As you get ready to join Scouts BSA, there are new aquatic activities that you will get the chance to do. Small-boat sailing, SCUBA, and overnight canoe treks are just some of the great adventures. To earn many of the aquatic-based merit badges in Scouts BSA, you will need to pass the Scouting America swimmer test.
In this Adventure you do not have to pass the Scouting America swimmer test; you just need to attempt it. If you do not pass the swimmer test for this Adventure, you can practice before you go to Scouts BSA summer camp or sign up for a session on how to swim at the camp you attend. As a swimmer you will have more merit badges you can earn at summer camp.
This elective Adventure may be earned by completing the requirements below OR passing the Scouting America Swimmer Test OR taking swimming lessons.
Safety MomentAdventure Safety Moment
Prior to any activity, use the Scouting America SAFE Checklist to ensure the safety of all those involved.
All participants in official Scouting America Scouting activities should become familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting and applicable program literature or manuals.
Be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Scouting America practices, policies, and guidelines.
To assist in the safe delivery of the program you may find specific safety items that are related to requirements for the Adventure.
All swimming activity must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult age 21 or older who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of those in their care, and who is trained in and committed to compliance with the eight points of Scouting America Safe Swim Defense.
Before starting this Adventure complete the following:
During the Adventure:
Review Safe Swim Defense.
Explain the meaning of “order of rescue” and demonstrate the reach and throw rescue techniques from land.
Attempt the Scouting America swimmer test.
Have 30 minutes or more of free swim time during which you practice the buddy system and stay within your ability group. The qualified adult supervision should conduct at least three buddy checks per half hour of swimming.
Review Safe Swim Defense.
Cub Scouts play a game to learn Safe Swim Defense.
Explain the meaning of “order of rescue” and demonstrate the reach and throw rescue techniques from land.
Cub Scouts learn order of rescue and reach and throw rescue techniques.
Attempt the Scouting America swimmer test.
Cub Scouts attempt the Scouting America swimmer test.
Have 30 minutes or more of free swim time during which you practice the buddy system and stay within your ability group. The qualified adult supervision should conduct at least three buddy checks per half hour of swimming.
Take your patrol and go swimming.
Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies
Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments
Managing Member Calje
David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.
President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.
Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.
