Scouts Merit Badge Program
Does your group have an interest in archaeology and want to earn merit badges while learning about local history? Do your scouts want to learn about the people that lived in our area and how our land has changed over the years? Have your scouts ever wanted to throw a spear using an atlatl? Then the ARI Merit Badge Program is perfect for your Scout group!
Scout Badges
Bring your scouts to earn a merit badge, NOVA Award (Cub Scouts), or a STEM Career Exploration badge at the Archaeological Research Institute. Scouts will begin the day at our Base Camp, where they will listen to our Introduction to Archaeology talk, that covers what archaeology is, the archaeological process, dating of artifacts, and laws that protect and regulate archaeological sites. After the talk, Scouts will head to the Guard Archaeological Site where they will participate in a 2-hour excavation alongside archaeologists. After excavating and a lunch break, Scouts will experience experimental archaeology, which could include atlatl throwing, flint knapping, basket making, pottery, archery, gardening, copperworking, and more! Scout badges are $20 per scout.
How to Prepare for Merit Badge Experience:
Wear hiking clothes that can get dirty. Bring plenty of water & snacks. Sunscreen, hats, bug spray, and sturdy shoes or hiking boots are recommended.
Let ARI come to you!
Have a scout event or meeting coming up? Let us come to you! We can customize an experience for Scouts or give a talk about archaeology or careers in archaeology. For outreach events or scout meetings pricing is only $75 per hour for us to come to you! Fill out the form for more information about how ARI can create an experience for you and your scouts that will build on their natural curiosity and engage them in the history of our area.