Kayaking Merit Badge

Course Overview

Kayaking is a fun merit badge in which the scout will review safety and first-aid related to kayaking; practice basic skills for maneuvering a kayak; learn how to maintain a kayak; and demonstrate rescue and recovery techniques. This is a valuable merit badge to earn before a unit kayak trip.

A scout will first need to classify as a “swimmer” using the BSA Swim Classification Test. As such, please note that this class is NOT for scouts who cannot swim.

Please come prepared. The Kayaking Merit Badge pamphlet should be read.

Required items to bring for the Kayaking Merit Badge:

  • BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A&B) completely filled out and signed by parent or guardian. Incomplete forms will be returned to Scout to complete before starting class. A Scout cannot take the Merit Badge without a completed form.
  • Merit Badge Blue Card signed by Scoutmaster. Make sure all three parts are filled in with your personal information.
  • Closed Toed Shoes are required while walking in Camp. No flip flops, Sandals, or Crocs allowed. Closed Toed Water Shoes are suggested.

The Merit Badge counselor will email you with any additional requirements, such as completing discussion questions, approximately 2 weeks before class.

Class Withdrawal and Refund Policy

Due to the limited number of scouts that we can accommodate in each class, we kindly ask that you contact us as early as possible if a scout cannot attend a class. Requests to withdraw from a class (cancel), change a class (drop/add), and/or receive a refund must be done in writing, preferably by sending an Email Chris DeRose, Scouts BSA Program Director.

Refunds will be made when the withdrawal (cancellation) is at least 2 weeks before the class date.