Camping Merit Badge Workbook Help And Resources

Need help earning your Camping merit badge and learning how to thrive on an overnight outing with your troop? If so, I’ve got your back! In this part of my helpful Camping merit badge guide, get ready to learn about tent-pitching, outdoor stoves, safety procedures, campout prep, and more. 😀

You’ve reached part 3 of my ultimate guide to the Camping merit badge! If you’re new to ScoutSmarts, you should first check out part 1 (answers to requirements 1-2) and part 2 (answers to requirements 3-6) for more help with earning your Camping merit badge.

If you’ve just come over from part two, congratulations! You’re almost finished. Once you earn this badge, you’ll be prepared to prepare for campouts like a pro! Right now, take a moment to feel proud of yourself for how much you’ve already learned and accomplished.

Now, let’s get back into it! Take a minute to closely review and think through requirements 6-10 of the Camping merit badge. Then, I’ll be helping you to understand the answers to each requirement so that you’ll be ready to earn this ultra-useful Eagle-required badge!

Camping Merit Badge Workbook Help

Do the following:
c. Describe the factors to be considered in deciding where to pitch your tent.
d. Tell the difference between internal- and external-frame packs. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.
e. Discuss the types of sleeping bags and what kind would be suitable for different conditions. Explain the proper care of your sleeping bag and how to keep it dry. Make a comfortable ground bed.
Prepare for an overnight campout with your patrol by doing the following:
a. Make a checklist of personal and patrol gear that will be needed.
b. Pack your own gear and your share of the patrol equipment and food for proper carrying. Show that your pack is right for quickly getting what is needed first, and that it has been assembled properly for comfort, weight, balance, size, and neatness.
Do the following:
a. Explain the safety procedures for:
—I) Using a propane or butane/propane stove
—II)Using a liquid fuel stove
—III) Proper storage of extra fuel
b. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different types of lightweight cooking stoves.
c. Prepare a camp menu. Explain how the menu would differ from a menu for a backpacking or float trip. Give recipes and make a food list for your patrol. Plan two breakfasts, three lunches, and two suppers. Discuss how to protect your food against bad weather, animals, and contamination.
d. While camping in the outdoors, cook at least one breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner for your patrol from the meals you have planned for requirement 8c. At least one of those meals must be a trail meal requiring the use of a lightweight stove.
Show experience in camping by doing the following:
a. Camp a total of at least 20 nights at designated Scouting activities or events.* One long-term camping experience of up to six consecutive nights may be applied toward this requirement. Sleep each night under the sky or in a tent you have pitched. If the camp provides a tent that has already been pitched, you need not pitch your own tent.
b. On any of these camping experiences, you must do TWO of the following, only with proper preparation and under qualified supervision:
—I) Hike up a mountain where, at some point, you are at least 1,000 feet higher in elevation from where you started.
—II) Backpack, snowshoe, or cross-country ski for at least 4 miles.
—III) Take a bike trip of at least 15 miles or at least four hours.
—IV) Take a nonmotorized trip on the water of at least four hours or 5 miles.
—V) Plan and carry out an overnight snow camping experience.
—VI) Rappel down a rappel route of 30 feet or more.
c) Perform a conservation project approved by the landowner or land managing agency. This can be done alone or with others.
Discuss how the things you did to earn this badge have taught you about personal health and safety, survival, public health, conservation, and good citizenship. In your discussion, tell how Scout spirit and the Scout Oath and Scout Law apply to camping and outdoor ethics.

6c) Describe the factors to be considered in deciding where to pitch your tent.

Tents should be pitched over debris-free areas on a slight incline. By doing this, in the event of heavy rains, the water will flow away from your tent rather than pooling where you sleep. Also, avoid pitching your tent in a sensitive meadow area and instead, place it on short grass or insensitive ground. Move any branches too, as these could puncture the floor of your tent.

For your own safety, always pitch your tent with a side wall facing into the wind. Never face your tent opening into the wind. Otherwise, your tent might be blown away! Especially in heavy winds, be careful of camping under trees, as their falling branches could be dangerous and unpredictable.

6d) Tell the difference between internal- and external-frame packs. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Both internal and external frame backpacks come with a metal frame to support your back while hiking. However, an internal frame pack has the frame built into the backpack and is more form-fitting. On the other hand, an external frame pack has a metal frame on the outside of the bag which can be used for attaching gear or distributing weight.

External-Frame Backpacks

External-frame packs tend to leave a space between the bag and your body which provides a cooling airflow. These bags pull your center of gravity backward and are good for hiking groomed trails where you often need to redistribute weight among different parts of your back. However, external-frame packs are bulky and can snag easily. Therefore, these bags may not be ideal for difficult trails.

Internal-Frame Backpacks

Internal-frame packs have recently become more popular, as they sit closer to your back and have less risk of snagging. These bags push your center of gravity forward, which helps with your stability but may feel uncomfortable during flat, easy hikes. Internal-frame packs are also typically more expensive than external-frame but are well-suited for maneuvering challenging trails.

6e) Discuss the types of sleeping bags and what kind would be suitable for different conditions. Explain the proper care of your sleeping bag and how to keep it dry. Make a comfortable ground bed.

There are many different types of sleeping bag styles such as the rectangular sleeping bag, barrel-shaped sleeping bag, and mummy sleeping bag. However, these bag-type differences are usually not too important. Since sleeping bags can differ by brand, the main things to look out for are the bag material, temperature rating, and care instructions.

However, if you’d like to see the different styles of sleeping bags to better fulfill the requirement, check out the informative video (2:31) below. At the 50-second mark, you’ll get a great walkthrough of the sleeping bag styles I mentioned earlier:

The most important thing to consider when purchasing a sleeping bag is the temperature that you’ll be using it in. Each sleeping bag comes with a temperature rating at which it will be most effectively used. Assess the conditions that you’ll be camping in, and pick a lightweight bag most suitable to your needs.

To keep your sleeping bag in good condition, you should avoid using it on rough, uncovered ground. Sleeping bags should be cleaned often, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and be stored dry. A good sleeping bag can easily last you your entire Scouting career!

Camping Merit Badge Requirement 7:

Prepare for an overnight campout with your patrol by doing the following:
7a) Make a checklist of personal and patrol gear that will be needed.
7b) Pack your own gear and your share of the patrol equipment and food for proper carrying. Show that your pack is right for quickly getting what is needed first, and that it has been assembled properly for comfort, weight, balance, size, and neatness.

Here’s a great example checklist for camping gear. To fulfill requirement 7a, I’d encourage you to use it for inspiration as you create your own list based on your past experience!

When packing your gear for a campout, you should always place the items you’ll need sooner, closer to the top of your bag. This way, you won’t waste time looking through your pack when you’re retrieving something you know you’ll need! Don’t worry if you’re not sure how to do this, I’ll teach you a great trick that I use. 😉

Here’s the trick: Before packing, take the time to think through exactly what you’ll be doing as you arrive at your campsite. Close your eyes if it helps, and just walk yourself through the day of the camp. Often, this is how it’ll go:

First, you’ll hike in
You’ll pitch your tent
Then, you’ll make dinner
After that, you’ll get changed
Finally, you might have some free time

Therefore, you should pack your bag in the following order, from top to bottom:

You should have water and snacks near the top of your bag (for the hike)
Below that, pack your tent supplies (for camp setup)
Then, pack your cooking supplies (for dinner)
Under that, pack your change of clothes
Finally, pack whatever you’ll need during your free time at the bottom of your pack (like your Scout handbook to work on requirements).

While packing things in the order that you’ll need them is a good rule of thumb for most items, there’s one exception to keep in mind. Items that are used in emergencies should always be easily accessible from your pack, even if you don’t think you’ll need them. Here are some items that should always be kept within reach:

A First-Aid Kit
Water
A Backpack Rain Cover and Rain Jacket
Your Pocket Knife

Helpful Links: Check out these articles to help you manage the weight and balance of your backpack to maximize comfort! Remember to keep your backpack neat and organized.

Camping Merit Badge Requirement 8:

8a) Explain the safety procedures for:
—I) Using a propane or butane/propane stove
—II) Using a liquid fuel stove
—III) Proper storage of extra fuel

Fuel-powered stoves are one of the most important tools your troop will be bringing along to campouts. That’s why, it’s important to learn how camping stoves work, as well as how to be safe while using one!

Before we dive into how to properly use different types of camping stoves, I’d highly recommend watching the informative video (5:12) below. In it, you’ll learn about the types of fuel available, as well as how to choose the best-suited stove for your campout. 🙂

Hopefully, you now have a good idea of the types of stoves that are out there! What kind of stove does your troop use? Mine used a 2-burner propane stove. In the next section, I’ll be giving you a few tips so that you can safely use any type of camp stove!

8a-I) Using a Propane or Butane/Propane Stove

There are always risks involved when working with an open flame, so be sure to set up your stove away from anything that may catch fire. When working with propane, it’s easy to have your flame set too high, which will waste fuel. The ideal setting is for the flame to burn blue and hug the bottom of your pan, not for it to go up the sides.

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind when using a propane or butane stove:

Make sure to set your stove up on a level surface that’s clear of debris.
Don’t run your stove on plastic surfaces. In my troop, our patrol accidentally melted the top of a plastic table after cooking for about 30 minutes. 🙁
Avoid running your propane stove if it’s exposed to strong winds. Often, stoves have side barriers that can block strong breezes.
Roll up any loose or flowy clothing while cooking, as that could be a fire hazard.
Propane stoves should always be used in open-air, with lots of exposure to fresh oxygen.
Never leave your stove unattended while on.
After you’re done cooking, be sure to fully switch off the gas before disconnecting it from the stove.

Also, these stoves need to be connected to a propane canister, so always check if the connections are fully tightened. This can be done by applying soapy water to the areas where the canister is fastened. Small bubbles should form if the canister is not securely sealed. If the seals are not fully connected, you should also smell the propane (a rotten egg-like scent).

8a-II) Using a liquid fuel stove

Liquid fuel stoves are pretty similar to propane stoves so you should follow the same safety procedures. However, these stoves are often smaller and can be a little bit harder to use, as they need to be primed before lighting. Here’s how to prime a liquid fuel stove:

Connect the liquid fuel canister to your stove.
Open the canister to release a little bit of fuel into the burner.
Then, close the canister and light the burner.
Once lit for a few minutes and warmed up, slowly reopen the fuel canister.

On second thought, if you’ve never used a liquid fuel stove before, these instructions might not make too much sense… Not to worry, though! Here’s a quick and helpful video (2:48) that will visually guide you through the entire process of priming and lighting a liquid fuel stove:

Liquid fuel stoves may be more difficult to use, but perform better than propane stoves in cold weather, and can also be refilled. This makes these types of stoves great for long backpacking trips where you’re trying to be more fuel-efficient to keep your pack weight low. As with all stoves, keep the fuel bottle is kept as far away from the flames as possible.

8a-III) Proper storage of extra fuel

I shouldn’t need to say this, but fuel is extremely flammable! Do not leave your fuel anywhere near a campfire. Make sure to regularly check for leaks, and monitor the level of your remaining fuel. Store your fuel at room temperature and refill the tanks, when necessary. Doing so will ensure that you have ample fuel for your next campout!

8b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different types of lightweight cooking stoves.

A few different types of cooking stoves are white gas stoves, kerosene stoves, cartridge stoves, and propane tank stoves:

White gas stoves: Strong but volatile. These will give you a lot of fuel without taking up too much pack space. Most white gas stoves are prohibited on airplanes and ferries.
Kerosene stoves: A type of liquid fuel stove. Hot burning but must be preheated before use.
Cartridge stoves: Very portable and easy to use. Simply attach your canister, turn the knob and light your burner. Less fuel capacity than other types of stoves but great for quick, solo backpacking trips.
Propane tank stoves: Typically has more burners, but the propane fuel can be quite bulky. These stoves work well for long, single-location camps where there’s a vehicle nearby.

8c) Prepare a camp menu. Explain how the menu would differ from a menu for a backpacking or float trip. Give recipes and make a food list for your patrol. Plan two breakfasts, three lunches, and two suppers. Discuss how to protect your food against bad weather, animals, and contamination.

If you want some help with this, I’d recommend checking out my guide to the Cooking merit badge. In it, you’ll learn useful cooking techniques and discover a few example dishes that you can consider making yourself. Remember, though, that you can’t use the menu you plan for this requirement to fulfill the Cooking merit badge requirement (or vice versa).

Helpful Link: You can use your troop’s prior camp menus and our article on How To Plan a Scout Patrol Camp Meal for inspiration!

I’d suggest asking your patrol what they want to eat so that everyone’s happy with your meal choices. My troop always cooked hamburgers or hot dogs after setting up on the first night, as those are some of the easiest, most inexpensive outdoor meals. If you’d like some more ideas, here is a great website of simple camping recipes.

Camp Food Safety

Food should always be stored in some sort of container so that it does not become contaminated or attract animals. Practice general food safety rules like not leaving meat out and keeping perishables on ice. Avoiding cross-contaminating meat and vegetables by cleaning knives between uses. When disposing of food, either place it in a tied-off trash bag or far away from camp so as not to attract wildlife.

Scouting Tip: Airtight food containers can help you save space, reduce waste, and protect your food from the elements. Label the containers with expiration dates to avoid eating spoiled food!

8d) While camping in the outdoors, cook at least one breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner for your patrol from the meals you have planned for requirement 8c. At least one of those meals must be a trail meal requiring the use of a lightweight stove.

After preparing your camp menu, it’s time to start cooking! Work with your fellow patrol members to prepare a meal using a lightweight stove. I’d recommend checking out this Cookware + Mess Kit combo on Amazon. Being able to cook in your mess kit is a game-changer (and makes for fewer dishes to wash later on)!

Remember, you can check out the website I listed in requirement 8c for step-by-step recipes that could be completed on any campout. For more info on cooking, I’d also highly suggest checking out my complete guide to the Cooking merit badge. Good luck, I hope your dish tastes great! 🙂

Camping Merit Badge Requirement 9:

Show experience in camping by doing the following:
9a) Camp a total of at least 20 nights at designated Scouting activities or events. One long-term camping experience of up to six consecutive nights may be applied toward this requirement. Sleep each night under the sky or in a tent you have pitched. If the camp provides a tent that has already been pitched, you need not pitch your own tent.

There’s no quick way to complete this requirement. However, Scouts who attend most of their troop’s activities should be able to pretty easily camp for a total of 20 days within their first year and a half of Scouting. Remember, this is the fun part. Just stick with it, and you’ll get there in no time!

9b) On any of these camping experiences, you must do TWO of the following, only with proper preparation and under qualified supervision:
I) Hike up a mountain, gaining at least 1,000 vertical feet.
II) Backpack, snowshoe, or cross-country ski for at least 4 miles.
III) Take a bike trip of at least 15 miles or at least four hours.
IV) Take a nonmotorized trip on the water of at least four hours or 5 miles.
V) Plan and carry out an overnight snow camping experience.
VI) Rappel down a rappel route of 30 feet or more.

I chose to do requirements I) and VI), but your troop may give you the opportunity to do any one of these activities! You probably won’t need to go out of your way to finish this one either, as most troops try to schedule activities so that their Scouts are able to earn their Eagle-required badges. Any one of these will be a tiring but unforgettable adventure! 🙂

9c) Perform a conservation project approved by the landowner or land managing agency. This can be done alone or with others.

This will most likely be completed as a troop community service project. If you’re not rushing to complete this badge, finishing up requirement 9 will seem more like a waiting game. Eventually, your troop will take you out to do these activities, or you’ll complete them during a longer seasonal camp. With that, you’ll be set to earn your camping merit badge!

Camping Merit Badge Requirement 10:

10) Discuss how the things you did to earn this badge have taught you about personal health and safety, survival, public health, conservation, and good citizenship. In your discussion, tell how Scout spirit and the Scout Oath and Law apply to camping and outdoor ethics.

This one is on you! Testing your limits and improvising while camping is a great way to build character and develop your skills. What did you learn? Take a second to ask yourself the following questions and think through your answers.

What were some of the things you did in earning this badge?
What were some of your favorite moments while camping?
How did you show Scout spirit in overcoming the outdoor challenges you encountered?
What are some responsibilities that Scouts have to the outdoors while camping?
Do you like camping any more now than when you started?

Once you’ve finished the other requirements, be sure to thoughtfully discuss each of these points with your counselor. A lot of learning comes from self-reflection, so by looking back on your camping experiences and recognizing everything you’ve accomplished, I’m sure you’ll gain a new appreciation for all the campouts you’ve been on. Great work! 🙂

Conclusion

Using the skills we’ve learned together in this guide, you’re now prepared to start camping like a true pro! Don’t be afraid to ask older Scouts or adult leaders for advice, as there’s always more to be learned when camping. Get out there, stay safe, but also remember to have fun!

If you found this post helpful, I’ve also written guides to many of the other Eagle-required merit badges. I’d definitely recommend checking out my comprehensive difficulty rankings for every Eagle-required merit badge if you haven’t seen it already.

I hope this guide has helped you to answer every requirement of your merit badge worksheet in your own words! I’m looking forward to having you back at ScoutSmarts soon because I’m constantly uploading new articles to support Scouts like yourself. Until next time, best of luck on your Scouting journey!