Camp Freeland Leslie

The Outdoor Skills area, often referred to as Scout Craft, teaches the basic skills that every Scout should know. The merit badges in this area are designed to give Scouts confidence working outdoors. Every Scout in camp is encouraged to take at least one merit
badge that is offered in this area. The following is a list and description of the merit badges offered in Outdoor Skills.

CAMPING Recommended for all Scouts. Discover the skill that is camping. Learn “Leave No Trace” and “Outdoor Code” principals. After this merit badge you should be an expert at camping.  A Scout must do requirement 4b, 7, 9a and 9b prior to arriving at camp. It is recommended but not required that a scout do requirements 5e, 8c, 8d and 9c before arrival to camp. These requirements can be done at camp but may take out of class work.

COOKING Recommended for all Scouts, especially new campers. Learn to cook complete meals in a variety of conditions, and over open fires and stoves. Master the skill of menu planning and learn how to time meals properly so they are done when you want them to be.
It is recommended that a Scout plan out all the menus for requirements 3, 5 and 7. Look at the camp menu and plan half of your menus using the same ingredients and items but in different ways. A Scout can do any of the 9 meals that must be cooked for this merit badge prior to camp. Just bring the menu and be prepared to talk about your experience. Due to time constraints a Scout may not get enough cooking time in so it is recommended that they do some before arriving to camp.

FIRST AID Recommended for all Scouts. Learn the proper ways to administer first aid to yourself or others. Practice treating a variety of injuries and learn how to recognize dangerous situations to prevent injuries from occurring.  It is recommended that a Scout have all the first aid requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class completed before taking this merit badge. Requirement 2b must be done prior to camp and brought with to show the merit badge counselor. Some first aid items are for sale in the trading post but it is recommended that a Scout complete their home first aid kit before camp.

ORIENTEERING Recommended for older Scouts. Learn how to find directions with and without a compass and map. Practice your skills of compass work and create your own orienteering course.  It is recommended that a Scout do requirement 7 prior to arriving at camp. A Scout should be prepared to do several miles of hiking throughout the week and spending some time outside of class to complete this merit badge.

PIONEERING Recommended for older Scouts. Create useful and creative projects while mastering the skills of knots, lashings, anchoring and leverage.  It is recommended that a Scout already have Tenderfoot requirements 4a and 4b and First Class requirements 7a, 7b, and 7c completed before taking this merit badge.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL Recommended for all Scouts. Learn how to survive a night in the wilderness. Build shelters, water collection systems, and rescue methods.  It is recommended that a Scout either build prior to camp or bring supplies up to camp to build a personal survival kit. This kit will need to be presented to the merit badge counselor.