Goshen Scout Reservation: Merit Badge Sign-Ups at 7:00 pm! – Final Reminders

Who can register for Merit Badges and Programs?

In order to be eligible to register for badges and activities, Scouts need to be “booked” on your summer camp registration.

• If you booked the Scout with the $100 camper deposit prior to the February 15 deadline, that Scout is all set to sign up for badges and activities!
• Scouts who have been registered since this date and are paid in full are also eligible to sign up for badges and activities.
• A Scout who has not been registered or paid in full will not be eligible to sign up for merit badges until they have been fully “booked”.

Program and Prerequisite Guide Reminder

Please ensure you have read the Scouts BSA Program and Prerequisites Guide, which has descriptions, age recommendations, prerequisite requirements, parent/guardian permission notes, and other helpful information. It can be found in your camp’s downloads sections as well as here: www.gotogoshen.org/forms.

Activities Requiring Pre-Camp Registration

Due to popular demand, Mile Swim is now part of Merit Badge & Activity Sign Ups! Scouts hoping to participate in the Mile Swim event to earn the award will need to sign up before camp. Capacity is limited, but there will be a waitlist. Some camps may offer a second time for the Mile Swim based on interest, so be sure to sign up for that waitlist as needed. Scouts will be prioritized, but adults will be able to participate as space allows at camp.

Updates to the Guide for Safe Scouting for Merit Badge Advancement

Beginning January 1, 2025, several Merit Badges require a discussion between the Scout and a Unit Leader and/or Parent/Guardian permission to begin working on a Merit Badge. To comply with these updates, there are now two radio buttons as a part of your Scouts’ Merit Badge sign ups:

• Unit Leader Discussion: This Scout has discussed their merit badge selection with their unit leader or designee.
• Parent/Guardian Permission: This Scout has obtained permission from their parent/guardian for any merit badge requirements that require permission. A list of merit badges this applies to can be found in the Program and Prerequisites Guide.

These radio buttons must be selected for a Scout to participate in the particular merit badge class.

Parent Portal

• Parent Portal: Unit Leader’s Guide – www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBJmmnQuSo4
• Parent Portal: Parents Guide – www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xflql-R-VZE

Merit Badge Sign Up Walk Through

Ready to sign up for badges and activities? Check out the How To Guide for a walkthrough and FAQs here: www.gotogoshen.org/general/how-to-merit-badge-activity-sign-ups/

Other Announcements and Reminders

Request for a Female Adult Volunteer for a Lenhok’sin High Adventure Trek

The High Adventure Committee is putting out a call for a volunteer female adult to join them for a week of backpacking on the Provisional Trail Trek on July 6 – July 12, 2025. If you know of someone who may be interested, please have them contact the Lenhok’sin High Adventure team at lenhoksin@gotogoshen.org.

Reminder of Early Bird Rate Extension for Youth Crossing from AOL to Scouts BSA

As a reminder, Youth Crossing Over from Arrow of Light (Cub Scouts) to your Troop are eligible for the Early Bird rate until June 1, 2025. This is listed as a “New Crossover Scout Youth” during the registration process. We look forward to having your newest Scouts to join us as a part of our First Year Camper Programs.

Adult Leader Training Opportunities