Virtual Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge

What:   Reptiles and Amphibians Study Merit Badge provides scouts with an introduction to herpetology.  The requirements cover biology and ecology of herptiles, global and local diversity, and the conservation of reptiles and amphibians.  Some independent work is required.  

 Meet your Counselor - I’ve been interested in hunting, handling, and keeping reptiles and amphibians (primarily snakes) since the age of 5. I  would catch snakes and keep them for a time and then release them again.   At the age of 9, I got a Florida Kingsnake as my first permanent reptilian pet.  At 46 years old,  I still keep snakes to this day. I spent some years living in Florida, where I was able to spend most of my time out in the field.  At the age of 30, I opened up an exotic pet store which sold only reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids.  We closed this down after the birth of my son so I could put my energies into being a father.  

WHO: Open to all Scouts BSA members.

HOW:  The Reptile and Amphibian Merit Badge will be taught in a virtual classroom. The class has a capacity of 15 Scouts. Small classroom size provides all students with the opportunity to share and interact with the counselors and other Scouts. Scouts should be prepared to be challenged and to join the conversation! Participants who do not engage with the class may not receive credit for the badge. Scouts must be prompt for all badge sessions. Late participants may not receive credit for all requirements. Scouts must use a device with video to access this class.

Before beginning work on any merit badge, scouts are to have a discussion with their unit leader regarding the specific badge and counselor.

WHEN: This class will be held virtually over two sessions:

September 24, 2020 5:00PM-7:00PM EST.

September 29, 2020 5:00PM-7:00PM EST. 

Scouts must attend both sessions to complete the offered requirements.

After registering, login instructions will be sent the day of scheduled class to the email of whom created the registration. Council staff will connect on behalf of the counselor and provide credit for completed requirements. A valid BSA ID number is required. This assures that completed requirements are easily recorded.

PREREQUISITES: Requirements 9 & 10  

Requirement 8 if not completed prior to class can be completed after the merit badge class.