Classes have started!

Lectures: power point slides

Course expectations

Dr. Tsang (bhsttsang@hotmail.com) and Dr. Duff (univoto@cox.net) will be teaching the Orienteering Merit Badge classes at Troop Meetings beginning Sep. 24th. There will be 5 classes altogether, the last being Oct. 22nd. In addition, the Scout-O trip Oct. 26-27 and a day-trip later in November or December will be essential in meeting two of the badge requirements.

1. This merit badge teaches crucial map/compass skills every scout should master. Any scout may attend the merit badge classes as long as he is there to learn, and can behave in a manner that demonstrates respect for the instructor and his fellow students. He does not have to plan to earn the merit badge, but must remain attentive, and participate in class exercises—including tests.
2. All students must have and bring the following to every class beginning at the 2nd meeting, Oct. 1st:
   1. Compass (available at any outdoor equipment store, Scout store, or Walmart where they are about $6.00) They need to look like this: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Stansport-Deluxe-Map-Compass/10927620
   2. Pen and notebook
3. Scouts who want to earn the merit badge must acquire a merit badge pamphlet from the troop library or the Scout Store by the second meeting, Oct. 1. They should also print a copy of the merit badge worksheet from http://meritbadge.org/wiki/images/1/13/Orienteering.pdf and bring it to class.
4. We will cover requirements 1-6 of the Orienteering worksheet in class.
5. We will teach the material, then pass out a test with answers for you to take home.
6. The next week, you will be given the same test without answers. If you pass (80%), we will sign you off for that requirement. If you don't, you can retake it the next week. If you fail again, we are going to wonder how hard you are trying. We can't make this much easier.
7. For the practical exercises, we are going to need about one instructor for every 2-3 kids, so parents may want to listen in just in case they get recruited.
8. Requirement 7 of the worksheet will be done at the Scout-O trip Oct. 26-27. It will be hard to get the merit badge if you miss this weekend.
9. Requirement 8 will be done either at Mount Tom or Big Fish in December, or a separate weekend day in November TBA.