Rowing Merit Badge

Course Overview

The Rowing Merit Badge will provide the Scout with useful background information about rowing as a sport and as exercise. The Scout will learn the parts of a rowboat and an oar, basic first aid, important knots, and more. Some Second and First Class Rank Safety Afloat and boating requirements can be covered, performed and signed off if the Scout brings their Scout handbook. This Merit Badge can be completed in a day, weather permitting, if all requirements are completed.

Please come prepared. The Rowing Merit Badge pamphlet should be read and the knots practiced so that the Scout can answer questions, discuss required topics, and demonstrate knot tying proficiency.

Scouts will practice swamping a rowboat and taking it back to shore. The culminating activity will be a rowing rescue. The Scout will row the boat alone to rescue a buddy from the lake and return the buddy to shore. Come prepared to learn to row, to self-rescue, and to have fun.

A scout will first need to classify as a “swimmer” using the BSA Swim Classification Test. As such, please note that this class is NOT for scouts who cannot swim.

Required items to bring for the Rowing Merit Badge:

• BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A&B) completely filled out and signed by parent or guardian. Incomplete forms will be returned to Scout to complete before starting class. A Scout cannot take the Merit Badge without a completed form.
• Merit Badge Blue Card signed by Scoutmaster. Make sure all three parts are filled in with your personal information.
• Closed Toed Shoes are required while walking in Camp. No flip flops, sandals, crocs allowed. Closed Toed Water Shoes are suggested.

The Merit Badge counselor will email you with any additional requirements, such as completing discussion questions, approximately 2 weeks before class.