Boy Scouts and adventure have always been synonymous. By 2010, Scouts who want to explore the underwater world can earn a scuba diving merit badge.
Before we go any farther, there's something I have to disclose: I was a Campfire girl, so, in this article I'll be faking my way through Boy Scout-ese. For those of you who were scouts, my apologies if I flub some of the terminology.
Completion of PADI's Open Water course is one of six steps for a scout to earn a scuba diving merit badge. Most of these steps the scout will complete with their merit badge counselor, but in case you're curious here are all six:
#1 - First aid for diving-related illnesses and injuries
#2 - Swimming merit badge
#3 - Discuss scuba diver's code
#4 - Open Water certification
#5 - Discuss the underwater ecosystem
#6 - Research scuba diving occupations and what experience is needed for each
Read a detailed description of the SCUBA merit badge requirements from the BSA's website.
Each scout will need a set of standard PADI Open Water materials, or they can enroll in eLearning (min. age: 10). Additionally, they will purchase a scuba diving merit badge booklet from their Boy Scout Council Store.
To find out if there is a Boy Scout troop near you, use the troop locator on scouting.org. You can also read our overview about becoming a merit badge counselor. You don't have to become a merit badge counselor to certify scouts, however, it can be beneficial.
Before making contact with your local council or troop you should be ready to answer the following questions:
Will you offer a private class just for the scouts?
Can parents be in the class too?
Will you offer a group rate?
What about a special rate for troup leaders who want to continue through Divemaster?
What is your policy if a scout misses a class/pool session?
Do you have special mouthpieces for boys with braces?
What is your experience working with young people?
Something else to consider: Boy Scout groups often need to do fund-raising.
Your scuba-fied scouts can be great ambassadors for your business. Create Discover Scuba Diving vouchers and have the scouts sell them and share in the income. Read our complete write up on the discover scuba fundraising idea.
Read PADI's official announcement about our partnership with the BSA.
5 comments:
Does anyone know if there is a GIRL SCOUT SCUBA badge? My granddaughter got her PADI Open Water and wants to get a badge, too (she is 10 and belongs to a Girl Scout Troop in Texas).
Hi Beverly,
There is not a Girl Scout equivalent of the Scuba Merit Badge for the Bou Scouts. I know PADI would like to develop something with the Girl Scouts but we don't have anything available now or scheduled for the near future.
Ditto for Campfire Boys and Girls.
Speaking of: I was in Campfire and they had some, for lack of a better word, name-your-own badge. You could apply to get a special badge - kind of like a distinctive specialty.
Maybe your grandaughter's troop leader could provide more info?
According to the requirements of the boy scout merit badge for scuba diving:
"Discuss the Scuba Diver’s Code with your merit badge counselor, and explain the importance of each guideline to a scuba diver’s safety."
As a PADI instructor I am not aware of a "Scuba Diver's Code".
Does anyone know what the BSA means by this?
I suspect the Scuba Diver's Code is inside the SCUBA Merit Badge handbook. If you want to take a look at one, I have heard they're less than $10 and available from the local BSA store.
response to Dave D.
BSA Scuba Divers code
A Scout:
-Maintains good mental and physical fitness for scuba diving.
-Keeps his dive skills sharp through continuing education.
-Seeks professional orientation prior to diving at unfamiliar dive locations.
-Adheres to the buddy system throughout every dive.
-Uses complete, well-maintained, and reliable equipment with which he is familiar.
-Always dives no deeper than the recommended depth for his certification level and experience.
-Always follows the time limits listed by the special dive tables or a dive computer for a particular depth.
-Is a S.A.F.E. diver (Slowly Ascends From Every dive) and makes a safety stop at 15 feet for three minutes at the end of each dive prior to surfacing.
- Breathes properly while diving, never holding his breath or skipping breathing.
-Knows and obeys local diving laws and regulations, including fish and game laws and dive-flag laws.
-Understands and respects aquatic life, considers how his interactions affects it, and dives carefully to protect fragile aquatic ecosystems.
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