When I first started working toward the Camping Merit Badge, I remember lugging my pack to the trailhead, nervous but excited. The air smelled like pine, my boots were barely broken in, and I wondered if I’d packed too much… or not enough. That first trip taught me something Scouts learn quickly: camping is more than just pitching a tent, it’s a skill, a tradition, and a rite of passage.
In this guide, we’ll walk step by step through the Camping Merit Badge requirements, the skills you’ll need, and tips to make the journey easier. Along the way, I’ll share a few stories, lessons, and traditions that make this badge such a cornerstone of Scouting.
Why the Camping Merit Badge Matters
The BSA Camping Merit Badge isn’t just another patch for your sash. It’s about building self-reliance, learning how to thrive outdoors, and creating memories with your troop that last a lifetime. Every Scout who earns this badge has proven they can prepare, cook, and sleep outside in all sorts of conditions. It also happens to be one of the Eagle-required badges, making it a must-have on your trail to Eagle Scout.
When a Scout completes the Camping MB requirements, they gain skills that stick with them: reading the weather, staying safe, respecting Leave No Trace principles, and working as a team. These lessons shape leaders, not just campers.
Camping Merit Badge Requirements
Before diving into tips, here’s a quick overview of the Camping Merit Badge requirements:
- Requirement 1: Show knowledge of camping safety, first aid, and Leave No Trace.
- Requirement 2: Learn gear essentials, what to pack and why.
- Requirement 3: Help plan a campout, including menus, equipment, and duty rosters.
- Requirement 4: Go on 20 nights of camping (under the sky or in a tent you pitch).
- Requirement 5: Demonstrate skills like pitching tents, cooking a trail meal, and safe use of stoves or fires.
- Requirement 6: Teach another Scout a camping skill.
- Requirement 7: Show knowledge of navigation, weather, and survival basics.
Every Scout uses the Camping Merit Badge workbook to track these steps. Think of it as your trail map: it keeps you organized, focused, and moving forward.
How Many Nights for the Camping Merit Badge?
The most asked question is simple: How many nights are required for the Camping Merit Badge?
The answer: 20 nights of camping.
Here’s the breakdown:
- At least one long-term camp of up to 6 nights counts (like summer camp).
- The rest should be short-term troop or patrol campouts.
- Family camping doesn’t count, and nights must be part of official Scout outings.
This teaches Scouts that consistent practice matters. By the time you’ve spent 20 nights outside, you’ve learned how to handle rainstorms, cold mornings, and all the little challenges that turn into stories around the campfire.
Can a Hammock Count for Camping Merit Badge Nights?
A common question is: can a hammock count toward Camping Merit Badge nights?
Yes, but only if it’s pitched as your sleeping shelter, and it’s part of an approved Scout outing. Just like tents, your hammock must provide proper shelter and follow safety rules. If you’ve ever swayed under the stars in a hammock, you know it’s a different kind of camping adventure, but it counts if done right.
The Cooking Trail Meal Requirement
One of the more memorable Camping MB requirements is cooking a trail meal. This isn’t just about eating—it’s about proving you can plan, pack, and prepare food in the backcountry.
A “trail meal” usually means something lightweight and easy to carry, like:
- Foil packet dinners cooked over coals.
- Dehydrated meals rehydrated with boiling water.
- Homemade trail mix or protein-packed wraps.
I still remember cooking my first foil packet meal, potatoes, carrots, and chicken wrapped up tight. I thought it would burn, but instead it came out perfect. Sharing those meals builds camaraderie. And once you’ve cooked outdoors, you’ll never look at kitchen cooking the same way again.
Tips for Earning the Camping Merit Badge
Earning the Camping Merit Badge doesn’t happen overnight. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
Keep track early: Use your Camping Merit Badge workbook from your very first outing. It’s easy to forget nights if you don’t record them right away.
Be prepared for weather: Pack extra socks, rain gear, and a warm layer, no matter the season.
Practice knots: Many camping skills, like setting up tarps, rely on knot knowledge.
Cook something new: Don’t just stick with hot dogs. Try a new trail recipe, it makes requirement meals more fun.
Learn from older Scouts: Ask them how they packed for their 20 nights. They’ll have real-world hacks.
Gear Checklist for Camping Success
| Item | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Tent or Hammock | Shelter from rain, wind, and bugs. |
| Sleeping Bag & Pad | Warmth and comfort for a good night’s rest. |
| Backpack | Carries your gear, food, and essentials. |
| First Aid Kit | Required for safety and emergencies. |
| Mess Kit & Stove | Cooking and eating your trail meals. |
| Map & Compass | Navigation is part of the requirements. |
| Headlamp | Essential for setting up in the dark. |
Having the right gear makes camping not only doable but enjoyable.
Scouting Traditions & Life Lessons
The Camping Merit Badge isn’t just about nights in a tent, it’s about tradition. Generations of Scouts before you pitched tents, cooked meals, and told stories under the same stars.
You’ll learn teamwork, because no one sets up camp alone. You’ll learn resilience, because sometimes it rains all weekend. And you’ll gain confidence, because you’ll know that if you can thrive outdoors, you can handle challenges anywhere.
I’ll never forget the night my patrol’s tent blew over in a thunderstorm. We scrambled, soaking wet, but laughed through it all. The next morning, our Scoutmaster said, “Now you’ve really camped.” That’s the spirit of this badge.
How many nights are required for the Camping Merit Badge?
Scouts must complete 20 nights of camping, with at least one long-term camp and the rest short-term outings.
Can a hammock count for Camping Merit Badge nights?
Yes, hammocks count as long as they are your primary shelter during an official Scout outing and follow safety rules.
What is the cooking trail meal requirement for the Camping Merit Badge?
Scouts must plan and cook a trail meal that demonstrates outdoor cooking skills. Meals can include foil packets, dehydrated food, or creative backpacking recipes.
How can Scouts complete the Camping Merit Badge requirements successfully?
Start early, use the Camping Merit Badge workbook to track your nights, and practice skills regularly. Working with older Scouts and troop leaders makes the journey smoother.
Conclusion
Earning the Camping Merit Badge is a journey of nights under the stars, meals cooked over coals, and lessons you’ll carry long after Scouting. It’s about courage, preparedness, and friendship. Each night you camp brings you closer to Eagle Scout—and more importantly, to knowing yourself a little better.
If you’re ready to keep building your skills, check out these guides:
Now grab your pack, check your gear, and get ready, because the best part of Scouting still happens around the campfire.
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