Huskanaw is the Powhatan Indian name for the rite of passage that taught young men the skills needed to meet their responsibilities in the tribe. Our Huskanaw program does much the same thing by teaching new Scouts the skills they need to fully participate in troop activities. Huskanaw Scouts spend three hours each morning or afternoon learning advancement skills for Tenderfoot through First Class. During the remainder of the day, they can participate in up to three merit badge sessions. On Thursday night, the Huskanaw Scouts spend the night at an outpost camp. At the end of the week we will provide you with a list of requirements your Huskanaw Scouts have completed.

NOTE: Huskanaw Scouts should bring a backpack and small tent with them for the overnighter. They also need their Boy Scout Handbook with them for reference during program times. We also recommend they bring a compass (also available for sale at the Trading Post).

• List of all 45 Merit Badges offered and descriptions

Camp Lions offers over 40 merit badges at camp and these are all listed on the following pages, along with our merit badge schedule. Some Scouts will be encouraged by their units to take as many merit badges as possible. Whilst this is a unit decision, experience shows that trying to learn six new skills at the same time is difficult, especially when some merit badges require a number of additional hours work or practice. Accordingly, a Scout who works on six merit badges will learn how to get by with the least amount of work, rather than actually learning skills. We recommend that, before camp, Scoutmasters hold a conference with each of their Scouts to assist them in setting realistic goals. Scouts should be encouraged to allow time for the proper completion of merit badges. The underlying purpose of these programs is to expose Scouts to new activities/studies that may positively impact character values, connect the practical application of material learned in school, to develop career or hobby interests and to learn new ways of having fun.

We have developed our merit badge schedule based on the demand of past years. We do, however, reserve the right to adjust the schedule and counselors to meet demand and therefore all units should register for merit badges before camp, using the schedules and sign-up forms located on the forms page no later than June 3rd. Some of our sessions have maximum numbers to ensure teaching quality, so if a unit does not sign-up for merit badges before camp, there is a chance that their Scouts will not be able to work on some merit badges. Please note that if units sign up for merit badges before camp, they do not need to rush to arrive first! Once a Scout is signed up for a merit badge we assume that he has Scoutmaster approval to work on that badge. We will only approve requirements completed at camp. In cases where a Scout comes to camp with a partial merit badge, a unit leader needs to provide the area director with proof of the requirements that have already been completed. The proof can either be a “blue card” showing the completed requirements or a signed statement listing the completed requirements.

Prerequisites - Some merit badges offered in camp may require some work either before, or after, camp in order to complete the merit badge. These requirements are shown in the prerequisites column in the listing of merit badges in the leader's guide. In addition, there are some merit badges with prerequisites, which may include the completion of the BSA Swim Test, a rank or a merit badge. Where this is the case the prerequisite must be completed before a Scout starts working on the merit badge. There will not be any exceptions to this rule.

First Aid Requirements for Merit Badges - A number of merit badges offered at camp have one or two first aid requirements. These are Camping, Canoeing, Climbing, Orienteering, Rowing, Swimming, Wilderness Survival and Woodcarving Merit Badges. These additional requirements can be covered by earning the First Aid merit badge before, during, or after camp. Alternatively, Scouts may wish to participate in the evening first aid and CPR courses, which are offered at camp to meet these requirements.

To help make summer camp an exciting destination for every member of your troop, we offer a number of programs aimed at Scouts 13 and older.  These programs are run through our James River Adventure Base. More inforamtion on these programs can be found here.

ADULT TRAINING

     Have you been too busy to get the training you need? Did you bring along some new leaders or adult volunteers you hope will take a more active role in troop leadership?  Then take advantage of our wide selection of training while you’re with us! Here’s some of what we offer:

• Fast Start

• New Leader Essentials

• Youth Protection

• Safe Swim Defense

• Safety Afloat

• Climb on Safely

• Leave No Trace

• Trek Safely

• Weather Hazards
• Paddle Craft Safety
• Aquatics Supervision

Most of these sessions are approximately one hour each.  Additional topics will be announced at the leaders’ meeting when you report to camp.

• Click here for more information on Adult activities

     In addition to regularly scheduled training, our staff will be glad to work with your leaders one-on-one to teach or refine any Scouting skills you wish to develop.

CERTIFICATION TRAINING

     Adults who are willing to commit the majority of their time at camp may earn certification as BSA Lifeguards or Lead Instructors for Climbing.  Anyone choosing either of these options must understand that it is a major commitment, leaving little time for other activities while at camp.

• Click here for a list of troop activities

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