Scouts BSA Merit Badge Programs
Merit Badges aren’t just for summer camp. Scouts BSA members can join TIO for a fun and instructional day on the river. TIO has approved merit badge counselors ready for these scouts specific program. Participants will review safety and first-aid related to kayaking; practice basic skills for maneuvering a kayak; learn how to maintain a kayak; and demonstrate rescue and recovery techniques.
Canoeing Merit Badge Class
Participants will review safety and first-aid related to canoeing; practice basic skills for maneuvering a canoe; learn how to maintain a canoe; and demonstrate rescue and recovery techniques. This class will blend discussions and practical exercises during a short expedition on the Schuylkill River. Participants should expect to learn and implement paddle strokes and skills including capsizing and recovery while paddling the Schuylkill River. TIO will provide all equipment, instructors, and Scouts BSA Merit Badge counselors.
Where?
Meet at TIO’s Pottstown Hub. After a short introductory session, we will shuttle upriver and complete remaining discussions and practical skills while paddling back to Pottstown
140 College Dr Pottstown, PA 19464
Who is this class for?
TIO uses principles of the American Canoe Association and Scouting America to teach. We prefer to demonstrate a skill, teach the skill, then allow participants to put it into practice and coach them along the way. We do not use workbooks.
When?
Check back for updated schedule
What’s Incuded
Instruction (Canoe Instructors and Merit Badge Counselors)
Equipment* (Canoe, Paddle, PFD, Whistle)
Upriver shuttle
Prerequisites:
Requirement #2 (Swim Test).
Scouts must have Swimmer Classification from the BSA swim test within the past year.
Kayaking Merit Badge Class
Participants will review safety and first-aid related to kayaking; practice basic skills for maneuvering a kayak; learn how to maintain a kayak; and demonstrate rescue and recovery techniques. This class will blend discussions and practical exercises during a short expedition on the Schuylkill River. Participants should expect to learn and implement paddle strokes and skills including capsizing and recovery while paddling the Schuylkill River. TIO will provide all equipment, instructors, and Scouts BSA Merit Badge counselors. Participants may also complete the Kayaking Award during this program.
Where?
Meet at TIO’s Pottstown Hub. After a short introductory session, we will shuttle upriver and complete remaining discussions and practical skills while paddling back to Pottstown
140 College Dr Pottstown, PA 19464
Who is this class for?
Scouts BSA Members with current Swimmer Classification. This program is recommended for Scouts 13 years of age or older.
What’s it like?
TIO uses principles of the American Canoe Association and Scouting America to teach. We prefer to demonstrate a skill, teach the skill, then allow participants to put it into practice and coach them along the way. We do not use workbooks.
When?
August 7th, 2025
8:00 am – 3:00 pm
What’s included?
Instruction (Kayak Instructors and Merit Badge Counselors)
Equipment* (Kayak, Paddle, PFD, Whistle)
Upriver shuttle
Prerequisities:
Requirement #2 (Swim Test).
Scouts must have Swimmer Classification from the BSA swim test within the past year.
Whitewater Merit Badge Class
Whitewater Merit Badge takes the introductory skills of Kayaking and Canoeing Merit Badges and extends them into moving water settings. Participants will learn the added knowledge and techniques necessary to safely enjoy class 1 and 2 rivers and moving water features.
Where?
TBD
Who is this class for?
Scouts BSA Members who have previously earned Kayaking Merit Badge, seeking advanced water skills and features. This program is recommended for older scouts.
What’s It Like?
When?
TBD – Coming Spring, 2026
What’s Included?
Instruction (Kayak Instructors and Merit Badge Counselors)
Equipment* (Kayak, Paddle, PFD, Whistle)
Upriver shuttle
Prerequisities:
Current Swimmer Classification (“Swim Test” within past year).
Requirement #3(b):
Earn Kayaking Merit Badge
Note: TIO is not currently only offering kayaking option for this merit badge.
