BSA Hammock Merit Badge - Help Needed

[Walking Dead]

The response to this is great. Thank you for your help.

I will try and summarize everything into a MB-ish format and post it back up sometime tomorrow for feedback.

If I do go forward and order patches in a MB style would anyone be interested in them? It would be pretty cool to see another Hammock Camping badge being worn out there by another troop.

Yup, I'd jump on it. Troop 423 in Durham, NC

[DuctTape]

What about a "knot" for us scouters? LOL. Use the overhand knot design, but make the bottom portion look like the hammock logo.

[WLMiller54]

what would you call a WBBB \ Hennessy \ Nylon with netting type of a hammock? Is that a "Camping hammock"

I am trying to list types of hammocks
Rope Hammock
Bridge Hammock
Camping Hammock ???
Asymmetrical Hammock ????

[Buffalo Skipper]

what would you call a WBBB \ Hennessy \ Nylon with netting type of a hammock? Is that a "Camping hammock"

I am trying to list types of hammocks
Rope Hammock
Bridge Hammock
Camping Hammock ???
Asymmetrical Hammock ????

Gathered end hammock.


I would be interested in a couple if you have them made up. PM me please.

[packeagle]

Also would be interested in one or more, depending on price.

[KerMegan]

Backyard hammock- rope net with stretcher bars- (use not advised unless nothing else is available-very tippy...)

[Alamosa]

If I do go forward and order patches in a MB style would anyone be interested in them? It would be pretty cool to see another Hammock Camping badge being worn out there by another troop.

I would take a couple dozen at least. If you do move forward, I would also suggest that you have them made by an authorized BSA embroiderer (official seal on the back). If they have the fleur-de-le in the design and the BSA on the back, they could be worn as activity patches as well. Others may have more specifics on those requirements.

As such, I would also recommend they are ordered with the button loop on them. It is easier to remove if not wanted than trying to add them. I'd gladly hand them out to scouts and scouters that used a hammock on a campout.

We have used Moritz Embroidery (http://www.moritzembroidery.com) in the past with great service, results, and prices. (I have no association with them other than as a customer). In fact, since a big part of the cost of patches is the artwork design and setup, individual and small orders could probably be made fairly cheaply in the future.

Great idea!

[Topper1963]

I would be interested in getting several of the patches as well.

[WLMiller54]

Okay, here is draft #1 taken from feedback: Feel free to comment

Google Doc (Pretty):
https://docs.google.com/document/pub...TCpwQvSx9kGwxM


++++++ \ Start (UGLY) Hammock Camping Merit Badge Draft #1 +++++++
1. Show that you know first aid for and how to prevent injuries or illnesses that could occur while camping, including hypothermia, frostbite, heat reactions, dehydration, altitude sickness, insect stings, tick bites, snakebite, blisters, hyperventilation and CBS (Cold Butt Syndrome).
2. Learn the Leave No Trace principles and the Outdoor Code and explain what they mean to hammock camping
a. Explain how hammock camping supports the Leave No Trace principles
b. Explain how tree huggers protect trees while hammock camping
3. Hammock Camping Basics:
a. Describe the features of 3 different types of camping hammocks, when and where they could be used, and how to care for hammocks. (Rope Hammock, Gathered end Hammock, Asymmetrical Hammock, Bridge Hammock, etc)
b. Explain the four main parts of a camping hammock system (Suspension, Hammock, Tarp, Insulation)
c. Explain two types of suspension methods (Tying Knots, Whoopie Sling, Ring buckle, Marlin Spike hitch)
d. Explain how to inspect your hammock system for safety before hanging
e. Explain how to keep warm in a hammock, and when to use insulation: Under Quits, Top Quilts, Pads, Peapods
f. Explain how hammock camping could contribute to a more enjoyable camping experience
4. Tie the following knots, and explain where to use them in hammock camping: prussic knot, marlin spike hitch, garda hitch, Larks head
5. Make your own gear: do two of the following
a. Make your own camping hammock
b. Modify the suspension on your camping hammock
c. Build a hammock stand
d. Make your own hammock insulation
e. Improve your camping hammock system to make setup and take down easier
6. Hammock Camping: Do the following:
a. Show proper site selection for hanging a hammock
i. Describe the characteristics of a good site with respect to safety and protection from the elements (dead trees, widow makers, appropriately sized trees, wind protection, location of game trails, etc)
ii. Explain your hammock system and why you chose that site location
b. Show how to hang a camping hammock system for an overnight trip. Include hammock, tarp, and insulation
c. Demonstrate how to hang a tarp for protection in the following weather conditions:
i. Warm and dry
ii. Wet and rainy
iii. Windy
iv. Cold and Snow
d. Pitch a ground shelter using your camping hammock system
e. Break camp and demonstrate the Leave No Trace principal before leaving camp
7. Show experience in hammock camping by doing the following:
a. Know and follow local regulations which may prohibit the use of trees and hammock camping
b. Hammock camp a total of at least 7 days and 7 nights. Sleep each night comfortably in a hammock you have pitched. The 7 days and 7 nights must be at a designated Scouting activity or event. You may use a week of long-term camp toward this requirement.
c. Help another scout earn the Hammock Camping merit badge
d. Practice safe hammock camping principals
++++++++ \ End Hammock Camping Merit Badge Draft #1 ++++++++++

[tygr]

That's a great list of requirements; very comprehensive. Let's pitch it to the BSA!?