This page contains a listing of all merit badges offered at Camp Lions, the "difficulty level" of each, and any prerequisites or required equipment.

NOTE: An asterisk before a listing indicates a merit badge required for a Scout to make Eagle rank. The $ indicates kits or supplies are required. The number after the title of each merit badge indicates the level of difficulty, as follows:

(1) Excellent choice for first year campers.
(2) Recommended for second year campers and above.
(3) Recommended for older Scouts (age 13 and older, First Class and above.)

These recommendations are based on difficulty of the material, required attention span, assumed prior knowledge, and physical considerations such as strength and dexterity. If no prerequisites are noted, there are none. If "afternoon sessions" are indicated, this refers to special workshops offered from 3:30 to 5:00 each afternoon.

Always check the most current merit badge pamphlet for any changes to requirements.

Merit Badge	Eagle	Cost	Description
American Cultures (3)			Offered only on the Colonial Historic Trek.
American Heritage (3)			Offered only on the Colonial Historic Trek.
Archaeology (3)			Rarely offered elsewhere. Archaeological sites on our reservation provide a unique opportunity to learn about our colonial heritage and the methods of the scientists who explore and preserve it for a living. Do requirement 4a or 4b in advance and bring research results to camp.
Archery (2)		$	Challenging and fun. May require one or more afternoon sessions to complete shooting requirements.
Art (1)			Drawing and painting; a great starter badge, and a quiet spot in the day.
Backpacking (2)			Combined with Camping and Hiking. Scouts will not complete requirements 10 and 11. Participants need to bring a backpack.
Basketry (1)		$	Learn the weaver's art. Requires purchase of stool and basket kits from the Trading Post.
Bird Study (2)			Camp Lions is home to birds rarely seen elsewhere ... from majestic bald eagles to delicate songbirds; blue herons, brown pelicans, and red-tailed hawks. At night, listen for a variety of owls. Binoculars are recommended.
Camping (2)	*		Combined with Hiking and Backpacking; Scouts will not complete requirements 9 and 10.
Canoeing (2)			Master new skills that will enable you become better familiarized with canoeing while at the same time exploring the cypress groves along the shore of the James River. Scouts taking this badge will have the opportunity to explore in the same area where the first English settlers explored nearly four hundred years ago.  Passing the BSA swimmer test is a prerequisite. Closed-toe shoes must be worn in the water and on the beach, so bring an extra pair.
Citizenship in the Nation (3)	*		Offered only on the Colonial Historical Trek.
Climbing (3)			Learn to Climb, rappel and belay on our impressive 40-foot tower. We recommend soft-soled footwear such as tennis shoes. Scouts may use personal climbing harnesses, subject to approval of the Climbing Director.
Emergency Preparedness (2)	*		Earning the First Aid Merit Badge is a prerequisite to completing this merit badge.
Environmental Science (2)	*		Take advantage of the widely varied habitats of our camp to earn this important badge. It requires a significant commitment of time outside of scheduled sessions. Requirement 4 cannot be completed at camp due to a new time constraint.
First Aid (2)	*		Requirement 1 should be completed in advance and evidence (such as a signed Boy Scout Handbook) presented to the counselor at camp. Requirement 2b needs to be completed in advance and the first aid kit brought to camp.
Forestry (2)			Learn how forests are managed, then help manage Pipsico's.
Geology (2)			Learn to identify the rocks and fossils on our beach. Our 80-foot cliffs slice through millions of years of Earth's history
Hiking (2)	*		Combined with Camping and Backpacking. Will not complete requirements 5, 6, or 7.
Indian Lore (2)			May require time outside of scheduled sessions to complete requirement 2b. Scouts will need an Indian Lore merit badge book.
Leatherwork (1)		$	Create and personalize unique items. Requires purchase of a kit from the Trading Post.
Lifesaving (3)	*		Must provide evidence of prior completion of Swimming merit badge. For strong swimmers who are ready for the next challenge. Participant will be requiredto retrieve a 10 lb. weight from the bottom of the pool.
Mammal Study (2)			Get to know our furry friends!
Motorboating (2)			Learn boating basics starting with a smalloutboard motor on our 12-foot motorboats. Passing the BSA swimmer test is a prerequisite. Closed shoes must be worn in the water and on the beach, so bring an extra pair that can get wet.
Nature (1)			Great for the younger Scouts who love to collect things.
Nuclear Science (2)			Rarely offered at other summer camps; includes a visit to the nearby Surry Nuclear Power Plant.
Oceanography (2)			Learn about the other 70% of our planet. Requirement 7 should be started before arriving at camp.
Orienteering (2)			A very challenging badge that requires considerabletime outside of scheduled sessions for requirements 8 and 9.
Pioneering (2)			Another challenging but rewarding badge. Scouts who have difficulty mastering knots may need the afternoon lashing workshop for extra practice.
Pottery (1)			Combined with Sculpture. Scouts can complete both in the time typically needed for a single merit badge.
Reptile and Amphibian Study (1)			Camp Lions is home to innumerable species of snakes, lizards, amphibians and turtles - there is no better place to do this merit badge! Requirement 8 cannot be completed at camp; if completed prior to camp, bring observation records and a note signed by the Scoutmaster.
Rifle Shooting (2)			A challenging merit badge that will require some work outside of scheduled merit badge sessions. We recommend completing requirements 1f and 1g prior to camp.
Rowing (1)			Learn the skills necessary to row in all types of situations. Scouts will love this merit badge because of its ample opportunities for scouts to prove to themselves that they can accomplish anything no matter how challenging. Our trained instructors will provide the skilled instruction necessary to improve rowing techniques allowing scouts to succeed in completing this badge. Very small Scouts may find this badge to be physically challenging. Closed-toe shoes must be worn in the water and on the beach, so bring an extra pair that can get wet. Passing the BSA swimmer test is a prerequisite.
Salesmanship (1)			Sharpen your skills in promoting and merchandising variousitems and learn to all about the business of selling from our Trading Post staff.
Sculpture (1)			Combined with Pottery - complete both in the time normally needed for a single merit badge.
Shotgun Shooting (3)		$	Small Scouts may have difficulty safely controlling the shotgun. Younger Scouts have a low success rate in this merit badge, so we discourage them from attempting it unless they have prior shotgun shooting experience. There is a fee for targets and ammunition.
Small Boat Sailing (2)			The five-mile width of the James River by Pipsico Scout Reservation offers broad reaches of unobstructed breezes to learn and perfect sailing skills. Scouts will learn all the basics of sailing and sail with and instructor on one of our 12 foot sail boats and then move onto sailing by themselves in on our of Sun Fish. Whether or not you have ever sailed before or are just looking for something new to add to your sailing experience this class will prove to be an experience the scouts will never forget. Passing the BSA swimmer test is a prerequisite. Closed shoes must be worn in the water and on the beach, so bring an extra pair.
Soil and Water Conservation (2)			Learn how man harms the environment and then help with a conservation project to preserve it.
Space Exploration (2)		$	Learn about space exploration, then build and launch a working model rocket (kits are available for purchase in our camp Trading Post).
Swimming (1)	*		A great opportunity to cool off every day while meeting a requirement for Eagle Scout rank. Passing the BSA swimmer test is a prerequisite; Scouts who do not pass the test should be enrolled in an Instructional Swim session. Need long pants andlongsleeved, button shirt.
Waterskiing (3)			Another merit badge few camps can offer, Pipsico will use the wide-open expanse of the James River to provide a perfect spot to learn and practice this exciting sport. Students will have trained water-skiing instructors and proper equipment that will aid in teaching the skills necessary to become a good water skier and complete the merit badge. Scouts will find this a personal and physical challenge, but when they first get up they will feel even more satisfied. Closed toe shoes must be worn in the water and on the beach, so bring an extra pair that can get wet. Passing the BSA swimmer test is a prerequisite.
Weather (1)			Don't just talk about the weather - learn how it happens.
Wilderness Survival (2)			Do you have what it takes to be a survivor? Work up to an overnight survival adventure on Thursday. Complete requirement 5 prior to camp and bring the kit with you.
Woodcarving (1)			Requires some patience. Neckerchief slide kit from the Trading Post is optional.