Environmental Science Merit Badge

Important Information:

• This is a drop-off class. Drive in through the outer gate and drop-off at the main brick building.
• Parents/leaders are welcome to wait onsite in our breakroom with free Wi-Fi ,or in one of several outdoor seating areas. Our property is adjacent to Norvin Green State Forest, which has many hiking trails.
• Pre-requisites MUST be completed prior to the in-person class: There are 4 Pre-requisites that must be done prior to the in-person class, which and we will review in class: #2, #6a or #6b (scout's choice), #7a, #11(updated for 2025).
• Scouts MUST bring physical proof of pre-requisite completion to class.
• Scouts MUST bring a signed Blue Card to class for our counselors to sign.
• Scouts MUST wear their uniform & closed-toe shoes.
• Cell phones will be collected at the beginning of each class, to ensure Scouts give their undivided attention to the badge Counselor.

Instructors:

Instructors: Badges are taught by our certified Counselors who are experienced educators, have completed the Youth Protection Training, and are Wilderness First Aid certified. They are certified through the Northern NJ, BSA Council. Our current Counselors are: Lauren Lynch, Nicole Vaccaro, Peter Lundell, Chris Campbell

Cancellations:

Cancellations requested 2 or more weeks in advance will be refunded at the full price, minus Evenbrite fees. Refunds are not available with less than 2 weeks notice.

Prerequisites for Environmental Science Merit Badge:

Requirement 2: Ecology. Do the following and discuss with your counselor:

• (a) Choose an area approved by your counselor and observe (sight, sound, and smell) its ecosystem over a two-day period.
• (b) Make notes about the living, nonliving (e.g. rocks) and formerly living components. Include information about interactions among the components, including the food chain, predators, native species, and invasive species) and identify how human activities have affected the ecosystem.

How to complete this: Scouts can observe a local park, a yard, or a field over a 2 day period. You can visit the area multiple times throughout the 2 days and note their observation for requirement 2b down and bring them into class to discuss. More about Observation Research: https://www.sciencing.com/ecological-research-methods-observing-experimenting-modeling-13719222/

Requirement 6: Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Species. Do ONE of the following and discuss with your counselor:

• (a) Do research on one endangered species found in your state. Learn about its natural habitat, why it is endangered, what is being done to preserve it, and how many individual species are left in the wild. Prepare a 100-word report about the species and include a drawing or photo. Present your report to your patrol or troop.
• OR
• (b) Do research on one species that was endangered or threatened but that has now recovered. Learn about how the species recovered, and what its new status is. Prepare a 100-word report on the species and include a drawing or photo. Present your report to your patrol or troop.

How to complete this: Scouts can use either of the websites below to develop and bring in their physical or written 100-word reports; we will discuss and review the reports during class.

• For New Jersey Residents: https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/wildlife/endangered-threatened-and-special-concern-species/
• For New York Residents: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/biodiversity-species-conservation/endangered-species/list

Requirement 7a: Pollution Prevention, Resource Recovery, and Conservation. Do ONE of the following and discuss with your counselor:

• (a) Determine five ways to conserve resources or use resources more efficiently in your home, school, or camp. Practice at least two of these methods for at least one week.

How to complete this: Scouts must create and bring in a physical or written log for either Requirement; we will review and discuss during class.

• Resources: https://www.epa.gov/p2week/pollution-prevention-tips-home

Requirement 11: Find out about 3 career opportunities in environmental science. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.

How to complete this: Scouts must develop and bring in their physical or written reports; we will discuss and review them during class.

• Resources: https://www.environmentalscience.org/careers