Working Through the Boy Scouts Backpacking List!

Working through the Boy Scouts Backpacking List will earn scouts the Backpacking merit badge. Scouts will learn what knowledge to have in their heads and what gear to carry on their backs. Scouts will discover camping without leaving a trace and how to protect the environment. Scouts will develop an even deeper respect for the outdoors, by mastering the Boy Scouts Backpacking List.

Boy Scouts

Requirements

1) Talk about the prevention of and treatment for the health concerns that could occur while backpacking, including blisters, snakebite, tick bites, insect stings, dehydration, frostbite, heat reactions, and hypothermia.

Snakebite

2) Do the steps below:

• List ten things that are necessary to be carried on any backpacking trip and explain why each is essential.
• Explain ten ways you can limit the bulk and weight to be carried in your backpack without jeopardizing your safety or health.

Backpacking Trip

3) Do the steps below next:

• What are the limits on the number of backpackers appropriate for a hiking crew?
• Tell how a hike crew should be organized.
• Describe how you would minimize risk on a backpacking trip.

A Hike Crew

4) Do the steps below next:

• Talk about at least 5 ways you can lessen the group's impact on the environment, and the importance of using Leave No Trace principles while backpacking.
• Describe means to assure and the importance of personal cleanliness while on a backpacking trip. Tell proper methods of handling human and other wastes while on a backpacking trip.
• Describe what factors are important in choosing a campsite.

Leave No Trace

5) Do the steps below next:

• Tell why water treatment is essential and demonstrate two ways to treat water.
• Explain to the Scout master the importance of staying well hydrated during a hike.

Scout Master

6) Do the steps below next:

• Show that you can read topographic maps.
• Use a GPS receiver to establish your position on a topographic map and on the ground at least three times at three different places or use a map and compass to establish your position on the ground at least three times at three different places while on a hike.
• Talk about what to do if you get lost, and how to stay found.

Lost Valley

7) Describe how to deal with and prepare properly for bad weather.

Bad Weather!

8) Do the steps below next:

• Tell, using at least three different types of fuel, the disadvantages and advantages of three different types of backpacking stoves.
• Show that you know how to handle liquid fuel safely and to operate a backpacking stove safely.
• Cook, using fuel and a stove you can carry in a backpack, at least three meals.
• Show that you practice proper methods for food storage and that you know how to keep eating and cooking gear sanitary and clean while on a backpacking trip.

Backpacking Stoves

9) Do the steps below next:

• Devise a plan, that includes a time control plan, for a patrol backpacking hike.
• Demonstrate that you know how to properly pack your share of the crew's food and gear and your personal gear.
• Demonstrate you can properly adjust and shoulder your pack for proper wear.
• Do a prehike check of the patrol and its gear.
• Complete a hike of at least two miles, while carrying your pack.

Hike At Least Two miles While Carrying Your Pack

10) Using at least two different campsites on each trip, participate in at least three backpacking trips of at least 3 days each and at least fifteen miles each, and use Leave No Trace principles. Throughout the trip, carry everything you will need.

Campsites

11) Do the steps below next:

• Devise a plan for a backpacking trip of at least 5 days covering at least thirty miles and using at least 3 different campsites. Your plan must include a budget, an emergency and safety plan, a list of equipment needs and food, a daily schedule, and a route to and description of the hike area.
• Complete at least one service project approved by your merit badge counselor, using Leave No Trace principles, while on the trek.
• Including thoughts about improvements that could be made for the next hike and notes about what worked well, keep a daily journal during the trip that includes a day by day description of your activities.

Trek

Once this Boy Scouts Backpacking List is completed, the scout gets awarded the Backpacking merit badge! Hooray!

Boy Scout Requirements, 2011 Edition (BSA Supply No. 34765) - The official source for the information shown in this Boy Scouts Backpacking List.

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