Have You Heard Of The Bundles?
At Camp Barstow we have a different take on how to teach merit badges. We created this unique program design because of feedback from Scoutmasters and lots of conversations with our staff after summer camp 2 years ago. What came out of those brain storming sessions was the idea that Chris McDuffie our Program Director coined – the Barstow Bundles. A bundle is a group of similar and compatible merit badges (typically 3) that are taught in a blended structure over 2 1/2 days. Your Scouts will work with the same staff members in one area (no changing class) to complete the merit badge while focusing on experiences that happen to meet requirements. For example to complete Environmental Science the Explorer and Naturalist bundles will travel on a pontoon boat to uninhabited islands on Lake Murray to see unique habitats. In Voyager the culminating activity of Canoeing merit badge is a 2 hour trek in a 16-person war canoe up the lake.
In 2021 we will offer 23 unique bundles that have 56 merit badges included in their content. So it’s pretty easy to work out your camp schedule. A Scout only has to decide what am I going to do for the first 1/2 of my week and what am I doing for the second 1/2. Wednesday at lunch is when we flip the page and everyone goes to their new bundle.
This idea was kinda revolutionary (and still is) but we have a year under our belts and the reviews from Scoutmasters were glowing. Check out this video featuring Scoutmaster testimonials that really gives you an honest opinion of how the bundles are so much better than a traditional camp schedule.
Here is a break down of the 2021 Merit Badge Bundle schedule for Camp Barstow
| Program Bundle | Merit Badges and Extras | |
| AQUATICS | Adventurer | High Adventure (Best of Barstow) |
| Readyman | Swimming + First Aid + Game Design | |
| Voyager | Canoeing + Kayaking + BSA Stand Up Paddleboarding | |
| Power Squadron | Motorboating + Water Sports | |
| Skipper | Small Boat Sailing + Weather | |
| Lifesaver | Lifesaving + Rowing | |
| ECOLOGY | Angler | Fishing + Fly Fishing + Fish and Wildlife Management = Complete Angler |
| Biologist | Environmental Science + Mammal Study + Reptile & Amphibian Study | |
| Explorer | Environmental Science + Nature + Insect Study | |
| Naturalist | Soil and Water Conservation + Forestry + Bird Study | |
| SCOUTCRAFT | Outdoorsman | Cooking + Camping + Exploration |
| Emergency Corps | Emergency Preparedness + Search and Rescue + Signs, Signals and Codes | |
| Communicator | Communications + Public Speaking + Salesmanship | |
| Ropes | Climbing + Low and High Cope Course | |
| Ranger | Pioneering + Wilderness Survival + Backpacking | |
| Pathfinders | Tenderfoot and Second Class requirements | |
| Signalman | Orienteering + Geocaching + Radio | |
| SHOOTING SPORTS | Frontiersman | Indian Lore + Archery + Leatherwork + Wood Carving |
| Marksman | Rifle Shooting + Shotgun Shooting | |
| TECHNOLOGY | STEM | Robotics + Digital Technology + Programming |
| Aerospace | Aviation + Astronomy + Space Exploration | |
| Director | Movie Making + Photography + Animation | |
| Conductor | Railroading + Electronics + Electricity | |
Our tag line has been that we are making things #BetterAtBarstow and these bundles are one way that our program has been greatly improved. If you are interested in hearing more about how your Scouts can take part in the summer of 2021 please reach out to the Camp Director or Program Director to get your questions answered.
