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CANOEING MERIT BADGE

SCOUTMASTER BUCKY CLASS PREPARATION PAGE

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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

CANOEING MERIT BADGE SPECIFICS

Things to remember to bring for this Merit Badge Class:

1. Merit Badge Blue Card properly filled out and signed off by your Scoutmaster

2. Canoeing Merit Badge Pamphlet

3. Scout Uniform

4. Proper and appropriate swimwear

5. Supporting documentation or project work pertinent to this merit badge which may also include a Merit Badge Workbook for reference with notes

6. A positive Scouting focus and attitude

Following is an outline of the class to help you prepare.  Note that Scouts will be signed off only on those requirements that the Merit Badge Counselor determines meets the requirements; no more no less  This Merit Badge should not be expected to be earned without preparation and work

IT MUST BE NOTED THAT DUE TO THE SAFETY LEVEL REQUIRED FOR THIS MERIT BADGE CLASS, SCOUTS NOT FOLLOWING DIRECTION OR FAILING TO ADHERE TO CLASS INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE CLASS AND FORFEIT PARTICIPATION FEES AND PRIVILEGE OF CONTINUING TO PARTICIPATE. PARENT OR GUARDIAN WILL BE ASKED TO COME AND REMOVE SCOUT FROM THE EVENT.

1. Do the following:

a. Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in canoeing activities and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.

b. Review prevention symptoms and first aid treatment for the following injuries or illnesses that could occur while canoeing: blisters, cold-water shock and hypothermia, dehydration, heat-related illnesses, sunburn, sprains, and strains.

Scouts should review this requirement and its components and be prepared to discuss, demonstrate, explain, and show as necessary their first aid knowledge and proficiency as it applies to this merit badge as well as the ability to identify hazards likely to be encountered in canoeing activities.

c. Discuss the BSA Safety Afloat policy.  Tell how it applies to canoeing activities.

Scouts should review the BSA Safety Afloat policy prior to the class.  It is NOT acceptable to attend the class not having read the BSA Safety Afloat policy and having a general understanding of it applies to this merit badge and canoeing activities.  Scouts clearly not having prepared ahead of class will not be allowed to continue participation in the class after arrival until they show their comprehension of this policy.

2. Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA simmer test: jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth.  Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.

All Scouts should bring proof of having passed the BSA Swimmer Test in the past year.  (A camp swimmers tag clearly showing it belongs to the Scout, a signed letter from a certified swimming instructor stating the Scout's competency as measured against the BSA Swimmer's test requirements, or a signed note from a BSA Swimming Merit Badge Counselor or Scoutmaster will suffice - parental notes are not enough for this due to the merit badge requirements.)

Even with this "proof" the counselor(s) reserve the right to retest any Scout that they deem necessary or to satisfy their interest in safety. Scouts not having any "proof" will be required to pass the BSA Swimmer Test prior to starting particpation in the class.  Those not able to pass the BSA Swimmer Test may be dismissed from the class at the discretion of the counselor.  Those not able to pass the BSA Swimmer Test and allowed to stay in the class will be limited to "on land" requirements at the discretion of the counselor.

3. Do the following:

a. Name and point out the major parts of a canoe.

b. Describe how length and shape of a canoe affect its performance

c. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different materials used to make canoes.

Scouts need to review the merit badge pamphlet for requirement 3. All information needed to complete these parts of Requirement 3 can be found in the merit badge pamphlet book. It is recommended to make notes on your Merit Badge Workbook to use when sharing your knowledge during the class.

4. Do the following:

a. Name and point out the parts of a paddle.  Explain the difference between a straight and bent-shaft paddle and when each is best used.

b. Demonstrate how to size correctly a paddle for a paddler in a sitting position and a kneeling position.

For Requirement 4a Scouts will need to make sure they have reviewed and are familiar with the parts of a paddles and to know the different uses and benefits of different types of paddles.  Scouts will be asked to name and explain the parts and paddles during the class.   Requirement 4b will be covered in the class, however Scouts should review the merit badge pamphlet for a basic understanding of how to size a paddle for themselves and someone else.

5. Do the following:

a. Discuss with your counselor the characteristics of life jackets most appropriate for canoeing and tell why a life jacket must always be worn while paddling.

b. Demonstrate how to select and properly fit the correct size life jacket.

Requirement 5a will be discussed in class, however only Scout who can actively discuss their findings as required in this requirement will be signed off on this component of the requirement.  Requirement 5b will be covered in the class, however Scouts should make sure they have a general understanding of how to fit different type of life jackets that they might encounter and be prepared to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding during the class.

6. Discuss with your counselor the general care and maintenance of canoes, paddles, and other canoeing equipment.

While the counselor will give insight to this requirement during the class, only Scouts that have prepared ahead of time by reviewing the merit badge pamphlet for this component and showing the ability to actively discuss their knowledge and findings will be signed off on this requirement.  You may want to consider making notes that you can reference during the class to assist in your discussion.

7. Do the following:

a. Discuss what personal and group equipment would be appropriate for a canoe camping trip. Describe how personal and group equipment can be packed and protected from water.

b. Using the containers and packs from Requirement 7a, demonstrate how to load and secure the containers and other equipment in the canoe.

For Requirement 7a Scouts will want to be prepared for discussion on what kinds of equipment would be appropriate for different canoeing activities.  Only those Scouts actively participating in the class discussion will be considered for sign off on this component of the requirement.  With the knowledge brought to and gained at the class, Scouts will work with the counselor to complete Requirement 7b.

c. Using appropriate knots, including a trucker's hitch, tautline hitch, and bowline, demonstrate how to secure a canoe to a vehicle or a trailer, or if those are not available, a rack on land.

Scouts will need to show their proficiency using rope to secure a canoe to a vehicle utilizing appropriate and referenced knots.  Below are some guides to use while refreshing one's self on how to tie a few of these knots.  Only Scouts showing proficiency in these knots AND properly and safely able to demonstrate the securing of a canoe will be considered for sign off on this part of Requirement 7.

8. With a companion, use a properly equipped canoe to demonstrate the following:

a. Safely carry and launch the canoe from a dock or shore (both, if possible).

b. Safely land the canoe on a dock or shore (both, if possible) and return it to the proper storage location.

c. Demonstrate kneeling and sitting positions in a canoe and explain the proper use for each position.

d. Change places while afloat in the canoe.

Requirements 8 through 12 are all skilled based requirements.  While the counselor will utilize the EDGE method; Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, and Enable to cover these requirements, it is still not a guarantee that all Scouts will complete each of the requirements and it's components.  Only Scouts who successfully demonstrate these skills to the counselor's satisfaction will be signed off on each requirement and component therein. Some Scouts may find it difficult to complete some of these requirements simply due to physical development or other reasons.  Every effort will be made to assist and accommodate each Scout, however it MUST be noted that these are skilled-based requirements.  All Scouts will have an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to perform and maneuver for each of the components in each of the requirements.

9. With a companion, use a properly equipped canoe to demonstrate the following:

a. In deep water, exit the canoe and get back in without capsizing.

b. Safely perform a controlled capsize of the canoe and demonstrate how staying with a capsized canoe will support both paddlers.

c. Swim, tow, or push a swamped canoe fifty feet to shallow water. In the shallow water, empty the swamped canoe and reenter it.

d. In deep water, rescue a swamped canoe and its paddlers by emptying the swamped canoe and helping the paddlers safely reenter their boat without capsizing.

Requirements 8 through 12 are all skilled based requirements.  While the counselor will utilize the EDGE method; Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, and Enable to cover these requirements, it is still not a guarantee that all Scouts will complete each of the requirements and it's components.  Only Scouts who successfully demonstrate these skills to the counselor's satisfaction will be signed off on each requirement and component therein. Some Scouts may find it difficult to complete some of these requirements simply due to physical development or other reasons.  Every effort will be made to assist and accommodate each Scout, however it MUST be noted that these are skilled-based requirements.  All Scouts will have an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to perform and maneuver for each of the components in each of the requirements.

10. With a companion, use a properly equipped canoe to demonstrate the following paddling strokes as both a bow and stern paddler:

a. Forward stroke

b. Backstroke

c. Draw

d. Pushaway

e. Forward sweep

f. Reverse sweep

For stern paddling only:

g. J-Stroke

h. Rudder stroke

Requirements 8 through 12 are all skilled based requirements.  While the counselor will utilize the EDGE method; Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, and Enable to cover these requirements, it is still not a guarantee that all Scouts will complete each of the requirements and it's components.  Only Scouts who successfully demonstrate these skills to the counselor's satisfaction will be signed off on each requirement and component therein. Some Scouts may find it difficult to complete some of these requirements simply due to physical development or other reasons.  Every effort will be made to assist and accommodate each Scout, however it MUST be noted that these are skilled-based requirements.  All Scouts will have an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to perform and maneuver for each of the components in each of the requirements.

11. Using the stroke in Requirement 10, and in an order determined by your counselor, use a properly equipped canoe to demonstrate the following tandem maneuvers while paddling on opposite sides and without changing sides. Each paddler must demonstrate these maneuvers in both the bow and stern and on opposite paddling sides:

a. Pivot or spin the canoe in either direction

b. Move the canoe sideways or abeam in either direction

c. Stop the canoe

d. Move the canoe in a straight line for 50 yards

Requirements 8 through 12 are all skilled based requirements.  While the counselor will utilize the EDGE method; Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, and Enable to cover these requirements, it is still not a guarantee that all Scouts will complete each of the requirements and it's components.  Only Scouts who successfully demonstrate these skills to the counselor's satisfaction will be signed off on each requirement and component therein. Some Scouts may find it difficult to complete some of these requirements simply due to physical development or other reasons.  Every effort will be made to assist and accommodate each Scout, however it MUST be noted that these are skilled-based requirements.  All Scouts will have an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to perform and maneuver for each of the components in each of the requirements.

12. Use a properly equipped canoe to demonstrate solo canoe handling:

a. Launch from shore or a pier (both, if possible)

b. Using a single-blade paddle and paddling only on one side, demonstrate proper form and use of the forward stroke, backstroke, draw stroke, pushaway stroke, forward sweep, reverse sweep, J-stroke, and rudder stroke. Repeat while paddling on the other side

c. While paddling on one side only, paddle a 50-yard course making at least one turn underway and one reverse of direction. Repeat while paddling on the other side

d. Make a proper landing at a dock or shore (both, if possible). Store canoe properly (with assistance, if needed)

Requirements 8 through 12 are all skilled based requirements.  While the counselor will utilize the EDGE method; Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, and Enable to cover these requirements, it is still not a guarantee that all Scouts will complete each of the requirements and it's components.  Only Scouts who successfully demonstrate these skills to the counselor's satisfaction will be signed off on each requirement and component therein. Some Scouts may find it difficult to complete some of these requirements simply due to physical development or other reasons.  Every effort will be made to assist and accommodate each Scout, however it MUST be noted that these are skilled-based requirements.  All Scouts will have an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to perform and maneuver for each of the components in each of the requirements.

13. Discuss the following type of canoeing:

a. Olympic canoe sprint

b. Flatwater and river touring

c. Outrigger

d. Marathon

e. Freestyle

f. Whitewater

g. Canoe poling

Scouts should review the merit badge pamphlet and come to the class prepared to discuss the different types of canoeing.  Active participation in the discussion is a must for consideration of sign off on this requirement.  Scouts attending unprepared will find it difficult to complete this requirement; especially if they are not active in the class discussion.

this page last reviewed and updated - October 2015