Camping and the Trail to Eagle
Camping is one of the 13 Eagle-required merit badges. There is no substitute for it. Every scout who earns Eagle must complete Camping, along with the other 12 required badges and 8 electives, for 21 merit badges in total. See the full breakdown in our Eagle Scout requirements guide.
Camping Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 9 main requirements for Camping. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in camping activities.
- b.Discuss why it is important to be aware of weather conditions before and during your camping trips.
- c.Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while camping.
- 2
Learn the Leave No Trace principles and the Outdoor Code and explain what they mean.
- 3
Make a written plan for an overnight trek and camping trip.
- 4
Show that you have completed the Tenderfoot through First Class camping and cooking requirements.
- 5
Explain the purpose and proper care of a camp knife, saw, and ax. Demonstrate the proper technique for using each.
- 6
Discuss when and where you can build campfires. Demonstrate how to safely light, manage, and extinguish a fire.
- 7
Show that you can sleep comfortably using a sleeping pad and sleeping bag. Discuss food and personal gear for camping.
- 8
Show proper cooking/food handling techniques. Cook at least one breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner for your patrol.
- 9
Camp a total of at least 20 nights at designated Scouting activities. At least 15 must be consecutive. Include one long-term camping experience of five or more consecutive nights.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Camping Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Camping, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Camping is usually earned summer camp or outdoor event. Summer camp and merit badge weekends are the most common places to finish it.
3. Budget the time
Expect up to a year for a demanding badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 12 Camping requirements for you.
Camping Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Camping merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
Yes. Camping is one of the 13 Eagle-required merit badges every Eagle Scout must earn.
How long does the Camping merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Camping in up to a year, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Camping merit badge?
Camping is most often earned summer camp or outdoor event. Any registered merit badge counselor for Camping can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Camping merit badge have?
Camping has 9 main requirements with 3 sub-requirements, for 12 items in total.
