Kayaking Merit Badge Helps and Documents

By doing the requirements for the Kayaking merit badge, Scouts learn to safely glide across the water. They familiarize themselves with kayaking equipment and techniques. Then they put their paddling knowledge to use by demonstrating their skills on the water.

Note that this is different than the Kayaking BSA award, but there is some overlap between the two.

Get the Kayaking Merit Badge pamphlet

Printable helps for requirements:

Printable requirements for Kayaking Merit Badge

Printable checkoff sheet for Kayaking Merit Badge

Printable note sheet for Kayaking Merit Badge

Printable checkoff sheet for all Scouts BSA merit badges

Get paddling with these related ideas and achievements:

BSA Swim Test

The BSA swim test is used to determine ability level so that participants can swim in an area which is appropriate for them.

Paddle Sports Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA

The Paddle Sports program feature helps Scouts learn how to safely enjoy non-motorized trips on the water. Scouts learn about canoeing, kayaking, or stand up paddleboarding.

National Outdoor Awards – Aquatics Segment Requirements

To complete the requirements for the National Outdoor Award Adventure Segment, a Scout or Venturer must be a proficient swimmer, have some lifesaving skills, complete the mile swim, and spend some time enjoying aquatics adventures such as swimming, paddling, fishing, or scuba diving.

50 Miler Award

The 50 Miler award recognizes young men and women in Scouts BSA and Venturing who hike, paddle, or ride a total of 50 miles over at least 5 consecutive days. The trek must be completed without using motors. Riding can be cycling or horseback riding. To earn the award, members of your unit must plan and participate in a service project.

Start Your Engines! Scouts BSA Nova Award (Technology) Helps and Documents

Start Your Engines! is the Scouts BSA Nova Award for investigating technology. To earn this award, Scouts must complete one of their technology related merit badges and learn about related topics such as energy and fuel sources. Scouts design and build a working model vehicle which is powered by solar power, wind power, or battery power.

Kayaking BSA Award

The Kayaking BSA Award recognizes Scouts and Venturers who have developed the skills for a safe kayaking experience. Kayaking is so much fun! My husband and I own a couple of kayaks and we love to go out paddling on the water.

Safe Swim Defense

Safe Swim Defense provides the steps which a BSA unit must take to safely participate in an activity which involves swimming.

Up and Away Scouts BSA Nova Award (Fluid Dynamics) Helps and Documents

Up and Away is the Scouts BSA Nova Award for investigating fluid dynamics. To earn this award, Scouts must complete one of their related merit badges which relates to the movement and forces of liquids or gasses. Scouts also do an experiment related to terminal velocity, airfoils, or emergency supply drops. Scouts visit a location such as a wind tunnel or aviation museum, either in person or online.

Watercraft Ranger Elective Helps and Documents

To earn the Watercraft elective for the Venturing Ranger award, Venturers must learn to safely operate a paddle craft, board sail, or sailboat.

Sweet 16 of BSA Safety | Skill Level Limits

The most familiar application of skill level limits is the swim tests which are administered at summer camp. But there are other examples as well.

Safety Afloat

Before embarking on a boating activity with your scouts, make sure everyone is aware of the Safety Afloat guidelines.