Animal Science                                                         https://meritbadge.org/wiki/images/0/08/Animal_Science.jpg

Important Information for Parents about how to prepare for a merit badge program at Frying Pan Farm Park

Make sure you are aware of the requirements and activities for the merit badge that you are registering for.  The full requirements for all badges can be found online. Some merit badges involve a sizable time commitment as well as long term planning and in the case of Farm Mechanics, the scouts will be working with machinery that will require them to listen attentively to the instructor and follow every single safety rule.  This therefore may not be appropriate for younger scouts.

Merit badges also require a certain amount of work completed independently by the scout.  This will often times involve planning ahead and possibly visiting other sites. This work is called “pre-work” because if it is completed when the scout comes in to do the program then they will have fulfilled all the requirements for the merit badge and the counselor will be able to sign their merit badge card. If that work is not completed, we will work with the scout and the scout’s family to schedule times for the scout to come in when the work is completed, have it reviewed by a qualified counselor and then signed.

Note you will have to contact and schedule an appointment with an appropriate staff member to do this. Not all staff members are qualified for all badges.

We do not have blue cards here at Frying Pan. Please bring your authorized blue card to the program in order to get it signed and officially meet the requirements of the badge.

Please prepare for the possibility that you may have to stay for the program and not just drop off your scout. We encourage that one or more adults remain. There is no a fee for adults and you are sure to learn something. This will allow the instructor to concentrate more fully on the difficult task of imparting all the required information and assisting the boys individually if necessary, while other adults keep the atmosphere calm and productive. It is also in keeping with the scouting guidelines for youth protection.

Be sure your scout is dressed appropriately for being outdoors for some or all of the program time.

Packing water and snacks is wise for long programs and programs scheduled in hot weather months.

Lastly, obtaining copies of the scout resource booklet for the merit badge can help prepare your scout working with his counselor and for completing any independent study. Books for the badges can be ordered at your local scouting store or at www.scoutstuff.org .

Thank you! And have a great time with your scouting adventure here at Frying Pan Farm Park!

Below are the specific pre-work requirements for this merit badge:

6b (Dairying option). Make a chart showing the components in cow's milk or goat's milk. Chart the amount of each component.

7. Find out about three career opportunities in animal science. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you. The Scout will be asked to discuss his findings in front of the class.