captures, castling, en passant, pawn promotion, check, checkmate and the ways a game can end in a draw. Use the Scouting EDGE method to teach someone who does not know how to play chess.
• Requirement 5a: Explain four elements of chess strategy.
• Requirement 5b: Explain five chess tactics.
• Requirement 6: Explain how chess tournaments are run, including tournament formats, pairings, time controls, touch move, scoring and chess ratings.

Prework must be emailed to Kari.Schilling@fairfaxcounty.gov as a PDF at least one week before class. Google Docs cannot be opened on Fairfax County Government computers. Scouts should also bring copies of their prework to class.

Additional Work After Class

The blue card will be held at Hidden Oaks Nature Center until all requirements have been reviewed and approved by a merit badge counselor. Upon completion, the blue card will be mailed to the scout.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Kari Schilling at Kari.Schilling@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately four hours long.

Requirements Covered

The program covers requirements 1-8 for the Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 2a: Using a map or electronic mapping tool, locate government buildings, emergency services, parks, recreation areas, trails and historic or interesting sites in your community. Determine the distance and travel time from your home.
• Requirement 3a-b: Attend an approved government meeting or court session. Choose an issue where different opinions were expressed and explain why you agree with one opinion more than another.
• Requirement 7a-c: Identify three charitable organizations that serve your community. Research one organization, find out how young people can help and complete at least eight hours of volunteer service.
• Requirement 8: Develop a public presentation about important and unique aspects of your community, including its history, cultures, people, gathering places and challenges. Be prepared to present it during class.

Additional Work After Class

Some requirements, including volunteer service, must be completed outside of class. Scouts who have not completed all required work may receive a partial completion and finish remaining requirements afterward with a merit badge counselor.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Kelsey Jeffers at Kelsey.Jeffers@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately four hours long.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 2: Complete one approved visit or research option involving a capitol building, federal facility or national monument.
• Requirement 3: Watch the national evening news or read the front page of a major daily newspaper for five consecutive days. Be prepared to discuss national issues and explain how one issue affects you and your family.
• Requirement 6: Choose a speech of national historical importance. Research the author and speaker, explain the importance of the speech at the time it was given and discuss how it applies to American citizens today.
• Requirement 8: Identify your two U.S. senators and member of Congress. Write and send a letter about a national issue to one elected official and be prepared to share the letter and any response you receive.

Additional Work After Class

No additional work is required if all prework and in-class requirements are completed. Scouts who do not complete all requirements may receive a partial completion and finish remaining work with a merit badge counselor.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Alex Doumbia at Lassine.Doumbia@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately five hours long.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Citizenship in the World Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 3a: Choose a current world event and be prepared to discuss how a country's national interests, history and relationships with other countries may affect its security, economy, values and public health.
• Requirement 3b: Select a foreign country and explain how its geography, natural resources and climate influence its economy and global partnerships.
• Requirement 7: Complete two of the available options involving international affairs, news, cultural exchange, international Scouting or an international event.

Additional Work After Class

No additional work is required if all prework and in-class requirements are completed. Scouts who do not complete all requirements may receive a partial completion and finish remaining work with a merit badge counselor.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Cesia Lobo at Cesia.Lobo@fairfaxcounty.gov or Alex Doumbia at Lassine.Doumbia@fairfaxcounty.gov, or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately four hours long.

Requirements Covered

The program covers requirements 1-9 for the Communication Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 3: Write and deliver a five-minute speech at a group meeting. Provide a copy for your counselor to review.
• Requirement 4: Interview someone you know and respect. Take notes and prepare a formal introduction of that person as though they were a guest speaker.
• Requirement 5: Attend a public meeting where different viewpoints are presented on one issue. Practice active listening and prepare an objective report.
• Requirement 7: Complete one communication project, such as writing to an editor, creating a web page or blog, or producing a newsletter, brochure or other printed material.
• Requirement 8: Plan an approved troop or crew program, prepare the script and serve as master of ceremonies. Provide the script and documentation that the program was completed.

Additional Work After Class

Some requirements involve activities that must be completed before a blue card can be signed. Scouts who do not complete all requirements may receive a partial completion and finish remaining work with a merit badge counselor.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Cesia Lobo at Cesia.Lobo@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

The Crime Prevention and Fingerprinting Merit Badge programs are presented together in one approximately four-hour session.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Crime Prevention Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 2: Research how citizens, schools, community groups, private security, law enforcement, courts, and corrections and rehabilitation programs contribute to crime prevention.
• Requirement 3: Research three different types of crimes. Learn how common these crimes are, which law enforcement agencies and courts were involved, and what could be done to prevent similar crimes.
• Requirement 4: Conduct a security survey of a home, neighborhood, park or camp building with adult supervision. Use information from the survey and the Scouting EDGE method to develop and present a lesson about protecting families or Scouts from crime.
• Requirement 5: Research the impact of shoplifting and employee theft on retail businesses and techniques used to prevent shoplifting.
• Requirement 11: Identify three career opportunities related to crime prevention. Choose one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, expenses and employment prospects associated with the field.

Prework should be emailed to Kari.Schilling@fairfaxcounty.gov before class. Scouts should also bring copies of their prework for discussion.

Additional Work After Class

Blue cards will be held at Hidden Oaks Nature Center until all requirements have been reviewed and approved by a merit badge counselor. Upon completion, the blue card will be mailed to the scout or made available for pickup.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Kari Schilling at Kari.Schilling@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately four hours long.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 4: Visit one approved location, such as your school, place of worship or Scout camping site. Take notes about accessibility, identify five features that make the location friendly to people with disabilities and explain five improvements that could be made. A second location will be visited during the program.
• Requirement 5: Complete one approved disability awareness or advocacy activity.
• Requirement 7: Identify five professions that provide services to people with disabilities. Choose one and research the education, training and experience required. Be prepared to explain why the profession interests you.

Additional Work After Class

Some advocacy options may require volunteer service or a presentation outside of class. Scouts who do not complete all requirements may receive a partial completion and finish remaining work with a merit badge counselor.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Cesia Lobo at Cesia.Lobo@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately five hours long. A portion of the program may take place outdoors.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Environmental Science Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 2: Choose a safe natural area and observe its ecosystem over a two-day period. Record living, nonliving and formerly living components, interactions within the ecosystem and the effects of human activities.
• Requirement 6: Complete one approved research option involving a threatened or endangered species or a species that has recovered.
• Requirement 7: Complete one option related to resource conservation or household hazardous waste.
• Requirement 10: Identify environmental impacts that would need to be considered for a construction project. Be prepared to discuss the project's purpose, benefits, alternatives and possible environmental consequences.
• Requirement 11: Identify three career opportunities related to environmental science. Choose one and research the education, training, certification requirements, experience, costs and employment prospects associated with the field.

Additional Work After Class

No additional work is required if all prework and in-class requirements are completed. Scouts who do not complete all requirements may receive a partial completion and finish remaining work with a merit badge counselor.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Kelsey Jeffers at Kelsey.Jeffers@fairfaxcounty.gov, Alex Doumbia at Lassine.Doumbia@fairfaxcounty.gov or Suzanne Holland at Suzanne.Holland@fairfaxcounty.gov. You may also call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

The Fingerprinting and Crime Prevention Merit Badge programs are presented together in one approximately four-hour session.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Fingerprinting Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirement before attending:

• Requirement 6: Identify three career opportunities that use skills and knowledge related to biometrics or fingerprinting. Choose one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, expenses, employment prospects, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals associated with the field.

Prework should be emailed to Kari.Schilling@fairfaxcounty.gov before class. Scouts should also bring copies of their prework for discussion.

Additional Work After Class

Blue cards will be held at Hidden Oaks Nature Center until all requirements have been reviewed and approved by a merit badge counselor. Upon completion, the blue card will be mailed to the scout or made available for pickup.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Kari Schilling at Kari.Schilling@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately five hours long and includes active participation. Portions of the program may take place outdoors. Scouts should be prepared to kneel, stand, lift and carry during activities.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the First Aid Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 2b(1): Assemble a personal first-aid kit for hiking and backpacking. Bring it to class and be prepared to demonstrate the proper use of each item.
• Requirement 7g: Identify the typical locations of one or more automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, at public facilities in your community. Be prepared to discuss why AEDs are placed in these locations.
• Requirement 12: Describe reactions associated with stressful situations, actions to prepare for and manage these situations, signs that someone may be a danger to themselves or others and appropriate actions to take.
• Requirement 15: Complete one approved option involving emergency medical services, career exploration or the personal use of emergency medical skills.

Additional Work After Class

No additional work is required if all prework and in-class requirements are completed. Scouts who do not complete all requirements may receive a partial completion and finish remaining work with a merit badge counselor.

The First Aid Merit Badge does not provide medical licensure or CPR, AED or first-aid certification.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Kelsey Jeffers at Kelsey.Jeffers@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately four hours long and includes outdoor exploration.

Requirements Covered

During the program, requirements 1, 2c, 3, 4, 5a, 6 and 8 are offered for completion.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 1: Create a field notebook and collect a minimum of five local tree, shrub or vine leaves. Label and attach the samples in your notebook and bring it to class.
• Requirement 7a: Describe the consequences to forests caused by five approved environmental threats or conditions.
• Requirement 7b: Explain what can be done to reduce the consequences identified in requirement 7a.
• Requirement 7c: Describe what you should do if you discover a forest fire, how a professional firefighting crew might control it and identify your state or local wildfire control agency.

Email requirement 7 prework to the counselor at least three days before class.

Additional Work After Class

Scouts who do not complete all prework before class may complete it afterward. The blue card will be held until all work is reviewed and approved, which may delay its return.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Suzanne Holland at Suzanne.Holland@fairfaxcounty.gov or Kelsey Jeffers at Kelsey.Jeffers@fairfaxcounty.gov, or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately four hours long. A portion of the program may take place outdoors.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Indian Lore Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete one of the following options for Requirement 5 before attending:

• Visit a museum in person or virtually to view American Indian exhibitions and collections. Identify 10 artifacts by tribe or nation, shape, size and use, and be prepared to discuss what you learned.
• Attend a contemporary American Indian gathering. Learn proper etiquette before attending and be prepared to discuss what you learned and observed.

Additional Work After Class

No additional work is required if all prework and in-class requirements are completed. Scouts who do not complete all requirements may receive a partial completion and finish remaining work with a merit badge counselor.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Cesia Lobo at Cesia.Lobo@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately two hours long.

Requirements Covered

The program covers requirements 1-5 for the Mammal Study Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirement before attending:

• Requirement 3c: Research and write a simple life history of one nongame mammal that lives in your area. Explain how the animal lived before its habitat was affected by humans, how it reproduces, what it eats, what eats it, its natural habitat, its dependence on plants and other animals and how it is helpful or harmful to humans.

Be prepared to share a brief summary during class.

Additional Work After Class

No additional work is required if all prework and in-class requirements are completed. Scouts who do not complete all requirements may receive a partial completion and finish remaining work with a merit badge counselor.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Cesia Lobo at Cesia.Lobo@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately four hours long and includes outdoor exploration.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Nature Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 1: Explain three ways plants are important to animals. Identify and research a protected plant in your state or region and explain why it is at risk.
• Requirement 2: Explain three ways animals are important to plants. Identify and research a protected animal in your state or region and explain why it is at risk.
• Requirement 4a: Make and set out a birdhouse, feeding station or birdbath. Observe it and record the birds that use it during a one-month period. Keep a daily log and provide evidence of the work, such as photographs.
• Requirement 7a: Identify three careers related to nature. Choose one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, expenses, employment prospects, starting salary and advancement opportunities associated with the field.

Scouts should begin practicing bird identification before class and bring a list of birds they have observed.

Additional Work After Class

The one-month observation for requirement 4a may be completed before or after class. Scouts who have not completed it before the program may receive a partial completion and finish the requirement afterward.

No wildlife, plants, rocks or other natural objects may be removed from Hidden Oaks Nature Center or other Fairfax County parks.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Kelsey Jeffers at Kelsey.Jeffers@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately four hours long. A portion of the program may take place outdoors.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Oceanography Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 7: Complete one approved oceanography investigation or project, such as making a plankton net, creating a model of a volcanic island or coastal sediment movement, measuring water conditions, making a wave generator or monitoring satellite images.
• Requirement 8: Complete one of the following:
  • Write a 500-word report on an approved book about oceanography.
  • Visit an oceanographic research ship, institute, marine laboratory or aquarium and write a 500-word report about your visit.
  • Prepare a five-minute speech explaining why oceanography is important or describing career opportunities in oceanography. Share your speech outline with your counselor for approval before presenting it.

Additional Work After Class

Some options require observations over several days or weeks, a site visit or a written report. Scouts who do not complete all requirements may receive a partial completion and finish remaining work with a merit badge counselor.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Alex Doumbia at Lassine.Doumbia@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately three hours long. A portion of the program may take place outdoors.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 7: Describe six venomous snakes and the one venomous lizard found in the United States. Include their habits, geographic ranges and what to do in case of a venomous bite.
• Requirement 8: Complete one of the following:
  • Maintain one or more reptiles or amphibians for at least one month and record their care and behavior.
  • Observe or foster a reptile or amphibian at an approved zoo, aquarium, nature center, rescue, classroom or similar location weekly for three months and record your observations.
• Requirement 9: Complete two of the following:
  • Identify three types of toads or frogs at night by their voices.
  • Identify eight species of reptiles or amphibians by sight.
  • Give a brief presentation to a small group about three different reptiles or amphibians.

Additional Work After Class

Requirements 8 and 9 may require observations or activities over several weeks or months. Scouts who do not complete all requirements may receive a partial completion and finish remaining work with a merit badge counselor.

Questions?

The source document does not identify a specific merit badge counselor for this program. For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately four hours long and includes outdoor activities.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Soil and Water Conservation Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 5a: Make a drawing showing the hydrologic cycle.
• Requirement 6c: Explain primary water treatment, secondary waste treatment and biochemical oxygen demand.
• Requirement 6d: Make a drawing showing the principles of complete waste treatment.

Additional Work After Class

No additional work is required if all prework and in-class requirements are completed. Scouts who do not complete all requirements may receive a partial completion and finish remaining work with a merit badge counselor.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Cesia Lobo at Cesia.Lobo@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately four hours long. A portion of the program may take place outdoors.

Requirements Covered

The program covers requirements 1-9 for the Sustainability Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 1: Describe sustainability in your own words and explain its importance to society and future generations.
• Requirement 2a: Evaluate your household water use and identify three ways to reduce water consumption.
• Requirement 3c: Develop and implement a plan to reduce household food waste. Establish a baseline and track results for two weeks.
• Requirement 5: Complete one of the following:
  • Identify ways your family could reduce household energy consumption and explain the benefits and risks of each.
  • Identify eight ways your family uses energy. Choose one home-related and one transportation-related use and identify ways to reduce consumption and your carbon footprint.
• Requirement 6a: Create a list of 15 personal items and classify each as an essential need or desirable want. Identify excess items and donate, repurpose or recycle them when possible.
• Requirement 8: Identify five behavioral changes your family can make to improve household sustainability.
• Requirement 9: Research a career in sustainability, including the education, training and experience required.

Additional Work After Class

Some prework, including the food-waste tracking requirement, must be completed over time. Scouts who do not complete all requirements may receive a partial completion and finish remaining work with a merit badge counselor.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Alex Doumbia at Lassine.Doumbia@fairfaxcounty.gov or Kelsey Jeffers at Kelsey.Jeffers@fairfaxcounty.gov, or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately four hours long and includes outdoor activities.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Weather Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 2: Name five dangerous weather-related conditions and explain the safety rules for each.
• Requirement 9a: Build a wind vane, anemometer, rain gauge or hygrometer. Use the instrument and other weather sources to keep a daily weather log for one week. Record weather conditions at the same time each day and compare forecasts with actual conditions. Bring the log and a photograph of your homemade instrument to class.
• Requirement 10: Prepare a five-minute speech explaining outdoor safety rules for lightning, flash floods and tornadoes.
• Requirement 11: Research a weather-related career, including the training, education and responsibilities required.

Additional Work After Class

No additional work is required if all prework and in-class requirements are completed. Scouts who do not complete all requirements may receive a partial completion and finish remaining work with a merit badge counselor.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Kelsey Jeffers at Kelsey.Jeffers@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

This program is approximately five hours long, and much of the class takes place outdoors.

Requirements Covered

The program covers the requirements for the Wilderness Survival Merit Badge.

Required Before Class

Complete the following requirements before attending:

• Requirement 2: Memorize the seven priorities for survival in a backcountry or wilderness location and be prepared to explain the importance of each.
• Requirement 5: Put together a personal survival kit. Bring it to class and be prepared to explain how each item could be useful.
• Requirement 8: Improvise a natural shelter using Leave No Trace techniques and spend a night in the shelter. Camping in a personal tent or hammock is acceptable for this requirement as long as it is set up and removed with no environmental impact.

Additional Work After Class

The overnight portion of requirement 8 may be completed after the program. Scouts must complete the overnight experience before the requirement can be signed off.

Questions?

For questions about merit badge requirements, prework, postwork or blue card sign-off, please contact Kelsey Jeffers at Kelsey.Jeffers@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.