Environmental Science

Yes, you can do this at camp. But it’s an EAGLE-required badge and, as such, should get the attention it truly deserves.

Boy Scouts has a long history of environmental education. Scouting teaches boys to be good stewards of the earth, using its resources wisely, and balancing the present and future needs of mankind. Rather than an alarmist approach that we sometimes see in the media, Scouting presents young men with an active, rational approach to resource use and conservation.

Though the merit badge booklets are recommended for every badge, Environmental Science is one that can’t really be completed without it. The requirements state: Do ONE activity in EACH of the following categories (using the activities in this {the merit badge} pamphlet as the basis for planning and carrying out your projects). It’s one of the better-written pamphlets, and is well worth the $4.

While most of these experiments and observations can be done at any area park (or even your backyard), the following venues offer more complete instruction:

Kitsap County

Looking for someone to help with environmental experiments? Kitsap County’s Solid Waste Division has an educational outreach division. Former Science Teacher Jo Meints can set up a class for your group, tailored to the experiments you are interested in.

Stillwaters Environmental Center (Kingston)

Stillwaters offers a place for Scouts to explore and conduct experiments in both wet and dry areas. Facility use is $3pp. However, they are happy to tailor classes and outings for Scout groups. Let a Stillwaters expert lead your group exploration and discussion of all things environmental. Cost is $8pp.
Also a valuable resource for Soil & Water and Fish & Wildlife badges.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 29th, 2009 at 7:47 pm and is filed under Merit Badges. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

2 Responses to “Environmental Science”

  1. David’s and Jordan’s Merit Badge Review | Boy Scouts on the Kitsap Peninsula Says:
    October 8th, 2009 at 4:50 am

    [...] if you’re coming in blind (like me, David), it takes a bit more work to fully grasp. Environmental Science (E) – A lot of observing involved. Otherwise, not terribly long or difficult. Make sure to read the [...]

  2. stacking badges | Boy Scouts on the Kitsap Peninsula Says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 8:51 am

    [...] upon the choices you make for Environmental Science, Soil & Water or Fish & Wildlife become almost subsets to [...]

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