Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 1 of 16

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 1 of 16 Our Merit Badge and Course Offerings for Scouts Camp Hi-Sierra is proud to offer a diverse selection of merit badges and course offerings in addition to our open program and Skills of the Day available in each program area. Use this guide to discover: What each merit badge or course offers What level of scouts would be great for this merit badge or course The difficulty level (from 1-easy to 10-extremely difficult) and any age restrictions during registration If applicable, what will be required of scouts before or during camp in order to complete the merit badge before they leave. Please use this guide in conjunction with the annual Merit Badge schedule in order to schedule your merit badges for an awesomely amazing time at Camp Hi-Sierra. About partials We're always happy to assist scouts with completing partials for any merit badge we offer in camp. Scouts, please talk with the staff working in the program area where the merit badge is offered in order to work out a plan to complete your merit badge at camp! Table of Contents From Management and the Ranger Staff... 2 Aquatics... 2 Pinecrest... 3 Shooting Sports Rifle Range... 4 Shooting Sports Archery Range... 4 Climbing... 5 Excursions... 5 Nature... 6 Foxfire... 8 Handicraft... 8 Scoutcraft... 10 Trail to Eagle Merit Badges... 11 Trail to Eagle Trail to First Class... 12 Adult Education... 14

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 2 of 16 From Management and the Ranger Staff On occasion, we're able to offer something unique to our campers straight from the people who help manage camp. SPL 101 - Lead And Other Elements: A Brief Course In Leadership Leading is only half the job. Come spend time with the Assistant Camp Director to learn what else is needed to get the job done. Good for older scouts and current SPL's and other troop PLC members. Game Design MB From board games to the latest video game release, learn about the mechanics behind games and why the cake is a lie. Welding MB Working around a metal forge might be great, but learn how the modern pros deal with metal and get your welding on! Good for returning scouts able to lift 20 lbs with one hand. Difficulty: 6. No age restriction. Scouting Heritage MB Discover the history and the heritage of the Boy Scouts of America. Good for scouts of all ages! Difficulty: 3. No age restriction. Aquatics Cool and refreshing on a hot afternoon, the Aquatics area situated by Mi-Wok Lake is a great place to swim! Lifesaving MB Eagle-required Learn the principles of rescuing other swimmers from the water. Good for older scouts able to handle physically demanding swimming and who have completed their BSA Swimmer Test at camp during Sunday Check-In or by appointment. Difficulty: 10. Age: 14+. Scouts must complete the 1st and 2nd Class swimming requirements before starting this merit badge and have previously earned the Swimming MB. (Req.: 1)

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 3 of 16 Swimming MB Eagle-required Become a better swimmer and improve your swimming techniques. Good for scouts experienced in swimming in lakes and who have completed their BSA Swimmer Test at camp during Sunday Check-In or by appointment. Difficulty: 6. Age: 12+. Scouts must complete the 1st and 2nd Class swimming requirements before starting this merit badge. (Req.: 3) Pinecrest A short 30-minute drive out of camp, Pinecrest Lake houses Camp Hi-Sierra's fleet of kayaks, canoes, and sailboats. Make sure to sign up for the commute to practice your watercraft skills! A Camp Van shuttle will be available for scouts registered in these merit badges for a small fee. Departure/Arrival times can be found in the MB Schedule. Additionally, scouts should not be signed up for steward duty for the meal closest to their session. Canoeing MB Travel down the river the same way Lewis and Clark did all those years ago. Good for scouts physically able to lift a canoe (lift 40 lbs with one hand) and who have completed their BSA Swimmer Test at camp during Sunday Check-In or by appointment. Difficulty: 5. Age: 12+. Kayaking MB Be agile on the water by learning how to travel by kayak. Good for scouts physically able to lift a canoe (lift 40 lbs with one hand) and who have completed their BSA Swimmer Test at camp during Sunday Check-In or by appointment. Difficulty: 5. Age: 12+. Small Boat Sailing MB Learn how to maneuver the boats that are the pride of the Camp Hi-Sierra flotilla. Good for older scouts not taking any other time-intensive merit badges and who have completed their BSA Swimmer Test at camp during Sunday Check-In or by appointment. Difficulty: 9. Age: 14+. Scouts will need to spend a significant amount of time at Pinecrest Lake to complete this timeintensive merit badge.

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 4 of 16 Shooting Sports Rifle Range High up on the hill overlooking camp is our Rifle and Shotgun ranges. One quick hike and you'll be ready to practice shooting all the things that go bang! Please remember that all merit badges in this area require time spent qualifying during open range time while at camp to complete these time-intensive merit badges. Rifle Shooting MB Accuracy is key when you learn how to fire the smaller boom sticks: the rifle. Good for returning scouts not taking any other time-intensive merit badges. Difficulty: 5. No age restriction. Scouts will need to bring a signed Parental Firearm Authorization Form to camp, purchase an ammunition pass from the Trading Post, and qualify during a scheduled qualify range time while at camp to complete this time-intensive merit badge. Shotgun Shooting MB Upgrade to the bigger boom sticks in camp and fire a shotgun. Good for returning scouts physically able to shoulder the shotguns and absorb the kickback, and not taking any other time-intensive merit badges. Difficulty: 7. No age restriction. Scouts will need to bring a signed Parental Firearm Authorization Form to camp, purchase an ammunition pass from the Trading Post, and qualify during a scheduled qualify range time while at camp to complete this time-intensive merit badge. Shooting Sports Archery Range Come practice the age-old skill of archery at our Archery Range and see if you can hit the bullseye as well! Please remember that the merit badge in this area requires time spent qualifying during open range time while at camp to complete this time-intensive merit badge. Archery MB Learn how to let the arrows fly in this great merit badge. Good for returning scouts physically able to pull back a bow (lift 35 lbs with one hand), and not taking any other time-intensive merit badges. Difficulty: 6. No age restriction. Scouts will need to purchase supplies from the Trading Post, and qualify during a scheduled qualify range time while at camp to complete this time-intensive merit badge.

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 5 of 16 Climbing Reach new heights (literally) at our Climbing Tower and be rewarded with one of the best views in camp! Climbing MB Learn and practice the rules of the rock to safely climb to new heights. Good for returning scouts not taking any other time-intensive merit badges. Difficulty: 7. No age restriction. Scouts will need to qualify during a scheduled qualify climb times while at camp to complete this timeintensive merit badge. Excursions Swing by Excursions and get your exploration on with intense activities and adventures throughout the week! Wilderness Survival MB Could you survive being left out in the middle of nowhere? Good for returning scouts. Difficulty: 4. No age restriction. Scouts will need to attend the Wilderness Survival Overnighter without the benefit of sleeping bags or food in order to complete this merit badge. Search and Rescue MB Learn how the pros save lives and rescue stranded hikers in the wilderness. Marco? Marco! Good for returning scouts. Difficulty: 6. Age: 12+. Scouts should complete the free online ICS-100 course before arriving at camp (http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=is-100.b). (Req.: 5) Cycling MB Eagle-required Some things are better on two wheels. Downhill is one of them. Good for older scouts physically able to go on multiple bike rides throughout the week. Difficulty: 10. Age: 14+. Scouts will need to complete their prescribed bike rides before arriving in camp in order to complete this merit badge during camp. (Req: 8, 9) Backpacking MB Discover the secret to living out of your backpack in the wilderness. Good for older scouts physically able to go on multiple hikes throughout the week. Difficulty: 9. Age: 12+. Scouts will need to complete their required treks before arriving in camp in order to complete this merit badge during camp. (Req.: 9c, 8d, 9bcde, 10, 11)

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 6 of 16 Hiking MB Eagle-required Would you be the scout to walk five hundred miles and walk five hundred more, just to be the man who walked a thousand miles to fall down at your door? Good for older scouts physically able to go on multiple hikes throughout the week. Difficulty: 9. Age: 12+. Scouts will need to complete their required treks before arriving in camp in order to complete this merit badge during camp. (Req.: 4, 5, 6, 7) Nature Commune with the flora and fauna in camp and learn about the science behind the wilderness that surrounds us at our Nature Lodge. Astronomy MB With clear night skies, learn more about the celestial world above. Scouts will need to attend the Astronomy Overnighter in order to complete this merit badge. Environmental Science MB Eagle-required Learn the science behind how we can properly conserve Mother nature. Good for returning scouts not taking any other time-intensive merit badges. Difficulty: 8. Age: 12+. Scouts will need to complete a significant amount of written tent work while at camp in order to complete this time-intensive merit badge. Fish and Wildlife Management MB Discover the methods used to preserve the wildlife in our wilderness. Forestry MB Learn why forests are our salvation and how to protect them. Nobody cares for the trees anymore. Geology MB Some are shiny, some are not. But all of them tell the story of the Earth. Who doesn't like rocks? Good for scouts of all ages! Difficulty: 3. No age restriction.

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 7 of 16 Mammal Study MB Squirrel! Learn about the mammals that make life and Pixar cartoons amazing. Good for scouts of all ages! Difficulty: 3. No age restriction. Scouts will need to complete a conservation project while at camp in order to complete this meritbadge. Nature MB Walk with us into Nature to find and identify all aspects of the wilderness around us. While it is possible to complete the merit badge entirely at camp, it is advised that scouts complete their field identifications before they arrive at camp in order to complete the merit badge in camp. (Req: 4) Soil and Water Conservation MB Study the nonliving parts of the ecosystem and why it s important to us. Good for scouts of all ages! Difficulty: 5. No age restriction. Scouts will need to complete a conservation project while at camp in order to complete this merit badge. Weather MB Lightning! Clouds! Hail! Learn the inner workings of our atmosphere. Good for scouts of all ages! Difficulty: 3. No age restriction.

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 8 of 16 Foxfire Hang out with the mountain men of Foxfire as they work the forge and study the Native Americans that once inhabited the Tuolumne Valley. Indian Lore MB Learn about the culture and the history of the Native Americans that once inhabited our valley before us. Good for scouts of all ages! Difficulty: 2. No age restriction. Metalwork MB Spend time around the forge and see what you can make out of metal. Good for returning scouts able to lift 20 lbs with one hand. Difficulty: 5. No age restriction. Scouts will need to purchase supplies from the Trading Post, and wear long-sleeves and long pants while working at the forge in order to complete this merit badge. Advanced Metalworking Upgrade your metalworking skills with this course and tackle all sorts of advanced projects. Good for returning scouts able to lift 20 lbs with one hand and have previously completed the Metalwork MB. Difficulty: 5. No age restriction. Scouts will need to purchase supplies from the Trading Post, must wear long-sleeves and long pants while working at the forge for protection, and have previously completed the Metalwork MB in order to complete this merit badge. Pulp and Paper MB You use it every day. Now learn how it's made. Good for scouts of all ages! Difficulty: 1. No age restriction. Scouts should arrive on the hour to work on this drop-in merit badge. Handicraft Practice your creative side at Handicraft. From basketry to pottery to art, there's many ways to create something amazing here! Art MB Show off your creativity and make some art. Good for scouts of all ages! Difficulty: 1. No age restriction. Scouts can arrive at any time during program to work on this drop-in merit badge.

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 9 of 16 Leatherwork MB Create intricate designs with this all-natural material. Good for scouts of all ages! Difficulty: 2. No age restriction. Scouts can arrive at any time during program to work on this drop-in merit badge. Basketry MB Weave a useful gadget for yourself using the skills in basketry. Good for scouts of all ages! Difficulty: 2. No age restriction. Scouts will need to purchase 3 basketry kits from the Trading Post in order to complete this merit badge. Scouts can arrive at any time during program to work on this drop-in merit badge. Pottery MB Spend time at the pottery wheel and fashion something amazing out of clay. Scouts will need to purchase a pottery pass from the Trading Post in order to complete this merit badge. Wood Carving MB Put that pocket knife to use and carve your idea into wood. Scouts will need to purchase carving wood from the Trading Post and have their Totin Chip in order to complete this merit badge. Photography MB Photography makes you see the world rather than look at it. Good for scouts of all ages! Difficulty: 3. No age restriction. Advanced Handicraft Think you know everything there is to know about Handicraft? Put that to the test and try your hand at advanced topics like raku firings. Good for scouts of all ages! Difficulty: 5. No age restriction. Scouts will need to purchase supplies from the Trading Post in order to complete this merit badge.

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 10 of 16 Scoutcraft Learn all the skills it takes to be a super scout at our Scoutcraft area. Spend some time here and you'll be prepared for anything life throws at you! Camping MB Eagle-required Learn all about the fundamental activity of the Boy Scouts. Good for older scouts. Difficulty: 5. Age: 12+. Scouts will need to complete 20 days and 20 nights of camping and two of the required camping experiences before arriving in camp, and complete a conservation project in order to complete this merit badge during camp. (Req.: 9a, 9b, 9c) Cooking MB Practice the skills that'll let you walk into a kitchen and walk out with something tasty. Good for returning scouts. Difficulty: 6. Age: 12+. Scouts will need to be absent from camp mealtimes while cooking their own meals at Scoutcraft in order to complete this merit badge. Fishing MB Teach a scout to fish and they'll be set for life. While it is possible to complete the merit badge entirely at camp, it is advised that scouts have caught, cleaned, and cooked a fish before arriving in camp in order to complete the merit badge in camp. While fishing rods are available, scouts may wish to consider bringing their own. (Req: 9) Fly-Fishing MB When you're ready for an upgrade, take your fishing skills to the next level in this badge. Good for returning scouts. Difficulty: 7. No age restriction. While it is possible to complete the merit badge at camp, it is advised that scouts have caught, cleaned, and cooked a fish before arriving in camp in order to complete the merit badge in camp. While fly-fishing rods are available, scouts may wish to consider bringing their own. (Req: 10) Orienteering MB After this badge, getting lost will be a distant memory. Good for older scouts. Difficulty: 6. No age restriction. Scouts should have extensive experience with maps and compasses in order to succeed in this merit badge.

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 11 of 16 Pioneering MB With just ropes and poles, craft your own super-form of scouting awesomeness. Good for older scouts. Difficulty: 8. No age restriction. Scouts will need to spend time outside of merit badge session in order to build their pioneering projects in order to complete this merit badge. Geocaching MB Go on a treasure hunt with our trusty GPS receiver and discover what past visitors have left behind. Trail to Eagle Merit Badges Whether you're just starting on your way to First Class or wrapping up the final steps to Eagle, we'll hope you'll swing by Trail to Eagle to learn all the skills crucial for scouting! Citizenship in the World MB Eagle-required It's a big world out there. Learn about the community of nations and chill with our international staffer. Good for returning scouts. Difficulty: 5. Age: 12+. Citizenship in the Nation MB Eagle-required Learn about the principles of our great nation and how you can be a responsible citizen. Good for returning scouts. Difficulty: 5. Age: 12+. Scouts will need to visit various national places of interest before arriving in camp in order to complete this merit badge during camp. (Req.: 2a or 2b or 2c) Communications MB Eagle-required We're living in a world full of communication. Learn how to succeed in it and avoid awkward moments. Good for older scouts. Difficulty: 8. Age: 12+. Scouts will need to complete a significant amount of tent work and presentations while at camp in order to complete this merit badge.

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 12 of 16 Emergency Preparedness MB Eagle-required What will you do when there's a disaster? Find out in this merit badge! Good for returning scouts who have completed the First Aid MB. Difficulty: 8. Age: 12+. Scouts must complete the First Aid MB before starting this merit badge and will need to discuss with their family their emergency plans, participate in a troop mobilization drill, and prepare an emergency kit before arriving in camp in order to complete this merit badge during camp. (Req.: 1, 2c, 8b, 8c) First Aid MB Eagle-required Make sure that you're prepared should someone need medical help. Good for returning scouts who have completed their Tenderfoot, 1 st and 2 nd Class First Aid requirements. Difficulty: 6. Age: 12+. Scouts must complete the 1st and 2nd Class and Tenderfoot First Aid requirements and demonstrate proficiency before starting this merit badge, and bring a first aid kit they ve assembled. (Req.: 1, 2d) Trail to Eagle Trail to First Class Working on your Trail to First Class? Swing by Trail to Eagle and learn all the basic scout skills to give you a jump start on your advancement! Please remember that there are no rank requirements for any of the Trail to First Class sessions. Additionally, we advise signing up for the rank with the most requirements you'd like to work on in camp. Trail to Tenderfoot Being a scout is awesome! Get started on the right foot by learning all the basics. Scouts will be unable to work on the following requirements with staff members at Trail to First Class: 8. Know your patrol name, give the patrol yell, and describe the patrol flag. 10a-b. Record the results of a fitness test, and show improvement over a thirty day period. Trail to Second Class Got the basis down? Go for an upgrade and start learning the more in-depth scouting skills. Scouts will be unable to work on the following requirements with staff members at Trail to First Class: 1b. Using a compass and a map together, take a five-mile hike (or 10 miles by bike) approved by your adult leader and your parent or guardian. 3a. Since jointing, have participated in five separate troop/ patrol activities (other than troop/patrol meetings) two of which include overnight camping. 3g. On one campout, plan and cook one hot breakfast or lunch, selecting foods from the MyPlate food guide or the current USDA nutrition model. Explain the importance of good nutrition. Tell how to transport, store, and prepare the foods you selected.

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 13 of 16 5. Participate in an approved (minimum of one hour) service project. 7b. Prepare a personal first aid kit to take with you on a hike. 9a. Participate in a school, community, or troop program on the dangers of using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, and other practices that could be harmful to your health. Discuss your participation in the program with your family, and explain the dangers of substance addictions. 10. Earn an amount of money agreed upon by you and your parent, then save at least 50 percent of that money. Trail to First Class You're a pro at this! Build on the skills you learned in Second Class and become a super scout! Scouts will be unable to work on the following requirements with staff members at Trail to First Class: 2. Using a map and compass, complete an orienteering course that covers at least one mile and requires measuring the height and/or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.) 3. Since joining, have participated in 10 separate troop/patrol activities (other than troop/patrol meetings), three of which included camping overnight. Demonstrate the principles of Leave No Trace on these outings. 4abcde. Help plan a patrol menu for one campout that includes at least one breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner, and that requires cooking at least two of the meals. Tell how the menu includes the foods from the MyPlate food guide or the current USDA nutrition model and meets nutritional needs. [And additional requirements.] 10. Tell someone who is eligible to join Boy Scouts, or an inactive Boy Scout, about your troop's activities. Invite him to a troop outing, activity, service project or meeting. Tell him how to join, or encourage the inactive Boy Scout to become active.

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 14 of 16 Adult Education Why should the scouts have all the fun? Just as Camp Hi-Sierra is proud to offer a diverse selection of merit badges for your scouts, we re also proud to offer a diverse selection of courses and BSA certifications for our adult leaders so that you ll be ready with the skills for whatever your unit throws at you during the year. Use this guide to discover what each course offers, what the certification can be required for, and what kind of commitment each course requires of adult leaders while at camp. Adult Education Courses The following are the week-long courses we offer for adult leaders. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills hosted at Trail to Eagle Learn the basic outdoor skills of the Boy Scout program. This certification is required to be considered a trained scoutmasters and assistant scoutmasters and does not require renewal once earned until a course revision by National. This is a multi-day course that runs 9:00am to 12:00pm, Monday through Thursday. Scoutmaster Specific Learn the skills that it takes to keep a Boy Scout troop functional and well organized. This certification is required to be considered a trained scoutmasters and assistant scoutmasters and does not require renewal once earned until a course revision by National. This is a multi-day course that runs 2:30pm to 5:00pm, Monday through Thursday. Swimming and Water Rescue hosted at Aquatics Learn hands-on skills to assist you in supervising unit swimming activities. This certification is optional, but strongly recommended for units on aquatic-oriented outings. This is a multi-day course that runs 9:00am to 12:00pm, Monday through Thursday. Paddle Craft Safety hosted at Pinecrest Learn hands-on skills to assist you in supervising unit boating activities. This certification is optional, but strongly recommended for units on aquatic-oriented outings. This is a multi-day course that runs 9:00am to 12:00pm, Monday through Thursday.

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 15 of 16 Adult Education Certifications The following are the sessions/certifications we offer for adult leaders throughout the week. Safe Swim Defense + Safety Afloat Learn how to safely plan and execute swimming and boating activities with your unit. This certification is optional, but is required for unit leaders who will lead an aquatics unit activity. This is an approximately one-hour course. Firem n Chit + Totin Chit Learn the essentials of teaching scouts in the safe use of knives, axes, and saws, as well as safe and effective fire-building. This certification is optional. This is an approximately one-hour course. Leave No Trace Join us to learn the seven principles of this national outdoor ethics program. You ll become better equipped to reduce your unit s impact on the environment and other people. This certification is optional. This course will be taught during an evening at camp. Merit Badge Counselor Training Learn how to effectively counsel scouts in any of the more than 100 merit badges the BSA offers. This certification is required for any registered adult leader that will be teaching any merit badge and does not require renewal once earned. This is an approximately one-hour course. Youth Protection Become familiar with the BSA s principles and polices for working with youth. This certification is required for all registered adult leaders and committee members and must be renewed on a biennial basis. This is an approximately one-hour course.

Camp Hi-Sierra Merit Badge and Course Offering Guide Page 16 of 16 Climb On Safely Safely plan and execute a unit climbing or rappelling activity. This certification is optional, but is required for unit leaders who will lead a climbing or rappelling unit activity. This is an approximately one-hour course. Trek Safely Safely plan and execute a backcountry trek with your unit. This certification is optional, but is required for unit leaders who will lead a unit trek. This is an approximately one-hour course. Hazardous Weather Learn how to plan and be prepared for anything mother nature throws at you. This certification is optional, but is required for at least one unit leader on all unit outings. This is an approximately one-hour course.