<aside> đź’ˇ MERIT BADGES Canoeing / Kayaking Lifesaving Swimming
All waterfront merit badges, awards, and certifications require completion of a swim test at BSA Swimmer proficiency.
****See the Merit Badge schedule for class times
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<aside> đź’ˇ The Aquatics Director may shut the Waterfront area down in the event of inclement weather, particularly during thunderstorms or heavy winds.
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Starting in summer 2023, Camp Meriwether does have a policy on what swimwear is considered “appropriate” for our camp. Click the page below for details:
If you happen to miss it on Sunday, you can go to the waterfront from 2-5 Monday through Thursday to take a swim test. Let a waterfront staff know and they’ll help you out!
Swim Tests must be completed at camp. Some troops do a practice test before camp, which is fine, however the test will need to be re-done in the camp lake. This is a safety precaution as swimmers’ abilities often degrade in colder water - we must test in actual conditions in order to ensure a valid swimming ability assignment.
Open swim time is available each afternoon, Monday through Friday (Tuesday through Friday during Monday-start Week).
Scouts will have an opportunity for ocean wading. Our waterfront staff will set up a safe-swim area. See the schedule for times and day. Anyone level of swimmer is welcome. Thursday morning’s Polar Bear Swim. Open for all levels of swimming in the ocean. Bring a towel and a buddy and be ready for fun, but fair warning: the waters of the Pacific are COLD!
Ocean wading is only allowed within the safe-swim area set up by staff. At no other time is anyone, adult or Scout, allowed to be in contact with ocean waters.
If there are adverse weather, ocean, or jelly-fish conditions, we may need to cancel the ocean wading activity.
Basic swim instruction is available from 2-3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, for all skill levels. Scouts who wish to participate should arrive at the Waterfront promptly at 2 p.m..
Where Scouts can cheer on their adult leaders in the Waterfront’s belly-flop contest. Contestants will be judged on form, performance, costume, and yell. Scouts are encouraged to help brainstorm creative ideas for this contest.
To participate in this competitive race, your Scouts will need to form into teams of six: two runners, two swimmers, and two canoe paddlers. Your team must sign up at the Waterfront. During the race participants will run a ÂĽ-mile to the Waterfront, swim around the Waterfront area, and canoe across the lake and back. The triathlon will be held Monday during evening program.
Paddle-Craft Safety
A training for adult leaders and Scouts over 15 years old. This 2-day skill-based course is offered Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Participants will need to sign up on Monday at the Waterfront, be a BSA Swimmer, and be confident in the water.
Swimming and Water Rescue
A training for adult leaders and Scouts over 15 years old. This 2-day skill-based course is offered Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Participants show up for this course on Monday morning at the Waterfront, be a BSA Swimmer, and be confident in the water.
Mile Swim is available to all interested Scouts and adult leaders. Classes are Monday-Thursday at 2 p.m., with the qualifying swim on Friday morning.
Each swimmer will need an adult rower and a BSA Swimmer spotter to accompany them during their swim. The ability of the rower will be tested by waterfront staff before the mile swim. Any further instruction will be given at the first class on Monday.
No swimmer will be allowed to take part in Mile Swim without having attended and participated in every class and workout; this is a nationally-established requirement and is non-negotiable.