Exploration Merit Badge

Exploration and the Trail to Eagle

Exploration Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 9 main requirements for Exploration. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1. 1

   General knowledge. Do the following:

   1. a.Define exploration and explain how it differs from adventure travel, trekking, tours, or recreational trips.
   2. b.Explain how exploration differs in the ocean, in space, in a jungle, or in a city science lab.
2. 2

   Discuss the history of exploration and use one field of study to show how exploration shaped its development.

3. 3

   Explain why exploration is important. Discuss:

   1. a.Why exploration needs a scientific basis.
   2. b.How explorers have improved our understanding of the world.
   3. c.What you think it takes to be an explorer.
4. 4

   Real-life exploration. Do ONE of the following:

   1. a.Learn about a living explorer and present their objectives and one expedition's achievements.
   2. b.Learn about an actual scientific expedition, its objectives, and its most important discoveries.
   3. c.Learn about laboratory or research-facility exploration and compare it with field exploration.
5. 5

   Exploration in lab and field. Do ONE and share what you learn:

   1. a.Visit, in person or online, an exploration-sponsoring organization and learn what exploration it supports.
   2. b.Visit, in person or online, a science lab, observatory, or research facility and learn what exploration is done there.
6. 6

   Expedition planning. Discuss each step of planning a successful exploration and why it is needed:

   1. a.Identify the objectives and goals.
   2. b.Plan the mission, agenda, schedule, and needed permits or documents.
   3. c.Budget for travel, equipment, lodging, meals, permits, and other expenses.
   4. d.Determine personal and mission equipment and supplies.
   5. e.Plan communication and transportation needs.
   6. f.Establish safety and first aid procedures, including medical evacuation and hazard prevention.
   7. g.Select the team and identify the skills the expedition leader needs.
   8. h.Set up recordkeeping and plan how findings will be shared afterward.
7. 7

   Prepare for an actual expedition to an area you have not explored. Do the following:

   1. a.Prepare under the supervision of a qualified expedition leader or experienced adult.
   2. b.Use the steps in requirement 6 to guide preparations; list equipment and supplies and decide who should go.
   3. c.Conduct a pre-expedition check, walk through the Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety, and address all foreseeable hazards.
8. 8

   Go on the expedition. Complete the following:

   1. a.With permission and qualified supervision, carry out the expedition using your plan and preparations.
   2. b.Discuss outdoor ethics and its role in exploring responsibly.
   3. c.Write a one- to three-page report with objectives, findings, photos, discoveries, problems, and a conclusion.
9. 9

   Identify three careers in exploration. Pick one and discuss the education and training required and why it interests you.

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 Exploration Merit Badge

Exploration Merit Badge FAQ

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