Sprained ankles, cuts and frostbite are just a few of the injuries and conditions scouts may have to treat while in the wilderness. The Wilderness Survival Merit Badge requires scouts demonstrate knowledge of proper first aid techniques. Should you become separated from the group, knowledge of basic first aid can make the difference in how you weather the experience. Other common injuries scouts should know how to treat to receive a Wilderness Survival Merit Badge include heat reactions, blisters, dehydration, snakebites and insect bites and stings.
Surviving the wilderness requires knowledge of your situation and making quick decisions concerning the tools required to prepare for changing weather elements. Scouts must understand how to survive in cold, hot and windy locations. In addition, scouts must demonstrate an understanding of how to signal for help and build a fire without matches. The Wilderness Survival Merit Badge also stresses the importance of knowing how to build a suitable shelter, purify drinking water and protect yourself from bears and other wildlife.
Preparing for wilderness survival starts at home. Educating yourself on the geography and environment of the area helps to provide a groundwork for packing properly. Scouts who earn a Wilderness Survival Merit Badge demonstrate the ability to pack proper clothing, prepare for possible weather changes and learn the importance of layering clothes. Badge recipients must demonstrate the ability to set-up campsites, including finding an appropriate area, setting up a tent and reducing their impact on the area upon departure.
