Exploration


Resources
- Exploration Class Preparation Page
- Exploration Workbook
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Merit Badge Advancement Quick Reference
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Acknowledgement Form
Exploration Requirements Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of March 8, 2025
as of March 8, 2025
1.
General Knowledge. Do the following:
a.
Define exploration and explain how it differs from adventure travel,
trekking or hiking, tour-group trips, or recreational outdoor adventure
trips.
b.
Explain how approaches to exploration may differ if it occurs in the
ocean, in space, in a jungle, or in a science lab in a city.
2.
History of Exploration. Discuss with your counselor the
history of exploration. Select a field of study with a history of
exploration to illustrate the importance of exploration in the development
of that field (for example, aerospace, oil industry, paleontology,
oceanography, etc.).
3.
Importance of Exploration. Explain to your counselor why
it is important to explore. Discuss the following:
a.
Why it is important for exploration to have a scientific basis
b.
How explorers have aided in our understanding of our world
c.
What you think it takes to be an explorer
4.
Real-Life Exploration. Do ONE of the following:
a.
Learn about a living explorer. Create a short report or presentation
(verbal, written, or multimedia slide presentation) on this
individual's objectives and the achievements of one of the explorer's
expeditions. Share what you have learned with your counselor and unit.
b.
Learn about an actual scientific exploration expedition. Gather
information about the mission objectives and the expedition's most
interesting or important discoveries. Share what you have learned with
your counselor and unit. Tell how the information gained from this
expedition helped scientists answer important questions.
c.
Learn about types of exploration that may take place in a laboratory or
scientific research facility (medicine, biology, chemistry, physics,
astronomy, etc.). Explain to your counselor how laboratory research and
exploration are similar to field research and exploration.
5.
Exploration in Lab and Field. Do ONE of the following, and
share what you learn with your counselor:
a.
With your parent or guardian's permission and counselor's approval,
visit either in person or via the internet an exploration sponsoring
organization (such as The Explorers Club, National Geographic Society,
Smithsonian Institution, Alpine Club, World Wildlife Fund, or similar
organization). Find out what type(s) of exploration the organization
supports.
b.
With permission and approval, visit either in person or via the
internet a science lab, astronomical observatory, medical research
facility, or similar site. Learn what exploration is done in this
facility.
6.
Expedition Planning. Discuss with your counselor each of
the following steps for conducting a successful exploration activity.
Explain the need for each step.
a.
Identify the objectives (establish goals).
b.
Plan the mission. Create an expedition agenda or schedule. List
potential documents or permits needed.
c.
Budget and plan for adequate financial resources. Estimate costs for
travel, equipment, accommodations, meals, permits or licenses, and
other expedition expenses.
d.
Determine equipment and supplies required for personal and mission
needs for the length of the expedition.
e.
Determine communication and transportation needs. Plan how to keep in
contact with your base or the outside world, and determine how you will
communicate with each other on-site.
f.
Establish safety and first aid procedures (including planning for
medical evacuation). Identify the hazards that explorers could
encounter on the expedition, and establish procedures to prevent or
avoid those hazards.
g.
Determine team selection. Identify who is essential for the expedition
to be successful and what skills are required by the expedition leader.
h.
Establish detailed recordkeeping (documentation) procedures. Plan the
interpretation and sharing of information at the conclusion of the
expedition.
7.
Prepare for an Expedition. With your parent or guardian's
permission and counselor's approval, prepare for an actual expedition to an
area you have not previously explored; the place may be nearby or far away.
Do the following:
a.
Make your preparations under the supervision of a trained expedition
leader, expedition planner, or other qualified adult experienced in
exploration (such as a school science teacher, museum representative,
or qualified instructor).
b.
Use the steps listed in requirement 6 to guide your preparations. List
the items of equipment and supplies you will need. Discuss with your
counselor why you chose each item and how it will be of value on the
expedition. Determine who should go on the expedition.
c.
Conduct a pre-expedition check, covering the steps in requirement 6,
and share the results with your counselor. With your counselor, walk
through the Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety for your expedition. Ensure
that all foreseeable hazards for your expedition are adequately
addressed.
8.
Go on an Expedition. Complete the following:
a.
With your parent or guardian's permission and under the supervision of
your counselor or a counselor-approved qualified person, use the
planning steps you learned in requirement 6 and the preparations you
completed in requirement 7 to personally undertake an actual expedition
to an area you have not previously explored.
b.
Discuss with your counselor what is outdoor ethics and its role in
exploration and enjoying the outdoors responsibly.
c.
After you return, compile a report on the results of your expedition
and how you accomplished your objective(s). Include a statement of the
objectives, note your findings and observations, include photos, note
any discoveries, report any problems or adverse events, and have a
conclusion (whether you reached your objective or not). The
post-expedition report must be at least one page and no more than
three; one page can be photos, graphs, or figures.
9.
Career Opportunities. Identify three career opportunities
in exploration. Pick one and explain to your counselor how to prepare for
such a career. Discuss what education and training are required, and why
this profession might interest you.