Merit Badges

Aviation Merit Badge Information

Here is the official scouting website with an interactive Aviation merit badge pamphlet.  The more I go through it, the more I like how it's set up for the scouts:

https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/digital-resource-guides/aviation/

This one is the MB workbook (9 pages long) that each scout will have to print out and bring with them while we're doing the MB:

http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/Aviation.pdf

After reviewing the requirements again, #3 may be best as a prerequisite, or one that is done outside of the mtg.  I will discuss this at our first MB mtg.

On 9/25, Requirements 1 and 4.

On 10/02, Requirements 2 and 5.

If we need an additional mtg to finish things up, it could tentatively be 10/16, but we'll see how things go at the first mtg so I can gauge things.

On 10/30:

At this session, we will be putting together our single-engine cockpit instrument panel, using the instruments that you all draw/create.  Please do not use AI and do not just print out a picture you found- we want this to be something you make, that we can also use for scouts who want to earn the Aviation MB in the future.  You can find examples of the instruments in the Aviation MB pamphlet, and there are countless resources and photos online as well.  Reminder- your instruments should be 5" round, or 5"x5" square, preferably on sturdy paper, like construction paper or cardstock.  While actual instruments are pretty dull and gray, we will not be upset if you get creative with the colors you use!

Here is the list of scouts and their assigned instruments:

-Sean Costello.....Attitude Indicator (also known as Artifical Horizon)

-Tyler Bergmann.....Heading Indicator

-Gavin Kolibas.....Altimeter

-Andrew Byrne.....Airspeed Indicator

-Michael Obergfell.....Turn and Bank Indicator

-Luke Donatelli.....Compass

-James Salapka.....Tachometer

-Edward Quackenbush.....Oil Pressure Gauge

-Lucas Herkert.....Oil Temperature Gauge

-Collin Quackenbush.....Vertical Speed Indicatoru use! 

Hiking Merit Badge

The Hiking Merit Badge challenges Scouts to test their endurance, planning skills, and appreciation for the outdoors. To earn it, Scouts learn the principles of safe hiking, including map and compass use, proper preparation, and the importance of Leave No Trace. They also study how to handle emergencies, select the right gear, and care for themselves and others while on the trail.

Beyond the classroom learning, the badge requires real commitment on the trail. Scouts complete a series of four 10-mile hikes, building up to a demanding 20-mile trek in a single day. These hikes not only strengthen physical stamina but also teach perseverance, leadership, and teamwork. By the end, Scouts don’t just earn a badge—they gain confidence in their ability to meet challenges and a deeper connection to nature.

Citizenship in Society 

The Citizenship in Society Merit Badge encourages Scouts to look beyond themselves and better understand the world around them. Through this badge, Scouts explore the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how these principles help build stronger, more respectful communities. By learning to recognize different perspectives, cultures, and experiences, Scouts gain a deeper appreciation for the value each individual brings to society and how working together makes us all better citizens.

A key focus of this merit badge is ethical leadership. Scouts are challenged to research an individual who demonstrated positive leadership while facing a difficult or complex situation. They examine the problem the leader encountered, the options that were available, and the potential consequences of each choice. By analyzing why the leader selected a particular course of action, Scouts learn how values, integrity, and responsibility play a critical role in decision-making.

Finally, Scouts evaluate the outcome of the leader’s decision and its impact on others. This reflection helps Scouts understand that ethical leadership often requires courage, empathy, and a willingness to do what is right—even when it is not easy. Through the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge, Scouts develop the skills to think critically, act ethically, and lead with respect, preparing them to be thoughtful, inclusive leaders in their communities and beyond.

The first session will meet this Thursday, February 5th at 7:00 PM. There are no prerequisites for this meeting, as it will serve as an overview of the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge and outline expectations for the course.

At the following Thursday’s session, Scouts should be prepared by completing the remaining requirements and be ready to actively participate in discussion and activities related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership.

Please work on requirements 1, 2, 3 and 5 as we will discuss those. Also you can begin working on 6 and 8 as those will be done outside of our sessions.

Merit Badge Workbook: http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/citizenship-in-society.pdf

Citizenship in Society Merit Badge: https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/citizenship-in-society/

OCEANOGRAPHY Merit Badge

The merit badge will be taught by the NJ Sea Grant Consortium at Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook.  According to the NJ Sea Grant Consortium, this will be a  “hands on” ocean experience at Sandy Hook, Boy Scouts can complete all badge Requirements (except #8) of the Oceanography Merit badge in one day, with the help of a NJSGC Instructor. Activities include measuring beach water quality, studying waves and currents, viewing worldwide sand samples under the microscope, plankton collection and identification, laboratory experiments, and seining in Sandy Hook Bay.  After attending the class, scouts will complete the Oceanography merit badge by writing a 500-word essay on their visit here (or to another oceanographic institute), explaining what they learned.  

• The Merit badge will take place from 10:30am - 2:30pm on Saturday, June 20th.  After the merit badge the Troop will have the opportunity to explore Sandy Hook

• The Troop will camp in a cabin at Hartshorne Woods, Atlantic Highlands.  The cabin holds a maximum of 24 people (first come basis).  Hartshorne Woods also has WWII military bunkers and hiking trails that we will explore on Sunday.  We chose this site due to the proximity to Sandy Hook for the merit badge. 

• Registration for this trip will be collected early in order to provide an accurate headcount to NJ Sea Grant and allow the scouts ample time to complete the prerequisite packet provided by the NJ Sea Grant Consortium.  We will collect permission slips from April 23rd - May 14th.

• This is also Father's Day Weekend and Spotswood Graduation is on June 19th.  As a result, we will accommodate different options.  Please see permission slip for all options.  If more options are needed then please let me know.