Our unique half-day, one-day and two-day merit badge program has been very successful. Years of experience have shown that traditional merit badge programs lose their effectiveness because of the short sessions, lack of in-depth experiences, and constant movement throughout the camp all day. At Camp Mensinger, Boy Scouts spend half a day, a full day, or up to two days on each merit badge. The advantages of this schedule are:

• We replace the hour-by-hour scheduling to expand learning opportunities. Scouts spend an average of six hours in the same class thus allowing more hands-on experience and time on projects.
• Leaders have no set schedule from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Leaders may want to attend a variety of classes with their Boy Scouts, help teach classes along with the camp staff, take part in adult activities, or just relax.
• The Boy Scouts join their instructor at 9:00 a.m. in the program areas, eat lunch with their instructor and class, and then finish class at 3:00 p.m.

Each merit badge taught has a lesson plan that follows the requirements outlined in the Boy Scout Requirements Book. Some merit badges require more time and academic work than others, and may be more difficult for younger Scouts. Some merit badges also require a fee for program materials.

The aim of our merit badge program is to offer a good variety of badges that are traditionally taught at camp, or in an outdoor environment.

Merit Badges Offered
Art - by arrangement	First Aid	Pioneering
Archery Fee = $7.50	Fish & Wildlife	Rifle Shooting Black Powder Fee = $15.00 .22 Rifle Shooting Fee = $10.00
Archeology	Fishing	Rowing
Astronomy	Forestry	Shotgun Shooting Fee = $15.00
Basketry Basketry Kit Price $15.00	Geology	Small Boat Sailing
Camping	Indian Lore Indian Lore Kit Price $5.00 - $15.00	Soil & Water Conservation
Canoeing	Leatherwork Leatherwork Kit Price $5.00 - $15.00	Stamp Collecting
Citizenship in the Nation	Lifesaving	Swimming
Climbing	Mammal Study	Weather
Emergency Preparedness	Motor Boating	Wilderness Survival
Environmental Science	Orienteering	Woodcarving Woodcarving Kit Price $5.00 - $10.00

Important Points for Leaders: Counsel your youth not to overload on merit badges so they may enjoy participation in other camp programs. The information on Prerequisites for Merit Badges will assist your youth in planning successful completion of the merit badges they choose. Many prerequisites can and should be completed before arriving at camp.