Scout leaders going to Scout-O will benefit from this letter from Bryan Williams of Troop 44, Matunuck, RI.
The Spring and Fall Scout-Os are a perfect way to introduce the sport of Orienteering to scouts and adult leaders alike, and also an opportunity to sign off several merit badge requirements. That being said, your troop will get more out of the Scout-O with a bit of preparation, and I suggest you introduce Orienteering and its associated merit badge at a few scout meetings beforehand...
Read Bryan's letter.
Tips for instructing first-time orienteers are outlined in this document..
This merit badge is very involved. Do not expect to complete it in one day, or even one weekend.
Scouts should complete First Class requirement #2 (orienteering) before starting this merit badge.
This merit badge has 10 requirements. Requirements are posted on the BSA website: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Orienteering.pdf
by Jane Torpie
With just a little planning, it’s possible to earn most of this Interest Patch Project badge at an NEOC Scout-O event (either a one-day event or a weekend). These instructions explain how to do that.
To earn the IPP, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors must complete 2 activities from the Skill Builders section, 1 activity from the Technology section, 1 activity from the Careers section, 1 activity from the Service Projects section, and 2 more activities, which may be drawn from any section(s).
At the NEOC Scout-O, girls will complete Skill Builders 1, 2, 3, and 5. If they are willing to work with the Scout-O organizers ahead of time, they can also complete Service Project activities 2 and/or 4. (Activity #2 is organizing the meet and activity #4 is providing instruction.)
by Jane Torpie
With just a little planning, it’s possible to earn the entire Finding Your Way badge at an NEOC Scout-O event (either a one-day event or a weekend). These instructions explain how to do that.
Girl Scout Juniors will also complete requirement 5 of the Hiker badge.
Girls must complete 6 requirements to earn the Finding Your Way. Requirements 1, 2, 3, and 4 can easily be completed at the Scout-O weekend. With a little extra time, requirement 8 could also be completed.