Every year, parents of first year scouts ask, "What merit badges should my son sign up for at summer camp?"
Every year, I hear different responses from the SM and from the different ASMs. Some of the responses make sense. Some don't.
What I usually recommend is a 3-point approach:
Swimming merit badge
Pick fun, outdoor-oriented merit badges that aren't easy to do back home using local troop merit badge counselors or local merit badge workshops. Good choices include:
- Archery
- Canoeing (or another boating activity)
- Rifle Shooting
- Horsemanship
- Wood C