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
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. You must also purchase an arrow kit from the trading post.. May require one or more afternoon sessions to complete shooting requirements.
Art (1)			This merit badge concentrates on two-dimensional art, specifically drawing and painting in various media, including an introduction to design applications in the fields of graphic arts and industrial design, history and design principles, and how these fields relate to fine art.
Astronomy (2)			Studying the stars in the cool of night; nothing could be nicer. Due Requirement 6 and bring in your sketches to share with your counselor. Will take some night time observations to finish requirements.
Automotive Maintenance (3)			Modern automobiles are important to many aspects of American life. Those who service automobiles must understand each principle, and how these principles interact to provide smooth, efficient performance. Owners of cars also benefit by understanding how their vehicles operate. This enables them to understand why certain periodic maintenance is required to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape.
Basketry (1)		$	Learn the weaver's art. Requires purchase of stool and basket kits from the Trading Post.
Camping (2)	*		Combined with Hiking and Back-packing (as CHB); Suggested for second or third year campers. Bring note stating scout completed requirements 9 and 10.
Canoeing (2)			Passing the BSA swimmer test is a prerequisite. Closed-toe shoes must be worn in the water and in the the boat, so bring an extra pair.
Cinematography (2)			Cinematography includes the fundamentals of producing motion pictures, including the use of effective light, accurate focus, careful composition (or arrangement), and appropriate camera movement to tell stories. In earning the badge, Scouts will also learn to develop a story and describe other pre- and post production processes necessary for making a quality motion picture.
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)	*		Emergencies do happen, and it is important to know what to do to help. 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.
Farm Mechanics (3)			Knowing first aid is important to being a good citizen in your community. 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.
First Aid (2)	*		Knowing first aid is important to being a good citizen in your community. 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.
Fishing (1)			"Every Scout ought to be able to fish in order to get food for himself. A tenderfoot [beginner] who starved on the bank of a river full of fish would look very silly, yet it might happen to one who had never learned to catch fish" Robert Baden Powell in Scouting For Boys
Fish and Wildlife Management (2)			Wildlife management is the science and art of managing the wildlife—both animals and fish—with which we share our planet. Maintaining the proper balance and the dynamics that go with it requires humankind's attention. We use this stewardship tool to help minimize or eradicate the possibility of extinction of any given species. We want our descendants to have the opportunity to experience the same animal diversity that we now enjoy.
Forestry (2)			Learn how forests are managed, then help manage Pipsico's.
Geocaching (1)			Experience one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States today. Pipsico has on it's property over 20 caches, ten of which are incorporated into a "geocache puzzle."
Geology (2)			Our 80-foot cliffs slice through millions of years of Earth's history; Learn to identify the rocks and fossils on our beach that have fallen out of them. Bringing mineral samples to help build kit is suggested., but not required.
Indian Lore (2)			Study the majestic people that once in-habited the very land our camp resides on now. May require time outside of scheduled sessions to complete requirement 2b.
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 required to retrieve a 10 lb. weight from the bottom of the pool.
Motorboating (2)			Learn boating basics on one of our large 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 considerable time outside of scheduled sessions for requirements 8 and 9.
Photography (2)			Scout are strongly encouraged to bring their cameras to camp.
Pioneering (2)			Another challenging but rewarding badge. The scout will learn techniques to build advanced pioneering projects and ornate knots. Scout needs to have mastery of basic scout knots and lashings prior to taking this badge.
Rifle Shooting (2)			A challenging merit badge that will teach proper techniques and safety in range shooting. We recommend completing requirements 1f and 1g prior to camp and may re-quire extra shooting time in the afternoon.
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 in the boats, 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 various items and learn to all about the business of selling from our Trading Post staff.
Scouting Heritage (1)			To satisfy requirement 6, Scouts are encouraged to bring a display of Scouting memorabilia to share with others. As stated in the requirements, pictures of memorabilia shall also satisfy the requirement. This is offered to the entire camp as a patrol activity over the course of the week.
Shotgun Shooting (3)		$	Put the bead on the bird and pull the trigger. 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 and long sleeved, button shirt.
Watersports (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? Learn valuable skills and 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.