BSA Seeks to Inspire Next Generation of Explorers with the Launch of the New Exploration Merit Badge

New discoveries are made every day, thanks to technological advancements and the keen curiosity of today’s explorers. To encourage future discoveries, the nation’s largest youth-serving organization is working to inspire the next generation of explorers by introducing the new Exploration Merit Badge. Created and developed by experts in the field, the Exploration Merit Badge is the 137^th addition to the BSA’s bank of merit badge programs and is now available to Scouts nationwide.

“We have a wealth of experience encouraging Scouts to use their natural curiosity to learn how the world works, and now we’re putting that energy and adventure into a new merit badge,” said Michael Surbaugh, the BSA’s Chief Scout Executive. “The Exploration Merit Badge adds to our broad range of STEM topics and programs Scouts can experience.”

To earn the Exploration Merit Badge, Scouts will be asked to demonstrate their knowledge of exploration, as well as its history and importance in today’s world. They will complete hands-on projects about real-life explorations and have the opportunity to complete an exploration in a lab or in the field. The badge culminates with the Scout planning, preparing for and completing their own expedition. Throughout the program, they will also learn more about career opportunities across various fields such as oceanography, archeology, weather and biology, drawing inspiration from famous explorers and expeditions of our time.

To create this dynamic program, the BSA partnered with a diverse group of exploring experts from a variety of fields, organizations, professions and programs. These experts live and breathe exploring and their stories give Scouts great examples and advice of how to turn curiosity and interests into a results-driven adventure.

To read the full press release on the new Exploration Merit Badge and to learn more about how we are teaming up with National Geographic at the Jamboree, visit Scouting Newsroom. You can also catch an overview of what Scouts will be doing as they work on this badge by checking this story from Bryan on Scouting.

Exploration Merit Badge Resources for You and Scouts

• Exploration Merit Badge requirements
• Exploration Merit Badge pamphlet ($4.99), also available in Scout shops
• Exploration Merit Badge emblem ($2.49), also available in Scout shops
• Exploration merit badge image (to share on social media!)
• Exploration Merit Badge flyer

Know any Scouts who have started working on this merit badge? Tell us about their experiences in the comments below!