What’s there to see in 2023?

As we do every summer, we have updated our program schedule. Some badges have been rotated out and some badges have been rotated in.

The big change for this summer is the addition of more Open Program activities – especially at the last program block (4:20pm) of the day. Scouts have always enjoyed Open Boating, Open Swim, and Open Shoot. New this summer, scouts can enjoy open program activities and badges at all the program areas during that last block of the afternoon. Open Program activities mean that a scout does not need to sign up in advance, does not need to be at the same program area at the same time every day, and does not even need to stay at the same program area for the whole block. There are more fun activities, like Pioneering Projects at Scoutcraft and various Area Director challenges at each area, but don’t think you’ll miss out on Merit Badges. There are plenty of badges to work on during Open Program – like Public Speaking at Culture Craft or Basketry, Leatherwork, or Fingerprinting at Handicraft.

Check out the full list of new for 2023 badges and activities below and be sure to check out the full program schedule in the Downloads section to start picking out your favorites for the summer!

New Culture Craft Badges and Activities

Public Speaking Merit Badge
Open Program (includes Chess, Public Speaking)

New Ecology Badges and Activities

Open Program (includes Mammal Study, Nature, and Reptile & Amphibian Study)

New Handicraft Badges and Activities

American Labor Merit Badge
Collections Merit Badge
Fingerprinting Merit Badge
Open Program (includes Basketry, Leatherwork, and Fingerprinting)

New Scoutcraft Badges and Activities

Open Program (includes pioneering projects)

New Tech Center Badges and Activities

Open Program (includes Electricity and Electronics)