General

It is up to each troop to decide what activities, instruction, events, etc. the Scouts, patrols, and troop want to complete at camp. While just living in a camp community is an enriching experience for a Scout, it is important that each scout, patrol, and troop make the most of the opportunities provided for them while at camp.  Scouts should be encouraged to schedule something during each activity period.

Planning

Troop leaders must work with Scouts to determine what merit badges will be done at camp. A Scout's weekly program should include time for personal development, camaraderie with friends, patrol activities, troop activities, camp wide activities, aquatic activities, conservation work, and advancement to Eagle.

 "Individual Merit Badge Registration Form." This form gives the schedule of merit badges at summer camp. On the back of the form is a list of merit badges offered at camp, their description and relative degree of difficulty, any class size limitations, any prerequisites, and an estimate of associated costs.  Please take note of any class size limitations and prerequisites prior to enrolling.  Badges with class size limitations will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Should a class fill, we will work with troops on finding an appropriate alternative.

Please remember that not all merit badges are suited for all Scouts. It is a good idea to schedule the harder badges for older Scouts.

Merit Badge Registration

Registration for merit badges will take place before Scouts arrive at camp. This will speed up the first day of camp. Of course, minor adjustments to a camper's schedule can be made at camp, but the bulk of work should be completed before campers arrive.

Merit badge registration is a simple process:

1. Copy the "Individual Merit Badge Registration Form" (see Appendix) for each Scout

2. Collect the "Individual Merit Badge Registration Form" from each Scout and transcribe the information onto the "Troop Merit Badge Registration Form" (see Appendix).

3.  Use the information from the Troop Merit Badge Registration form to register on-line when you are paid in full by May 16.

4. Make a copy of the "Troop Merit Badge Registration Form" for your records, and mail a copy to: Program Director, West Central Florida Council, and 11046 Johnson Boulevard, Seminole, Florida 33772.  This copy should be mailed two weeks prior to camp attendance.
 

Important Considerations

Some programs and badges are available only to a limited number of Scouts and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Scouts should come to camp prepared for the merit badges that they registered for, as the camp staff strives to make every badge available to each Scout, whenever logistically feasible. If a Scout has to be "bumped" from a program or badge, the camp staff will work with the unit to find a suitable alternative.

Blue Cards

Scoutmasters should provide each of their Scouts with the appropriate merit badge application cards ("blue cards") for the badges that Scouts plan on taking in camp. Additional blue cards, merit badge pamphlets, and materials are available for purchase in the Trading Post.  Please have blue cards ready for Scouts by their first merit badge session on Monday.

Prerequisites

Scouts and leaders should pay special attention to the requirements of each merit badge to ensure that prerequisites are completed prior to coming to camp.