People always have been interested in snakes, turtles, lizards, and alligators, as well as frogs and salamanders. Amphibians and reptiles—collectively known as herpetofauna—are increasingly important today as their populations are key indicators of the effects of climate change and habitat fragmentation on wildlife. Presented by certified merit badge counselor, Tom Scollins, herpetology curator and leader of NHSM Herp Club, this class will help you fulfill the following Merit Badge requirements*: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,10. There will be plenty of live and preserved animals on hand.
Things to remember to bring for this Merit Badge Class:
1. Merit Badge Blue Card properly filled out and signed off by your Scoutmaster
2. Scout Uniform
3. Supporting documentation or project work pertinent to this merit badge which may also include a Merit Badge Workbook for reference with notes
4. A positive Scouting focus and attitude
Pre-Requisite: Read the booklet before class.
The badge also requires either three months of recorded observation of a reptile or Amphibian in a nature center, zoo or similar location, OR one month care and recorded observations of a reptile or amphibian you keep at home. If you have a pet reptile or amphibian already, then the one month of care is a simple option for you. PLEASE do NOT go out and purchase a pet reptile or amphibian just to complete the badge! Pet ownership is always a long-term commitment for the life of your pet and should only be undertaken after careful consideration. You may make observations at any a nature center, zoo, pet store, or other similar center near your home.
NOTE: The Mid-Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society is partnering with NHSM on this badge, and will make available foster turtles for purposes of fulfilling the merit badge requirements. You may convert the fostering into adoption.
Families can foster an adult box turtle in a Rubbermaid tote or a juvenile aquatic turtle such as a slider, in a 10- or 20-gallon aquarium.
Anyone who wishes to foster, please email
matts_adoptions@hotmail.com as soon as possible to receive recommended reading and an application, to know what to expect or to find out which type of turtle they’d prefer, and to set up enclosures to go with the turtles. A refundable $50 deposit is required when fosters pick up the turtle and supplies. The deposit will be returned when the turtle and supplies are returned.
NEW Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
* Most Merit Badges are not designed to be completed in a single session with an instructor, so it is not always possible to walk away with a completed and signed blue card at the end a program. Every badge requires some independent work by your scout. We call this “pre-work” because, if these requirements are performed prior to our program, we can complete and sign the merit badge card. Otherwise we will sign partial cards at the completion of our program and will have qualified counselors review assignments on an individual basis at a later date. Note you will have to contact and schedule an appointment with Tom Scollins. NOTE: The Herp club meets monthly at NHSM on the Second Wednesday of every month at 7PM.
The Natural History Society of Maryland is a volunteer-led non-profit organization, so the fee you pay will go directly to support the programs, the nature collections, and the building that make this kind of nature education possible.
