The following download contains the FAQ section of the Leaders Guide.
This is the collection of what experience has taught us regarding merit
badges, advancement, and other items:
1. Summer camp is NOT a merit badge mill where you pay a fee and get badges automatically. Instead,
camp offers merit badges as one portion of the overall program.
2. We do not recommend first-year Scouts take more than two or three merit badges at their first summer
camp. There are a ton of activities to do and people to engage with, and it is important they succeed with
early advancement.
3. No Scout should plan to earn more than three or four merit badges in one week unless they have worked
on all prerequisites prior to camp.
4. Some of the most difficult merit badges to earn are those requiring physical skill, coordination and stamina.
These are Lifesaving, Archery, Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting, Climbing, Canoeing, and Rowing.
5. Complete advance written work at home. Camp is not an ideal classroom for written work and the
prepared Scout will arrive at camp with all written work already done.
6. Each Scout should try doing something new at camp and get a well-rounded experience. Try a Crafts,
Aquatics, and or Outdoor Skill merit badge combination.
7. Plan time for your Scouts and Leaders to enjoy Cole Canoe Base’s wilderness, lake, and the Rifle River.
8. You should come to camp prepared! Have patrols already organized. Work on ideas as patrols and have
the patrol leaders represent the group at camp. Elect or appoint a special Senior Patrol Leader for the
camp program if your regular SPL cannot attend. Come with some of your own activities planned.
9. Your campsite is your home for the week, so work at making it comfortable. Bring banners and flags to
dress it up.
10. Schedule time for rest. That’s right, rest. Too often, Scouts and leaders don’t take time to sit and enjoy the
beauty of camp around you. Don’t maintain such a feverish pace that you miss the trees, the nature, and
the clean fresh air.
11. A top troop shows spirit! The troop that comes to camp with ideas, spirit and challenges will make the rest
of camp come alive. Bring your troop cheer to camp and show everyone that you’re Number One. Proper
wearing of the complete Scout uniform shows Scout spirit and is encouraged. Troop/camp t-shirts look
neat and make a great daytime activity uniform.
12. Be flexible. Each week, more than 300 Scouts attend camp. While the staff is here to meet everyone’s
needs, we all must practice the Scout Law in camp when dealing with others.
13. Communicate. If you have a special need or want to do something spectacular, tell us about it and we’ll
give it our best shot.
14. Advise Scouts to leave valuables with a leader. Watches, spending money, and other items of value should
not be left in the shower building, waterfront, or in an unattended campsite.
15. Scoutmasters should bring a footlocker or other lockable container to protect both Scout and leader
valuables.
16. When in camp, if you need something/anything, let us know how we can help. If you don’t know, we can
answer or solve most anything.
17. Affording to attend camp - No Scout should miss camp because a Scout or family can’t afford to. If any
Scout cannot afford the full camp fee, they may apply for a Camp Scholarship. Visit the Council Website to
complete requirements. michiganscouting.org/camping/camperships/.