Badge Book: Interest Badges

This is a selection of the available interest badges. The complete list gives the titles of the badges not included below.

Contents

• Air Navigator
• Air Traffic Controller
• Backwoodsman
• Boatman
• Boatswain
• Campfire Leader
• Camp Quartermaster
• Canoeist
• Cook
• First Aid
• Handyman
• Helmsman
• Hike Leader
• Lifesaver
• Mapping
• Pioneer
• Scribe
• Swimmer
• Veldcraft
• World Conservation
• World Friendship

1. Hold the Air Planner Scoutcraft Badge.
2. Explain the Semi-circle Rule and the importance of keeping to correct flight levels.
3. Be able to point out the features overflown on an imaginary triangular cross country flight of at least 150 nautical miles flying at a height of 3000 feet above ground level.
4. Explain what is meant by:
   (a) altitude; height; transition level; transition altitude; flight level.
   (b) QNH; QFE; QNE.
5. Measure the distance and true reading between two points on an aeronautical chart and calculate drift, given the wind strength and direction in scale drawing, without the use of a computer.
6. Illustrate by means of a simple diagram how a fix can be obtained from two position lines. Describe briefly two ways in which bearings can be obtained in an aircraft, thus enabling position lines to be drawn on a chart. Obtain a fix by transferring one of the two position lines.
7. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of aeronautical maps and charts with emphasis on Lamberts Conformal and Mercator charts. Show a general knowledge of time: GMT and sunrise and sunset.
8. Plot the magnetic heading required to make good the track between two places on an aeronautical chart given an airspeed and a forecast wind velocity. Given a time of departure, work out the estimated time of arrival (ETA). From a time fix indicated on the chart during an imaginary flight, work out the track made good, actual wind velocity, new track required, magnetic heading to steer and revised ETA. This test is to be done using a computer. Complete a standard ATC Flight Plan Form for the imaginary flight.
9. Explain overdue action.
10. Show a basic knowledge of radio navigation: radio aid equipment available; VOR; ADF; TACAN; basic operation of ground stations. Understand the concept of Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

References:

• Ground Study for Pilots, Vol 1, S E T Taylor and H A Parmar(Grenada)
• Aviation Plotting Notes - Navigation Grand Central Aviation College

1. Have passed the Airmanship Scoutcraft Badge, or complete parts 1 & 2 of its requirements.
2. Demonstrate aircraft marshalling signals by day and by night.
3. State, after visiting an airport, the objectives and functions of the air traffic services (i.e.Air Traffic Controller, the tower, approach, information, fire brigade and any other services).
4. Explain the use of equipment used by minor airfield control towers.
5. Recite the phonetic alphabet.
6. Describe the types of separations used in Air Traffic Control.
7. Identify three local beacons by their morse signals and radio frequency.
8. Know the morse alphabet.
9. Demonstrate, with the examiner acting as the pilot, an air traffic controlled circuit pattern from start-up to shut-down.
10. Draw a runway and its circuit patterns, indicating:
    (a) Climb-out; cross wind; down wind; base leg; final leg.
    (b) Runway markings by night and by day.
    (c) Likely windsock position and landing direction relative to wind direction.
    (d) Taxi-ways; over-shoot; under-shoot areas.
11. Explain the importance of aircraft adhering to flight levels and how these are calculated and obtained.
12. Explain the aircraft priority order for landing at an airfield and the rules governing right-of-way. 1
13. Know the radio readability scale.
14. Know the international calls for distress and emergency.
15. Explain what is meant by the term "QDM 050"
16. State what type of "flight rules" are available to pilots.

1. Have passed the Survival Scoutcraft Badge or complete all the requirements for it.
2. Take part in a survival adventure in an area unfamiliar to you which lasts for at least 45 hours.
3. During the adventure demonstrate the following backwoods skills:
   (a) Shelters
   Describe various types of natural shelters you could utilise in wild country (woodlands, forests, veld, deserts etc) in order to protect yourself from the sun, cold, wind and rain.
   (b) Food
   
   • Explain what resources are available as food in wild country.
   • Collect 3 different indigenous edible fruits and/or plants and prepare them as food. Explain how you would distinguish between edible and poisonous fruits and plants if you were uncertain. Discuss the dangers of eating unfamiliar fruits or plants.
   • Construct three different snares or traps to catch animals/ birds/fish. Discuss the importance of using snares or traps only in a personal survival situation and also the importance of destroying snares and traps after use or when discovered in the veld/bush.
   • During the adventure cook all your meals from raw ingredients over an open fire without using utensils or aluminium foil. For one meal, clean and cook a chicken or other bird, or a fresh fish, or a small animal.

   
   (c) Water
   

   • Discuss with the examiner where water can be found in wild country. Describe the methods of conserving water when in short supply.
   • Make a solar still to collect water by condensation.

   
   (d) Navigation
   

   • Cross 3 km of unknown country by day without using compass, roads or a map and without making enquiries.
   • Cross 2 km of unknown country at night without using a compass, roads or a map and without making enquiries.

   
   (e) Hazards
   

   • Demonstrate three of the following methods of signalling in order to attract attention if lost: Makeshift flags, signalling mirror, smoke, flashlight, ground to air signs, body signals, beacon fires or whistle signals.
   • Recognise the most common venomous snakes in your area. Describe the precautions to avoid being bitten by snakes or stung by scorpions and the first aid treatment for snakebite.
   • Discuss the precaution to take when in an area inhabited by animals such as predators,elephant,buffalo,rhinoceros, hippopotamus and baboons.

1. Pass or have passed the requirements for the Boatmanship Scoutcraft Badge.
2. Pass or have passed the requirements for the Swimmer Interest Badge or carry out all three of the following:
   (a) be able to swim at least 150 metres in shorts, shirt and socks;
   (b) be able to swim 250 metres in any style;
   (c) be able to remain afloat for at least three minutes (using clothing inflation).
3. List the basic gear, including emergency equipment, that should be carried in a pulling boat.
4. Demonstrate how to load a pulling boat with stores and personnel, and how to trim the boat correctly.
5. Name all the parts of a pulling boat, oars and rudder.
6. Sketch three types of anchors, label the parts and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
7. Explain how to use the Beaufort Wind Scale for determining safe boating conditions.
8. Know the dangers of and the precautions to be taken against waterborne diseases (bilharzia, Typhoid, Cholera, etc).
9. Demonstrate the correct procedure to follow for the resuscitation of the apparently drowned using a Rescue-Anne or similar model.
10. Demonstrate the following splices:
    (a) Eye Splice
    (b) Short Splice
    (c) Dockers' Splice
    (d) Back Splice
11. As a member of a boat's crew, demonstrate your ability to carry out the following:
    (a) As Stroke:
    (i) Keep an even stroke. (ii)Change the pace in response to commands.
    (b) As Crew:
    • React promptly to commands.
    • Feather and trail oars correctly.
    • Pull an oar correctly and in time to stroke.
    • Have a working knowledge of all the commands.

    
    (c) As Bowman:
    (i) Weigh and drop anchor correctly on command.

    • Take depth readings.
    • Throw a heaving line from Bowman position to land between two markers 2 metres apart from a distance of approximately 10 metres.
    • Pick up a small object from the water.

    
    (d) As Coxswain:

    • Maintain boat discipline.
    • Execute an emergency stop.
    • Approach, make fast and cast off from a buoy.
    • Pick up a small object from the water.
    • Bring the boat alongside a jetty or another boat, make fast and cast off correctly.
    • Carry out a lost oar drill.
    • Without a rudder, complete a 3 point course including a 180ø turn, collect a small object from the water; approach and reverse onto a jetty, buoy or alongside another boat.
    • Rescue a conscious man from the water.
    • Rescue an unconscious man from the water.
    • Whilst afloat, rig a jury sea anchor from items in the boat and demonstrate its use.
    • Check the boat for buoyancy.
12. Plot your position on a chart and follow a compass course of at least six bearings.
13. In addition to the requirements for the Boatmanship Scoutcraft Badge, log at least 7 hours of pulling as crew and 3 hours as coxswain.

    OR

    Plan, or assist in planning, and complete a journey of not less that 6 hours in a gig. Keep a log of the journey. In both cases the log must be certified by your Troop Scouter.

1. Have passed the Camping Scoutcraft Badge or complete all the requirements for it.
2. Discuss the precautions to be taken, and practices used, concerning camp sanitation and personal hygiene under varying conditions.
3. Demonstrate in camp the correct methods of:
   (a) Hygienically storing food
   (b) Storing equipment
   (c) Safe storage and maintenance of gas and paraffin lanterns, stoves and fuel
   (d) Correct garbage disposal
   (e) How to store rope and cordage
   (f) The proper care and maintenance of axes and saws
   (g) How to re-haft and sharpen an axe.
4. Have acted as assistant Quartermaster at two Troop camps, being responsible for the issuing of rations and the issuing and return of equipment.
5. For a Troop camp of 4 nights or 2 weekends duration, attended by at least two Patrols, do the following:
   (a) Act as Quartermaster at the camp.
   (b) Take charge of the storage and issuing of rations.
   (c) Keep an efficient record of the camping stores, including issuing and returns during the camp.
   (d) Supervise the preparation for storage, and storage after the camp, of the Troop equipment, particularly tents, ropes and cordage.
   (e) Arrange for the repair or replacement of equipment damaged or lost during the camp.
6. Do two of the following:
   (a) Repair a tear in a Patrol tent/Troop tent.
   (b) Replace a guyline on a tent.
   (c) Re-waterproof a tent.
   (d) Replace an eyelet.

1. Pass or have passed the Canoeing Scoutcraft Badge.
2. Discuss the design features of canoes (length, width, etc) and how these impact on a canoe's performance.
3. Demonstrate how to maintain a canoe in good condition and carry out simple repairs to it.
4. Show a knowledge of the dangers and precautions to be taken against waterborne diseases (Bilharzia, Typhoid, Cholera), and against hypothermia and hyperthermia.
5. Demonstrate sound safety measures when canoeing on rivers, including paddling on unfamiliar routes and approaching hazards.
6. Demonstrate your competence to paddle a canoe on a flowing river, including:
   (a) General knowledge of paddling on moving water.
   (b) How to read the river.
   (c) Launching from the bank, and entering the mainstream.
   (d) Turning around and paddling upstream.
   (e) Ferry glide facing upstream and downstream.
   (f) Successfully shoot a fair-sized rapid or weir.
   (g) Approach the bank and climb out onto the bank.
   (h) Capsize in the current and swim the canoe to a shallow or safe place, empty the water and re-board.
7. Show a knowledge of the following obstacles and hazards to be encountered on rivers, how to avoid them, and emergency procedures:
   (a) Eddies, holes, stopper waves, standing waves, backwaters and contra-flow currents at weirs or similar man-made constructions.
   (b) Rocks and rapids.
   (c) Bridges.
   (d) Trees and low branches.
   (e) Fences.
   (f) Other canoes and canoeists.
8. Take charge of two other canoeists on a 24-hour expedition of at least 30 kilometres, camp overnight, and keep a log. Before departure explain priorities. The expedition must include:
   (a) Permissions and approvals for the expedition.
   (b) The correct stowage of the kit and equipment in the canoe.
   (c) The portage of canoes over roughish terrain.
   (d) Choice of a good campsite and good camping standards.
   (e) A knowledge of river hygiene, river first aid and the need to take in adequate fluids and nutrition.
   (f) Carrying out emergency repairs to canoes and paddles.
   (g) A reasonably detailed log of the journey, noting major hazards, important or interesting features (anchorages, landing beaches, campsites and other facilities), and any wildlife encountered. The log should cover a fair description of the river, with sketch maps showing the general course of the river, dams, weirs, rapids, irrigation schemes, power stations, towns and important natural features passed on route.

1. Have passed the Fires and Cooking Scoutcraft Badge, or complete all the requirements for it.
2. Explain what is meant by ordinary culinary terms such as to bake, marinate, sear, and scald.
3. Demonstrate your ability to use and maintain paraffin and gas stoves and lamps (primus, hurricane, and similar types). Understand the dangers, and demonstrate the safety precautions to be taken in lighting, using and cleaning these stoves and lamps. Demonstrate the correct procedures to be followed in replacing gas cylinders (including hiking gas stoves).
4. In camp lead a Patrol in the preparation and serving of a meal for 6 persons. The meal must be cooked on an open fire. Dutch ovens, biscuit tin ovens or reflector ovens may be used. After cooking, properly dispose of rubbish, clean the utensils and leave a clean cooking area.
5. Mix the dough and bake a loaf of bread in a camp oven, or bake and ice a cake at home.
6. Prepare indoors a meal for 4 persons. The meal may be cooked using an electric, gas, wood, coal or paraffin stove, or microwave oven. Serve the food correctly following the niceties of good manners. Demonstrate carving, and clean up afterwards.
7. Explain the principal joints of either pork, lamb or beef.
8. Discuss the nutritive value and storage of the following foods:
   (a) Fresh meat, vegetables and dairy products
   (b) Canned meat, fish, vegetables and fruit
   (c) Dehydrated vegetables
   (d) Soya products.
9. Demonstrate the following:
   (a) The setting of a table in camp or indoors for a lunch or a supper.
   (b) How to prevent accidents in the kitchen at camp and indoors.
   (c) The use of weights and measures in the kitchen.
10. Make an item of camp kitchen equipment such as a reflector oven, hay-box, camp fridge, billycan or utensils from tin cans and wire.

1. Pass or have passed the requirements of the Sailing Scoutcraft Badge.
2. Pass or have passed the requirements for the Swimmer Interest Badge or carry out all three of the following:
   (a) be able to swim at least 150 metres in shorts, shirt and socks
   (b) be able to swim 250 metres in any style
   (c) be able to remain afloat for at least three minutes (using clothing inflation)
3. Sketch three types of anchors, label the parts and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
4. Explain the International Rules of the Road and the South African Yacht Racing Association Rules:
   (a) as applicable to right-of-way and steerage.
   (b) as applicable to the basic organisation and execution of a yacht race.
5. Explain how to use the Beaufort Wind Scale for determining safe boating.
6. Identify and discuss the different types of sails as used on sailing craft e.g. mainsail, spinnaker, genoa and jib.
7. Name the parts of the standing and running rigging.
8. Explain how you would get underway after running aground.
9. Demonstrate the correct procedure to follow for the resuscitation of the apparently drowned on a Resusci-Anne or similar model.
10. Demonstrate the following splices:
    (a) Docker's Splice
    (b) Eye Splice
    (c) Back Splice
    (d) Short Splice
11. Demonstrate the following:
    (a) Rescue a conscious person from the water.
    (b) Rescue an unconscious person from the water.
12. Take the helm and carry out the following:
    (a) Come alongside, moor and get underway from a buoy and from a jetty.
    (b) Make and shorten sail.
    (c) Steer a compass course of at least 6 bearings and pick up an object from the water.
    (d) Whilst afloat, rig a jury sea anchor from items in the boat and demonstrate its use.
    (e) Sail a figure of eight course between two markers without the use of a rudder.
    (f) Sail without Centreboard/Daggerboard.
    (g) Sail on Jib alone.
13. In addition to the requirements of the Scoutcraft Badge, log at least 10 hours of sailing in various conditions over a period of 3 months as helmsman. This log is to be certified by your Troop Scouter.

    OR

    Compete as helmsman in three series of races under SAYRA rules. The log for these races to be signed by the Bridge Crew.

1. Have passed the Hiking Scoutcraft Badge, or complete all the requirements for it.
2. Outline the steps necessary to organise an expedition, which will last several days. List which of these steps (if any) may be omitted in the planning of a one-day hike.
3. Be aware of the prevailing weather conditions in the area. Show a knowledge of the signs portending changes in the weather, and know what precautions to take.
4. Know the importance of good communication prior to and during the hike.
5. Describe the importance of correct equipment and explain the need, under different circumstances, for particular items of kit and equipment, and the relative merits of alternatives in kit and equipment. Discuss the use of and advantages/disadvantages of different types of
   (a) lightweight tents
   (b) sleeping bags
   (c) stoves
   (d) rucksacks
   (e) footwear

   Explain how to carry out emergency repairs to rucksacks, sleeping bags, trail tents or other trail gear selected by the examiner.

6. Demonstrate the correct first aid treatment for shock, serious bleeding, suspected fractures, snakebite, burns, blisters, and sprains.

   Explain and demonstrate how to apply cardiopulmonary resuscitation and how to transport injured patients.

7. Be able to describe the signs and symptoms of hypothermia (exposure) and hyperthermia (heat exhaustion) and know what precautions to take to avoid these conditions. Show a knowledge of the treatment of hypothermia and hyperthermia.
8. Make a list of the potential hazards a hike party may encounter (other than those dealt with in 3 and 7 above), including: being overtaken by darkness or mist, hazardous terrain (screes, narrow ridges, steep broken slopes),lightning, floods (demonstrate a safe method to cross a fast flowing river), fires.

   Demonstrate five different ways of attracting attention when lost (eg ground-to-air signals, whistles, fire/smoke, torches, mirrors).

9. Know basic hiking safety rules, how to prepare for emergencies and the correct action to be taken in the event of an emergency.
10. Attend at least two hikes led by experienced leaders, one of which must be co-led by the candidate. Identify the leadership skills and the three areas of functional leadership, and discuss how they were applied on each hike by the leader.
11. Be familiar with topographical maps of the area. Be able to interpret a map, orientate a map in unfamiliar surroundings, and know how to find directions without the use of a compass. Know how to estimate hiking speeds, and the factors influencing these, and use this knowledge to select a possible route from a map.
12. Plan a route, menu, food, equipment and kit lists for a party of several Scouts to undertake an expedition of at least three days' duration, and competently put these plans into action as leader of the party.

1. Have passed the Map Reading Scoutcraft Badge, or complete all the requirements for it. Be prepared to be examined on any requirement of the Scoutcraft Badge, with a higher level of skill expected.
2. Explain the relationship between different map scales, the importance of selecting the correct map for the task and of using the latest information available. Explain the system of numbering maps and how to obtain maps.
3. Demonstrate your knowledge of contours by carrying out an exercise set by the examiner to determine intervisibility and the gradient of slopes. Draw a rough profile between two points on a map selected by the examiner.
4. Make a map to scale 1 : 500, using an improvised plane table, of a fairly open area of land about 4 hectares (40 000 sq m) in extent specified by the examiner. The area should be of such complexity that a baseline with at least four legs would be required, and approximately 100 sightings (total of sightings from all stations) and approximately 50 other measurements must be taken. In rural areas, the examiner will specify the amount of detail required to provide a test of equivalent difficulty. Rough maps and field sheets must be produced for inspection by the examiner.
5. Make a strip map to scale 1 : 2000 of a minimum of a one kilometre section of road specified by the examiner. Show all the main features which are visible for a reasonable distance on each side of the road. Field records must be kept in a systematic manner and field sheets or field books must be produced for inspection.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of lines of latitude and longitude, and the grid reference system based on zero X at the equator and zero Y at a line of longitude used by land surveyors in South Africa (as shown on maps of the 1 : 50 000 and 1 : 10 000 series). Determine the grid references for given points on a map, and find the correct points for given grid references.

1. Have passed the Pioneering Scoutcraft Badge, or complete all the requirements for it.
2. Discuss with the examiner types of ropes and cordage (including man-made fibres) with particular regard to suitability for the job, strength and general care. Know the dangers of recoil and fracturing under strain.
3. Using a rope which you have whipped using the sailmaker's whipping, make the following knots, hitches and lashings with a high degree of efficiency:
   (a) guyline hitch; blackwall hitch; barrelhitch; highwayman's hitch; scaffold hitch; constrictor knot; hunter's bend; double-sheetbend; fireman's chairknot; catspaw; carrick bend.
   (b) Japanese square lashing - Mark I and Mark II; Philipino lashing.
4. Demonstrate the following:
   (a) A Spanish windlass.
   (b) A rope tackle (Harvester's hitch).
   (c) Mousing a hook.
   (d) Reeving a 3-2 tackle.
   (e) Seizing a rope end.
   (f) Moving heavy weights by means of sheer legs, lever spar, parbuckle, and block and tackle. Know the purchase of various arrangements of block and tackle.
   (g) Removing a stubborn picket (lever spar).
   (h) Different types of anchorages, and when to use each type.
5. Discuss with the examiner the need for safety and the dangers which arise from negligent leadership, ill-discipline, misuse of and overloading of gear, incorrect practices and bad planning.
6. Construct a model of a pioneering project chosen from the list in (7) below, to a scale 1:20. Discuss with the examiner the purpose and advantages of constructing a model and then lead a team of at least four Scouts in constructing the project.
7. Lead a team of no fewer than four Scouts in the construction of a project selected from the following list and take part as a member of a team of four Scouts in the construction of two other projects from the lists.

   ONE PROJECT MUST BE CHOSEN FROM EACH OF THE SECTIONS A, B AND C

   A. A tower with a platform height of at least 4 m above the ground.

   B. A monkey bridge, suspension bridge (Abington spring bridge or similar), draw-bridge or any other bridge of equal complexity approved by the examiner.

   C. A fun-type project such as : an aerial runway (know the aerial runway code), a swingboat, a merry-go-round, swinging derrick, a pile-driver or similar project approved by the examiner.

   (It is important that the project selected from this section shall make use of at least one block and tackle, a 3-2-1 or a log-and-picket holdfast.)

1. Have passed the Swimming Scoutcraft Badge or complete all the rquirements for it.
2. Swim 250 metres in any overarm or crawl style.
3. Swim the following using the correct style:
   (a) 50 metres backstroke
   (b) 50 metres breaststroke
   (c) 50 metres buterfly
   (d) 50 metres lifesaving kick.
4. Swim at least one kilometre using any stroke or combination of strokes.
5. Perform the following dives:
   (a) racing dive from the edge of the pool;
   (b) neat dive from a springboard.
6. Satisfy the examiner that you are capable of instructing a non- swimmer in the basic principles of swimming.
7. Explain to the examiner the safety rules and regulations governing swimming in the sea, lakes, dams and rivers.

1. Have passed the Observation Scoutcraft Badge, or complete all the requirements for it.
2. After a 15 minute walk set by the examiner through unfamiliar countryside, answer question on what you have seen.
3. Cross a kilometre of open country in daylight without being detected by the examiner. During the exercise use should be made of the rules of stalking; the methods of progression in stalking; camouflage; wind; shadow and background.
4. Approach at night unseen and unheard within a reasonable distance of the examiner whose position is known.
5. Lead a group of 5 Scouts in shadowing an observer for more than 3 kilometres without being detected. Report on his actions on your return.
6. Solve with reasonable accuracy two tracking stories in sand, snow or other suitable surface, during which the basic tracking rules are demonstrated. The tracks should include human footprints with and without shoes, and bicycle or motor vehicle tracks.
7. Identify the spoor of 8 wild animals shown to you by the examiner (pictures may be used) and record the spoor of 5 wild animals. In recording the spoor of aniamls, plaster casts, photographs or sketches may be used.