Camp Freeland Leslie

Eagles Nest is where a Scout can work on numerous Eagle required merit badges. It is also the base for our First Class Trail program. The merit badges offered in Eagles Nest are geared for older Scouts age 14 and older but are not limited to them. For the most part, these badges require out of class work like speeches or paper writing. Scouts are encouraged to take no more than two merit badge from Eagles Nest during the week.

One of the big projects in 2008 was the completion and dedication of the NEW Eagles Nest area, by the Order of the Arrow. Construction was done over several weekends and the man hours numbered in the hundreds. The cost was estimated at $14,000.00 for the materials and supplies. This will be a great asset to Camp Freeland Leslie for years to come.

The following is a list and description of the merit badges offered in Eagles Nest.

CITIZENSHIP IN THE NATION Recommended for older Scouts. What does it mean to be a citizen? Learn how the United States government works and how you as a citizen can participate in its development. A Scout must do requirement 2 before arriving at camp if he wishes to complete this merit badge. Requirement 2d can be done at camp but a Scout will still have to do one other option from requirement 2. It is recommended that a Scout also do requirement 8 before camp.

CITIZENSHIP IN THE WORLD Recommended for older Scouts. How do countries interact with each other? What kinds of different citizenship requirements and governments exist in the world?  A Scout may do requirement 7 before arriving at camp but is not required to. This requirement will be completed at camp.

COMMUNICATIONS Recommended for all Scouts. Learn how people communicate and interact with each other. Deliver a speech, interview people, and study non-verbal communication.  Scouts must complete requirement 5 before arriving to camp. Scouts are encouraged to complete requirement 8 before camp. Requirement 8 can be done at camp if a Scout wants to do a campfire and the patrol leaders’ council of his troop approves a campfire program for their campsite before arriving at camp.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Recommended for all Scouts. Be Prepared! This merit badge will teach you how to respond to emergencies in your community and home.  Scouts must earn the First Aid merit badge before completing Emergency Preparedness. They may simultaneously work on First Aid and Emergency Preparedness during their week at camp.  Requirement 2 must also be done before arrival at camp. Scouts that do not do this requirement before camp can do 2a and 2b at camp but will not be able to do 2c. Requirement 8c must also be done before camp and the Scout should bring the personal emergency service pack to camp to go through its contents with the merit badge counselor. Scouts wishing to do requirement 8a and 8b should talk to their SPL before arriving at camp so a time can be arranged for a troop mobilization while at camp. If this is not done a Scout may do requirement 8a at camp but not 8b.

PERSONAL FITNESS Recommended for all Scouts. Learn ways to maintain good health. Practice preventative activities that will keep your body “physical strong”.  Scouts must have requirement 1b done before camp and bring the statement with them to show to the merit badge counselor. Requirements 7 and 8 must be done before camp. A Scout can do requirement 7 at camp but, it may take out of class time. Requirement 8, the 12 week fitness program, can be done before camp or it may be started at camp. If a Scout starts requirement 8 at camp he will have to complete the remaining 11 weeks after camp.