Virtual Bird Study Merit Badge

What: This badge will teach you all the basics of spotting and identifying some of the most important wildlife in our ecosystem! You will learn about habitats, feeding, common markings to identify species, and more! Learn a great hobby that you can learn now and enjoy throughout your life!

 Meet your Counselor - Kevin Thompson has an Associate’s Degree in Environmental Science. He has also been involved in providing a quality Scouting program at council summer camps since 2009 at Cachalot Scout Reservation, and now at Camp Norse where he serves as the Camp Director. Kevin is also an Eagle Scout out of Troop 48 Carver, and is now a Scoutmaster and Cubmaster working in our 1910 Scoutreach District.

WHO: Open to all Scouts BSA members.

HOW:  This Merit Badge will be taught in a virtual classroom. The class has a capacity of 20 Scouts. Small classroom size provides all students with the opportunity to share and interact with the counselors and other Scouts. Scouts should be prepared to be challenged and to join the conversation! Participants who do not engage with the class may not receive credit for the badge. Scouts must be prompt for all badge sessions. Late participants may not receive credit for all requirements. Scouts must use a device with video to access this class.

Before beginning work on any merit badge, scouts are to have a discussion with their unit leader regarding the specific badge and counselor.

WHEN: This class will be held virtually over two sessions:

June 15, 2020 3:00PM-4:30PM 

June 19, 2020 3:00PM-4:30PM 

Scouts must attend both sessions to complete the offered requirements.

After registering, Scouts will receive a link and login information via email the day of scheduled class. Scouts will also receive instructor details that can be used to connect to the counselor on Scoutbook. This assures that completed requirements are easily recorded. 

PREREQUISITES:  

9. Do ONE of the following. For the option you choose, describe what birds you hope to attract, and why.

(a) Build a bird feeder and put it in an appropriate place in your yard or another location.

(b) Build a birdbath and put it in an appropriate place.

(c) Build a backyard sanctuary for birds by planting trees and shrubs for food and cover.

Suggested supplies/prep-work for students:

1. Print out the workbook: http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/Bird-Study.pdf
2. Start watching for birds you can identify on your daily walks or bike rides!