How to earn your badge:

1. Research one historical aspect of flight, and share what you find out with the Troop.

   You might like to find out about:

   • the development of aviation or flight over a period of time agreed with your leader

   • balloons or airships, from their first appearance to the present day

   • a type of aero engine, such as a jet or piston engines in general, or a specific engine like the Rolls Royce Merlin

   • the development of an aircraft type, like a Spitfire, Boeing 747, Harrier, Stealth Bomber, space shuttle or the Wessex helicopter. You could find out details about its history, role and  achievements

2. While you’re doing your research, visit at least one place of interest that relates to your chosen subject.

   It could be a museum, an air display or an aeronautics factory.

3. Present what you have found out.

   Your presentation should include a model that you have made based on your subject. You should also include diagrams and pictures wherever you can.

How to earn your badge:

1. Learn to recognise 38 out of the 50 aircraft listed in The Scout Association’s Aircraft Recognition List:

   Combat aircraft   

   1. BAe Hawk

   2. BAe / McDonnell-Douglas Harrier II   

   3. Lockheed F-16 Fighting Falcon   

   4. Lockheed Martin F35 Lightning II   

   5. Eurofighter Typhoon   

   6. McDonnell-Douglas F-15 Eagle   

   7. McDonnell-Douglas F-18 Hornet   

   8. Panavia Tornado   

   9. SAAB Gripen   

   10. McDonnell Douglas F-22 Raptor   

   11. Dassault Rafale   

   12. Sukhoi Su-27/30/35 Flanker

   Large military aircraft   

   1. Airbus A400M   

   2. Boeing C-17 Globemaster   

   3. Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker/E-3 Sentry   

   4. Lockheed C-130/J Hercules

   Light and executive aircraft   

   1. BAe Jetstream 32/41   

   2. Cessna 150/152   

   3. Grumman Gulfstream 2/3/4/5   

   4. Piper PA-28 Cherokee   

   5. Beechcraft King Air   

   6. Robin DR.400/500 series   

   7. Cessna Citation   

   8. LearJet   

   9. Grob Tutor G115E

   Helicopters

   1. McDonnell Douglas MD-900 Explorer   

   2. Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook   

   3. Eurocopter EC135   

   4. McDonnell-Douglas AH-64 Apache   

   5. Robinson R-22/R-44   

   6. Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma   

   7. Agusta Westland Merlin   

   8. Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk   

   9. Sikorsky S-92

   Airliners   

   1. Aerospatiale/Aeritalia ATR-42/72   

   2. Airbus A-318/319/320/321   

   3. Airbus A-350   

   4. Airbus A-380   

   5. Boeing 737   

   6. Boeing 747   

   7. Boeing 777   

   8. Boeing 787 Dreamliner   

   9. Bombardier Dash-8   

   10. Bombardier Regional Jet CRJ700/900/1000   

   11. Embraer ERJ-135/145   

   12. Embraer EMB170/190

   Heritage aircraft   

   1. Hawker Hurricane   

   2. Supermarine Spitfire   

   3. Avro Vulcan   

   4. Avro Lancaster

2. Complete one of these activities:

   1. By yourself or with another Scout, take photographs or collect pictures of at least 10 different aircraft types.

      Name the different types and their uses.

   2. Visit an airfield or airport viewing area, for at least an hour.

      Record the aircraft you spot, including any distinctive features and the aircraft’s approximate heading.

3. Complete one of these activities: (2)

   1. Recognise and name the national aircraft markings, both service and civil, of at least six countries including the United Kingdom.

   2. Learn the RAF and NATO system of letter designation according to aircraft function.

      Give examples of three designations.

   3. Name three basic training aircraft used in private flying.

      Give a brief report on one, naming a club and airfield where it is used.

      Try to make it a local airfield, if possible.

4. Describe the main features you would use to recognise six aircraft, which have been chosen by an appropriate adult.

Choose 1 of the following options:

1. Air navigation

   1. Using simple diagrams, illustrate latitude and longitude.

   2. Using a compass, show how an aircraft can be turned on to various compass headings.

   3. Show that you understand how a compass works, including the difference between magnetic, true and grid north.

   4. Explain what magnetic deviation is and how it applies to air navigation.

   5. Show that you know about the latest developments in electronic navigation aids.

   6. You’ll be given three headings and corresponding tracks.

      For each one, work out the amount of drift in degrees and the type. Show your answers by drawing a simple diagram.

   7. Choose one of these to do:

      • On a topographical air map, draw a track for an imaginary flight of at least 80 nautical miles. Point out the landmarks that would show up on both sides of the track, in clear visibility, at an altitude of about 600 feet.

      • Identify landmarks on a topographical air map that you would see during a flight of about half an hour in clear weather.

   8. On a topographical map, draw the track between any two places at least 100 nautical miles apart.

      Measure the exact distance.

   9. Show that you can calculate overhead flight times, using the air speed of an aircraft, and adjust your calculations for head and tail winds of different speeds.

2. Sea navigation

   1. Gain a good working knowledge of charts, chart datum and symbols used.

   2. Show your skills in compass work by completing all of these tasks:

      • Read a mariner’s compass marked in points and degrees and demonstrate your knowledge of compasses generally.

      • Show that you know about variation and avoiding deviation.

      • Show you’re able to correct a magnetic compass course for variation and deviation to obtain a true bearing.

        Next, adjust a given true bearing to obtain a compass course.

      • Show how compass error can be found from a transit bearing.

   3. Complete two of these tasks:

      • Show how a position can be found from two intersecting position lines.

      • Learn what is meant by a ‘cocked hat’ position and how to use it safely. Plot a position from any three cross bearings.

      • Plot a position using the ‘running fix’ method.

      • Plot a position using a combination of compass bearings and one or more of these: satellite navigation system, vertical sextant angle, horizontal sextant angle, line of sounding or transits.

   4. Learn how to use tide tables and tidal stream atlases.

   5. Learn how to use the marine log to obtain distance run and speed.

   6. Show you understand the buoyage system for United Kingdom coastal waters and other methods of marking dangers and channels.

   7. Show that you’re aware of the latest developments in electronic technology, like the Global Positioning System and electronic charts.

   8. Go on a coastal voyage of between four and six hours and act as the navigator.

      You should keep a log showing courses steered, distance run, navigation marks passed and weather experienced. During the voyage:

      • plot the estimated position every hour by keeping up the dead reckoning

      • at least once per hour, and whenever appropriate, plot an observed position by bearings or other means of obtaining a fix.

How to earn your badge:

1. Learn the water safety rules and the proper precautions to take when fishing from the bank, shore line, or from a boat.

2. Learn the basic hygiene precautions to take when fishing.

3. Go fishing at least four times in two different places.

   Make a note of:

   • the number of fish you caught

   • species and size of your fish

   • your method, tackle and bait used

   • the weather and water conditions.

4. Choose the correct equipment and method for where you plan to fish.

5. Learn to assemble a rod, reel or pole.

6. Choose the right form of bait, lure or fly for your planned fishing activity.

7. Show you can cast correctly and accurately into a target area a suitable distance away, depending on the equipment you are using.

8. Tie at least three different knots for your chosen method of fishing.

9. Show how to correctly handle a fish, unhook it and return it into the water.

10. Explain how different species of fish have different habitats.

    Talk about how this, and weather conditions, can affect your method of fishing.

Choose one of the following options:

1. Artist

   1. Paint, draw or illustrate each of these:

      • a scene from a story

      • a person or object

      • a landscape

   2. Show a selection of your own recent work.

2. Arts enthusiast

   1. Choose a favourite art form or artist to take an active interest in.

      It doesn’t have to be painting – it could be pop music, sculpture, theatre, architecture, break dancing or anything similar.

   2. Describe two visits you have made that are connected to your interest.

      You can use photographs, films, recordings, concert programmes, ticket stubs, newspaper reviews or websites to illustrate your point.

   3. Show that you know a lot about an aspect of your interest.

      You could talk about a particular piece of art, like a painting, performance, sculpture or building. Or you could discuss a particular person or historical period connected with your chosen art form.

   4. Make a list of major events, exhibitions or venues connected with your chosen subject.

      Talk about why the items on your list are important.

How to earn your badge:

1. Show what you know about the night sky and why the pattern of stars changes, night by night, throughout the year.

2. Learn the meaning of the terms celestial, equator, poles, circumpolar and zodiac.

3. Build a model of the solar system using everyday materials found in the home, such as different size fruit or sports balls.

   Use an outside area to scale the solar system.

4. Explain how the Moon affects the tides.

5. Build a telescope from two cardboard tubes or two A4 pieces of black card, and lenses.

   Compare what you can see through a telescope and what you can see with the naked eye.

6. Observe three constellations on a clear night and record what you saw.

7. Read a star map using a compass and red light.

   Compare the differences between using a star map and a normal map.

8. Learn how to identify a satellite.

   How do you tell it apart from an aeroplane, star, planet or a meteor?

   Then complete these activities:

   1. identify a satellite to observe

   2. choose a clear night and use a clock and a compass to help you observe the satellite

   3. plan an evening with your Scout Group and teach others how to observe the satellite

How to earn your badge:

1. Run through an appropriate warm-up and warm-down routine using all the main muscle groups. Explain why both routines are important.

   1. Warm up routine

   2. Warm down routine

2. Talk about the safety rules in athletics, particularly throwing and jumping events.

   Explain the most appropriate clothing to wear.

3. Take part in six athletics events.

   Choose at least one from each of the three sections below, improving your distance or time over a number of attempts.

   Field eventsTrack eventsTeam events

   Discus

   Shot put 

   Throwing a cricket ball

   Javelin 

   High jump

   Long Jump 

   Standing Jump  

   Sargent Jump  

   100m

   200m

   400m

   800m

   1500m

   100m hurdles 

   4 x100m relay

   Team assault course

   Assisted blindfold race

4. Find out and explain to your leader how to take part in athletics in your local area.

How to earn your badge:

1. Plan a menu for a weekend event for between four and six people.

   Include the quantities you’ll need and any dietary needs of the group for cultural, religious or medical reasons.

2. Show how and where to shop for the food and the best way to transport it.

3. Show how to store food properly, hygienically and in ways that prevent food poisoning.

   Explain what you might need to consider if you’re using an indoor kitchen or a camp kitchen.

4. Cook and serve at least one of the meals from your menu.

   The meal must be at least two courses and can be prepared on an open fire on camp or in a kitchen.

5. Demonstrate the best way to clear up afterwards.

   Clearing up should include washing up utensils, pots and pans, disposing of rubbish and leftover food in a way that prevents vermin or disease.

How to earn your badge:

1. Show that you know the rope types used for rock climbing.

   Explain how to coil and maintain them.

2. Show that you know how to fit a climbing helmet and harness and how to tie in correctly.

3. Show you understand the calls used in climbing.

4. Show that you know how to abseil down a face. It should usually be at least 10 metres high.

   Alternatively, you can take part in a climbing-like activity, such as crate stacking or high ropes, and show you know about the safety equipment used.

5. Take part in four or more separate climbs.

   Your climbs should either be on artificial walls of grade 4+/5 or natural faces up to ‘difficult’ standard. You could do a mixture of both, using a different route for each climb. Either way, an experienced climber must supervise your climbs and evaluate your ability.

6. Explain the safety rules for climbing on both natural and artificial rock faces.

7. Show that you’re aware of environmental issues around climbing on natural rock faces.

8. Explain how to care for the equipment you used.

   Also, explain what you should look out for when equipment is nearing the end of its life.

How to earn your badge:

1. Make or decorate one or more articles using, whenever possible, original design ideas.

   You should discuss this project beforehand with a member of your leadership team. It should take around six hours to complete the project.

   Here are some items you could make:

   • A container using basket making, woodturning, pottery, embroidery on plastic canvas, glass blowing or fibreglass construction.

   • A belt, bag, wall hanging, tablemat or waistcoat by weaving, macramé, beadwork or from leather.

   • An item of clothing or soft furnishing, by sewing or knitting. You may follow a pattern.

   • You could decorate clothing or soft furnishing (such as a cushion or tablecloth) using embroidery, tapestry, lace making, tie and dye, wax and dye or fabric paints.

   • A picture, using techniques like mosaic, staining glass, quilting, calligraphy, pyrography, pressed flowers, fabric collage, printing with potato, lino, string, drypoint, aquatint or silkscreen.

   • Decorate a material (such as wood, metal or glass) by engraving or etching. You could even try painting metal with cold enamel.

   • Make a decorative item through candle making, arranging flowers, carving (using materials such as wood, slate, stone or soap), fly tying, jewellery making, pewterwork, copper or silversmithing, stone polishing, stone masonry or sculpture.

   • Make a small item of furniture.

   • Decorate a cake for a special occasion.

To earn your badge, complete the first two requirements:

1. Use a bicycle that is properly equipped.

   Keep it in good working order for at least six months.

2. Show that you can carry out essential maintenance and repairs, including:

   • checking and adjusting the brakes

   • checking and adjusting the gear change

   • adjusting the seat and handlebars to a correct height

   • removing a wheel and locating and repairing at puncture

   • checking and adjusting your cycle helmet

   • maintaining a set of lights

Then choose one of the following options:

1. Road cycling

   You can automatically complete this option if you gain Bikeability Level 2 or 3.

   Otherwise, here’s what you need to do for this option.

   1. Explain what extra precautions you should take when cycling in the dark or in wet weather.

      Show you understand why motor vehicles take longer to stop in the wet.

   2. Learn the basics of first aid and what to do if an accident happens.

   3. Develop a working knowledge of map reading.

      Orientate a map using a compass or conspicuous features. Estimate distances and times taken to travel.

   4. Plan and carry out an all-day cycle ride of at least 40 kilometres (25 miles).

   5. Complete one of these:

      • Show you can control a cycle along a slalom course.

      • Show you understand the Highway Code, including road signs and helmet use.

2. Off-road cycling

   1. Show you understand the Mountain Bike Code of Conduct.

   2. Show you can control your cycle over different types of terrain.

   3. Show you’re aware of the damage that may be caused to the environment through careless cycling across the countryside.

   4. Learn the basics of first aid, including the treatment of hypothermia and find out what to do in the case of an accident.

   5. Gain a working knowledge of map reading. Orientate a map using a compass or conspicuous features. Estimate distances and times taken to travel.

   6. Plan and carry out an all-day ride of at least 30 kilometres (20 miles).

3. External qualifications

   You can complete this option if you reach one of these standards:

   1. The Gold Trix Award of the British Schools Cycling Association

   2. Level 3 Go-MTB Award from Cycling Scotland, Sustrans, CTC or Scottish Cycling MBLA.

How to earn your badge:

1. Show you can work safely and know about the following:

   1. hazard symbols and signs (for dangers such as toxic, flammable, irritant, electrical danger or slippery surface)

   2. safety equipment (such as goggles, gloves, masks, ear defenders)

   3. how and where to turn off mains supplies (such as water, electricity and gas) to the house.

2. Learn how to safely isolate individual electrical circuits at the consumer unit.

   This includes letting other users know that work is being carried out

3. Show or explain how you would deal with four DIY emergencies.

   For example:

   • unblocking a sink

   • patching a leaking pipe

   • adjusting the float arm of a cistern

   • changing a lightbulb

   • hinge a door back in place

   • fixing a door bell ringer

   • stabilising a wobbly stair rail

   • repairing a tear in clothes or upholstery

   • removing common stains eg ink, wine, and coffee

4. Take an active part in two major DIY projects, indoors or outside.

   You could:

   • prepare and paint, paper or tile the walls of a room

   • prepare and paint woodwork or furniture

   • fit a curtain track and hang curtains

   • make a freestanding storage unit or put up shelves

   • cover a floor with vinyl overlay, lino, tiles or carpet

   • hang a door and fit or repair locks and other door furniture

   • lay a patio, decking or path

   • build a low wall, barbecue, gate or fence

   • carry out routine service checks on a car, then clean and polish the car

5. Alternatively, you could do any other projects of a similar skill level.

   Agree what you’ll do with an adult who is skilled in the relevant areas.

Here’s what you need to do to earn this badge:

1. Riding

   1. Show you can catch a pony from a field or stable and tack up for riding.

   2. Walk, trot and canter a pony.

   3. Jump over small fences.

2. Grooming and care

   1. Groom your pony correctly and explain why it is necessary.

   2. Show you know how to take care of saddlery and other equipment.

3. Horse health

   1. Find out about some of the basic health issues affecting horses and ponies, including worms and laminitis.

   2. Show you have a basic knowledge of grass management.

      Show you recognise poisonous plants and the results of overgrazing.

4. Safety

   1. Talk about road safety for riding.

   2. Explain why you need a hat, body protector, stirrup and other safety equipment.

How to earn your badge:

1. Explain what action should be taken and why, if you discover a fire has broken out in the home or at camp.

2. Explain the process of combustion.

   Find out about the effects of smoke and heat and how to act in smoke.

3. Be aware of dangers in the home and the fire precautions necessary for:

   1. oil heaters and open solid fuel fires

   2. portable electric fires

   3. drying clothes

   4. electric wiring and fuses

   5. smoking paraphernalia, particularly matches

   6. uses of household gas, including gas fires

   7. party decorations and candles

   8. closing doors and windows

   9. using BBQs

4. Explain the benefits of installing smoke detectors.

   Describe the best places to install them.

5. Learn what the dangers of campfires are and what precautions should be taken.

6. Find out about the causes of heath and grass fires.

7. Learn how to make an emergency call for the fire service.

8. Identify different fire extinguisher types such as water, dry powder, foam and carbon dioxide.

   Explain what kinds of fire they should be used on.

9. Find out what to do if a person’s clothes are on fire.

10. Talk to your family about what to do in the event of a fire at home.

How to earn your badge:

1. Identify at least eight common types of tree that grow in your area, including both deciduous and coniferous.

2. Find out how to identify trees using identification keys.

3. Prepare the soil and successfully transplant a young tree.

4. Find out how both natural woodland and commercial forests are managed.

   Be aware of the damage these areas may be exposed to from wind, frost, fire and animals.

5. Show how to select, use and care for forestry equipment, and know the safety issues involved.

6. Show how to fell and trim out a tree or lay a hedge.

How to earn your badge:

1. Identify and organise a fundraising initiative for either:

   1. The Scout Association, to promote and grow Scouting nationally, or your local group to pay for something like new equipment or a new roof. You could even fundraise for both

   2. another UK registered charity

2. Think of a short reason that tells potential donors about your chosen cause.

   It must be inspiring and clear to raise the most money.

3. Set a target and a date by which you’ll have raised the money.

   We suggest a minimum of £100.

4. Write a short report about your fundraising challenge and submit it to your leader, Troop Forum or Patrol Leaders’ Council.

   Detail the cost versus the amount raised and give three top tips that could help other fundraisers.

How to earn your badge:

1. Show that you know about the Global Positioning System (GPS) by explaining:

   1. how it works

   2. ownership and control of the system

   3. its benefits to society

   4. what factors affect its accuracy

2. Programme a handheld GPS receiver to:

   1. find your location (grid reference, plus latitude and longitude) and record it

   2. enter the grid reference of a local landmark and navigate to the waypoint

   3. enter the latitude and longitude coordinates of a nearby point and navigate to the waypoint.

      Be sure to check the accuracy

   4. walk on a bearing using the GPS and a map

3. Show that you know the difference between Ordnance Survey, and latitude and longitude coordinates.

4. Using an Ordnance Survey map (1:25000 or 1:50000 scale) to plan a route of at least 4km that contains a minimum of 10 waypoints.

   Talk about the features and challenges along the route. Programme the route into a handheld GPS and take the journey.

5. Sign up to a geocaching website.

   Find out about geocaching and show that you understand what’s involved in both locating and placing a geocache.

6. Show that you understand the safety and environmental aspects of geocaching, such as the Highway Code, Countryside Code and the Geocaching Association of Great Britain (GAGB) guidelines.

7. Find five geocaches using a GPS. At least three geocaches must be ‘multi-caches’, with at least two waypoints.

   Talk about the GPS receiver’s accuracy of information provided.

8. With the help of an adult:

   1. plan, assemble and hide two caches, one of which should be a multi-cache.

      Make sure the location is suitable and that other navigators have proper access to the land and terrain

   2. either submit your caches to a geocaching website or give the details to other Scouts so they can find the caches

Choose one of the two options below. Complete the tasks for your chosen option to achieve this badge.

1. Option 1:

   1. Take up a hobby or interest that you do not already have an activity badge for.

   2. Keep a record of your hobby for at least four months.

2. Option 2:

   1. Make a collection or study of objects for at least four months.

      You could collect books or magazines, films, cards, key rings, figurines or similar.

   2. Talk to your Patrol Leader or your Troop about the collection or study you chose.

      Explain why you chose your objects and what you like about them.