Summer Camp 2027
Merit badges and rank
More than 50 merit badges and rank classes, Monday through Thursday. Search by name, filter by age or cost, or jump to a program area.
Pardon our sawdust! We're still building the 2027 program.
Merit badges, class times, and fees are still being finalized and may change before registration. Check back for updates.
Merit badge and rank classes run Monday through Thursday in four daily sessions, each 1 hour and 15 minutes. Double sessions take two back-to-back periods. Newer Scouts working from Tenderfoot through First Class can use the First Class Center. Search below, or jump straight to a program area. Not sure where to start? See ideas by year.
Archery
Range & Target ActivitiesArchery is a fun way to exercise mind and body, developing a steady hand, a good eye, and a disciplined mind. It is a thorough introduction for Scouts new to the bow and arrow, and helps experienced archers deepen their understanding of the sport.
- 4-day class
- Location: Archery Range
- Best for: Third & fourth-year campers
- Additional cost: $10
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Art
HandicraftThis 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.
- 2-day class
- Location: Handicraft
- Can be paired with Basketry, Leatherwork, or Woodcarving
- Best for: First-year campers
- Additional cost: $30 to $35, depending on pairing
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Astronomy
NatureScouts study how activity in space affects our own planet and take in the wonders of the night sky: nebulae, where new stars are born; old stars dying and exploding; meteor showers and shooting stars; the moon, planets, and a dazzling array of stars. Night sessions are required for this merit badge.
- 4-day class
- Location: Nature
- Best for: Third & fourth-year campers
- Includes evening session: Astronomy Night
- Additional cost: $5
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Athletics
AthleticsThe Athletics merit badge encourages Scouts to improve their physical fitness, set personal goals, and develop discipline through training and competition. Scouts learn about sports safety, nutrition, and the importance of warm-ups and conditioning. They also track their progress in selected athletic events and show commitment to a regular fitness routine.
- 2-day class
- Location: Athletics
- Taught together with Personal Fitness
- Additional cost: $5 for both badges
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Requirements 3b, 3d, 6a, and 6b
Automotive Maintenance
TradesAutomotive Maintenance introduces the fundamentals of vehicle care and safety. Scouts learn how cars work, explore systems like the engine, brakes, and tires, and practice basic maintenance such as checking fluids and changing a tire.
- Double session
- Location: Trades
- Taught together with Traffic Safety
- Minimum age: 13+
- Additional cost: $25 for both badges
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Aviation
MediaThe Aviation merit badge introduces Scouts to the world of flight. Scouts learn the principles of aviation, explore aircraft parts and operations, and discover careers in the field, along with flight safety, navigation, and the science behind how airplanes fly.
- 2-day class
- Location: Media
- Taught together with Space Exploration
- Additional cost: $5 for both badges
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Requirement 4 (visit an airport or aviation museum on your own)
Basketry
HandicraftBasketry is a handy skill for a Scout. A basket can be a sturdy companion on campouts, carrying clothes, holding potatoes and corn for roasting over a campfire, or bringing the day’s catch back to camp. Baskets and basket-weaving projects also make great gifts for family and friends.
- 2-day class
- Location: Handicraft
- Can be paired with Art, Leatherwork, or Woodcarving
- Best for: First-year campers
- Additional cost: $30 to $35, depending on pairing
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Bird Study
NatureBirds are among the most fascinating creatures on Earth. Many are beautifully colored, and others are accomplished singers. Many of the most important discoveries about birds have been made by amateur birders, and a Scout might someday add to our understanding of the natural world.
- 4-day class
- Location: Nature
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Camping
Outdoor SkillsCamping is one of the best-known methods of the Scouting movement. Robert Baden-Powell encouraged every Scout to learn the art of living outdoors, believing that a young person who can take care of themselves while camping will have the confidence to meet life’s other challenges, too.
- 4-day class
- Location: Outdoor Skills
- Best for: Second-year campers
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Requirements 4b, 5d, 7b, 8d, and 9
Canoeing
AquaticsFor several centuries, the canoe was a primary method of travel for explorers and settlers. Today, it remains an important part of the wilderness experience and an enjoyable leisure activity that teaches communication, teamwork, and physical fitness.
- 4-day class
- Location: Lake
- Best for: Third & fourth-year campers
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: Swim check required
- All requirements covered at camp
- Bring water shoes
Chess
First Class CenterChess is among the oldest board games in the world and one of the most popular ever created. Players meet for fun and in competition everywhere, from kitchen tables and park benches to international tournaments.
- 2 evenings
- Monday (requirements) and Tuesday (games), 6:30 p.m.
- Location: First Class Center
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
- Sign-up required at camp, 20 Scouts max
Climbing
ClimbingClimbing doesn’t take tremendous muscular strength. It takes mental toughness and the willingness to practice hard to master a set of skills. The adventure of climbing can also give Scouts a new way to enjoy the outdoors.
- Double session
- Location: The Rock
- Best for: Third & fourth-year campers
- Minimum age: 13+
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Communication
MediaCommunication focuses on how people use messages to create meaning within and across contexts, cultures, channels, and media. Scouts practice effective and ethical communication, from talking in front of a group to planning how to get a message across.
- 4-day class
- Location: Media
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Requirement 8
Cycling
Hike & BikeSince 1911, hundreds of thousands of Scouts have made the most of their two-wheel adventures by earning the Cycling merit badge. Whether you just got your first bicycle or have been cycling for years, you will learn more about your bike and what it can do by working on the requirements for this badge. Participants will learn about bike and trail maintenance. Several mountain bike rides take place throughout the week, and because they are physically demanding, we recommend Scouts be at least 14.
- Double session
- Location: Hike & Bike
- Counts toward Eagle as one choice of Swimming, Hiking, or Cycling
- Minimum age: 13+
- Additional cost: $10
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Requirements 7b3 and 7b4
Emergency Preparedness
Outdoor SkillsScouts are often called on to help because they know first aid and the planning needed to react to an emergency. This merit badge helps Scouts be prepared by learning what helps before, during, and after an emergency.
- 4-day class
- Location: Outdoor Skills
- Best for: Third & fourth-year campers
- Counts toward Eagle as one choice of Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Requirements 2a through 2c, and possibly 9
Environmental Science
NatureScouts get a taste of what it is like to be an environmental scientist, making observations and carrying out experiments to investigate the natural world. This is an advanced, demanding merit badge.
- 4-day class
- Location: Nature
- Best for: Third & fourth-year campers
- Counts toward Eagle as one choice of Environmental Science or Sustainability
- Minimum age: 12+
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Exploration
Outdoor SkillsScouts discover the history and importance of exploration, study real explorers who made their mark in the wild or in a lab, then plan, prepare for, and go on an expedition of their own.
- 2-day class
- Location: Outdoor Skills
- Taught together with Signs, Signals, and Codes
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Requirement 5b
Fingerprinting
HandicraftScouts learn about and use an important technique used by law enforcement, along with tools like dental records and DNA sampling, to help identify missing persons and others.
- 1 evening
- Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Handicraft
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
- Sign-up required at camp, 15 Scouts max
Fire Safety
TradesLearn how fires start, how to prevent them, and what to do when one breaks out. Scouts practice with a fire extinguisher, put together a home and campsite fire safety plan, and learn how fire departments work.
- Location: Trades
- Taught together with Wildland Fire Management
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
First Aid
Outdoor SkillsCaring for someone who is injured or ill until they can get professional care is an important skill for every Scout. With some first aid knowledge, a Scout can give immediate help, prevent infection and serious blood loss, and maybe even save a limb or a life.
- 4-day class
- Location: Outdoor Skills
- Best for: First-year campers
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Requirement 2b
First Class
First Class CenterFor Scouts who are already Second Class and working toward First Class. This session covers First Class requirements only. Leaders are encouraged to come to their Scout’s first session to help place them in the right group.
Some First Class requirements are best done with your troop in your campsite. Your Troop Guide can help with any equipment you need.
- 4-day class
- Location: First Class Center
- Best for: First-year campers
- Requirements covered in 2026: 1b, 3a-d, 4a-b, 5a-d, 6b-e, and 7a-c. We will post the 2027 list when it is final.
Fishing
NatureFishing is one of Scouting’s essential skills. Scouts learn to use fishing equipment properly, tie fishing knots, identify natural baits and artificial lures, and follow safe practices while fishing.
- 4-day class
- Best for: Second-year campers
- Additional cost: $5
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Requirements 9 and 10
- Camp Alexander fishing permit required (free)
Fly Fishing
NatureFly fishing is a specialized form of fishing that combines skill and artistry. Rich with tradition, it is a passion for millions of people, drawn by the beauty of the water, the solitude, and the skills the sport requires.
- Double session
- Minimum age: 13+
- Additional cost: $15
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Requirements 10 and 11
- Camp Alexander fishing permit required (free)
Forestry
NatureScouts explore the remarkable complexity of a forest, identify many species of trees and plants, and learn the roles they play in a forest’s life cycle. They also discover the resources forests provide and the part people play in keeping forests healthy.
- 2-day class
- Location: Nature
- Taught together with Nature
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Game Design
MediaScouts learn how games are built, from goals and rules to playtesting, then design, test, and improve a game of their own.
- 4-day class
- Location: Media
- Additional cost: $5
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Possibly requirement 8
Geocaching
Hike & BikeThe word geocache combines “geo,” meaning earth, and “cache,” meaning a hiding place. Geocaching is finding a hiding place on planet Earth using a GPS unit, an electronic tool that shows where you are based on information from satellites in space.
- 4-day class
- Location: Hike & Bike
- Best for: Third & fourth-year campers
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Requirements 7, 8, and 9
Geology
NatureGeology is the study of Earth: the materials that make it up, the processes that change it, and the history of how things happened, including human civilization, which depends on natural materials. Scouts discuss rock formations and how they shape our world.
- 2-day class
- Location: Nature
- Taught together with Mining in Society
- Best for: Second-year campers
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Golf
AthleticsThe Golf merit badge introduces Scouts to the fundamentals of the game, including rules, etiquette, and basic techniques for driving, chipping, and putting. Through hands-on instruction and practice, Scouts learn how to select equipment, understand course layout, and play safely. Good for beginners and for Scouts with some golf experience.
- 4-day class
- Location: Athletics
- Additional cost: $5
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
- Disc golf option available
Hiking
Hike & BikeHiking is a terrific way to keep your body and mind in top shape, now and for a lifetime. Scouts learn about hiking precautions and planning, cover first aid, and hike several trails around camp. Hiking is offered as a partial at camp.
- Double session
- Location: Hike & Bike
- Counts toward Eagle as one choice of Swimming, Hiking, or Cycling
- Additional cost: $10
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Requirements 4e and 5
Kayaking
AquaticsThe most popular style of kayaking is recreational kayaking, followed by touring/sea kayaking and whitewater kayaking. This merit badge introduces recreational kayaking and helps prepare Scouts for advanced paddle sports such as touring/sea and whitewater kayaking.
- 4-day class
- Location: Lake
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: Swim check required
- All requirements covered at camp
- Bring water shoes
Leatherwork
HandicraftScouts explore leather’s history and its endless uses. They make a useful leather item using the same kinds of raw materials our ancestors used, practice skills like hand-stitching, lacing, and braiding, and learn how to preserve and protect leather so it lasts a lifetime.
- 2-day class
- Location: Handicraft
- Can be paired with Art, Basketry, or Woodcarving
- Best for: First-year campers
- Additional cost: $35 to $40, depending on pairing
- Prerequisites: Totin' Chip (can be earned Monday morning at the First Class Center)
- All requirements covered at camp
Lifesaving
AquaticsLifesaving prepares Scouts to assist those involved in water accidents. Scouts learn basic rescue techniques, the skills to perform them, and the judgment to know when and how to act so they are prepared for emergencies.
- 4-day class
- Location: Pool
- Best for: Third & fourth-year campers
- Counts toward Eagle as one choice of Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: Swimming merit badge, completed before camp. Swim check required
- All requirements covered at camp
- Can't be taken the same week as Swimming
Mammal Study
NatureMammal Study introduces Scouts to mammals and their role in nature. Scouts learn to identify common species, understand their habitats, and explore the importance of conservation through observation and hands-on activities.
- 2-day class
- Location: Nature
- Taught together with Nature
- Best for: Second-year campers
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Mining in Society
NatureThis merit badge introduces the vital role mining plays in everyday life and the global economy. Scouts explore how minerals and metals are extracted, processed, and used in products they rely on daily, along with safety, environmental stewardship, and careers in mining.
- 2-day class
- Location: Nature
- Taught together with Geology
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Moviemaking
MediaThe Moviemaking merit badge is a chance to explore creative work. Scouts plan a film project from start to finish and make their ideas come to life, building confidence with modern technology along the way.
- 4-day class
- Location: Media
- Additional cost: $5
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Multisport
AthleticsMultisport covers events that combine more than one sport in a single race, like a triathlon or duathlon. Scouts learn the safety rules, gear, and training for each leg and how to move between them.
- 4-day class
- Location: Athletics
- Minimum age: 13+
- Additional cost: $5
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Requirements 5a, 5b, and 5c
Nature
NatureThere is a close connection between the soil, the plants, and all animal life, including people. Scouts discover the animals and plants in camp’s backyard, learn to identify them, and learn the role each plays in the food chain.
- 2-day class
- Location: Nature
- Taught together with Forestry or Mammal Study
- Best for: Third & fourth-year campers
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Oceanography
NatureScouts study the science of the ocean, including waves, tides, and currents, the life that lives there, and how the ocean shapes weather and climate.
- 2-day class
- Location: Nature
- Taught together with Weather
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Personal Fitness
AthleticsThe Personal Fitness merit badge encourages Scouts to take charge of their health and well-being through goal setting, physical activity, and education. Scouts learn about nutrition, exercise, and mental wellness while developing a personalized fitness plan. This badge requires commitment both during and after camp, as Scouts track their progress over time.
- 2-day class
- Location: Athletics
- Taught together with Athletics
- Additional cost: $5 for both badges
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Requirement 7
Photography
MediaBeyond capturing memories, photography is a chance to be creative with lighting, composition, depth, color, and content. Scouts use high-quality cameras to photograph Camp Alexander and Scouts in action, and their pictures may be used in camp marketing.
- 4-day class
- Location: Media
- Additional cost: $5
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
- Cameras provided; Scouts may bring their own
Pioneering
Outdoor SkillsKnowing ropes, knots, and splices, and building rustic structures by lashing together poles and spars, is among Scouting’s oldest skills. Working with rope and lashings also connects Scouts with past generations who used these skills on the open seas and in America’s forests and prairies.
- 4-day class
- Location: Outdoor Skills
- Best for: Third & fourth-year campers
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Pottery
HandicraftThe Pottery merit badge is an introduction to pottery making, letting Scouts gain skill and understanding by actually creating pottery. The requirements include hands-on production of a work of art, from start to finish.
- 4-day class
- Location: Handicraft
- Best for: First-year campers
- Additional cost: $20
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Pulp and Paper
HandicraftScouts learn how paper is made, from trees and recycled fibers to the finished sheet, and make paper by hand.
- 2 evenings
- Monday and Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Handicraft
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Rifle Shooting
Range & Target ActivitiesScouts learn how a rifle works, how to handle it safely, and how to care for it. Once they have the fundamentals, they can apply them to a range of rifle-shooting sports. Scouts use a .22 caliber single-shot rifle to qualify for the marksmanship requirements.
- 4-day class
- Location: Rifle Range
- Best for: Second-year campers
- Additional cost: $20
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Rowing
AquaticsRowing, the use of oars to propel a boat, has grown from a basic method of transportation into a competitive sport and an enjoyable way to exercise. Rowing is a physically demanding merit badge and takes a good deal of stamina to complete the swamping drills.
- 4-day class
- Location: Lake
- Best for: Third & fourth-year campers
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: Swim check required
- All requirements covered at camp
- Bring water shoes
Search and Rescue
Outdoor SkillsA search is an emergency that needs a trained team to find a missing person. A rescue is when a person’s location is known and they must be brought out of danger. Scouts learn and practice skills that may someday save a life.
- 4-day class
- Location: Outdoor Skills
- Minimum age: 12+
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Shotgun Shooting
Range & Target ActivitiesLearning to shoot is like mastering any other skill: it takes study and practice. Shotgun Shooting is an introduction to using basic skills safely to hit the target. This merit badge is physically demanding and takes a lot of stamina.
- 4-day class
- Location: Shotgun Range
- Best for: Third & fourth-year campers
- Minimum age: 13+
- Additional cost: $30
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
- Start with Rifle Shooting first, and avoid two shooting badges the same week
Signs, Signals, and Codes
Outdoor SkillsScouts explore the ways people send messages without speaking, from Morse code and semaphore flags to trail signs and American Sign Language.
- 2-day class
- Location: Outdoor Skills
- Taught together with Exploration
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Space Exploration
MediaScouts learn how rockets work, build and launch a model rocket, and explore the history and future of space travel, from the first launches to planning a mission of their own.
- 2-day class
- Location: Media
- Taught together with Aviation
- Additional cost: $5 for both badges
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Sports
AthleticsThe Sports merit badge introduces Scouts to the values of athletic participation, including teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. Through two organized sports, Scouts learn the rules, safety procedures, and techniques to play responsibly and improve their performance.
- 4-day class
- Location: Athletics
- Minimum age: 13+
- Additional cost: $5
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Requirements 5g and 5h
Swimming
AquaticsSwimming is a leisure activity, a competitive sport, and a basic survival skill. Scouts who earn this badge will learn about safety when swimming and diving, how swimming can contribute to overall fitness and health, and gain some basic competitive swimming skills.
- 4-day class
- Location: Pool
- Best for: First-year campers
- Counts toward Eagle as one choice of Swimming, Hiking, or Cycling
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: Swim check required
- All requirements covered at camp
Tenderfoot and Second Class
First Class CenterFor Scouts who are new to the program. Staff cover every Tenderfoot and Second Class requirement that can be done at camp. Each Scout learns the skill, then shows a staff member what they learned. Your Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, or Scoutmaster then reviews the work and signs the Scout’s handbook.
Scouts can sign up for both this session and the First Class session.
- Double session
- Location: First Class Center
- Best for: First-year campers
- Requirements covered in 2026: Tenderfoot 3a-d, 4a-d, 5a-d, 6a, 7a-b, and 8; Second Class 1b, 2a-b, 2f-g, 3a-d, 4, 5a-d, and 6a-e. We will post the 2027 list when it is final.
Traffic Safety
TradesScouts learn what keeps roads safe for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and how good habits and well-maintained vehicles help prevent crashes.
- Double session
- Location: Trades
- Taught together with Automotive Maintenance
- Minimum age: 13+
- Additional cost: $25 for both badges
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Weather
NatureMeteorology is the study of Earth’s atmosphere and the ways temperature, wind, and moisture work together. Scouts learn how everyday weather is predicted and about extreme weather such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, and how to stay safe.
- 2-day class
- Location: Nature
- Taught together with Oceanography
- Best for: Third & fourth-year campers
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Welding
TradesWelding joins pieces of metal by heating them with a flame torch or an electric current. It plays a major role in our modern world, and mastering the skill can lead to exciting career opportunities.
- Double session
- Location: Trades
- Minimum age: 13+
- Additional cost: $50
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Wilderness Survival
Outdoor SkillsScouts learn to bring the clothing and gear they need, make good plans, and manage risks. But now and then something unexpected happens, and when things go wrong, wilderness survival skills can help make everything right again.
- 4-day class
- Location: Outdoor Skills
- Best for: Third & fourth-year campers
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- Not covered at camp: Possibly requirement 6, depending on fire restrictions
Wildland Fire Management
TradesOne of the newest merit badges. Scouts learn the difference between a destructive wildfire and a planned prescribed burn, how fire shapes forests, and how to make homes and camps safer, from putting a campfire dead out to clearing defensible space.
- Location: Trades
- Taught together with Fire Safety
- No additional cost
- Prerequisites: None
- All requirements covered at camp
Woodcarving
HandicraftAs with any art, wood carving involves learning the basics of design, along with choosing materials, tools, and techniques, and wood-carving safety. The requirements introduce Scouts to an enjoyable hobby that can become a lifetime activity.
- 2-day class
- Location: Handicraft
- Can be paired with Art, Basketry, or Leatherwork
- Best for: First-year campers
- Additional cost: $35 to $40, depending on pairing
- Prerequisites: Totin' Chip (can be earned Monday morning at the First Class Center)
- All requirements covered at camp
Ideas for every summer at camp
We strongly recommend mixing in some fun, outdoor-only badges, not just Eagle-required ones. A short planning session with your Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader before camp makes the week go better.
First summer
Start at the First Class Center and pair it with a craft or two.
First Class Center, Art, Basketry, Leatherwork, Pottery, Woodcarving, Swimming, First Aid
Second summer
Anything from the first-year list, plus badges that need the outdoors.
Camping, Fishing, Geology, Mammal Study, Rifle Shooting
Third summer and beyond
Bigger challenges for experienced Scouts.
Archery, Astronomy, Canoeing, Climbing, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, Geocaching, Lifesaving, Nature, Pioneering, Rowing, Shotgun Shooting, Weather, Wilderness Survival
Some of these have minimum ages, like 13 and older for Climbing and Shotgun Shooting. Each listing shows its age and prerequisites.
