There will be one "sit-down" class to discuss the requirements. This ninety-minute session will be scheduled in early August. The rest of the class will involve fitness measurements, building a plan to improve these measurements, then re-testing every other week through the summer.
I strongly encourage Scouts to test every session as this gives the Scout direct feedback related to their own fitness plans AND this provides options to ensure the measurements are taken on day 0 and during week 13.
Link to the MB Workbook. Please download for your records and tracking.
Aerobic Fitness Test
Record your performance on ONE of the following tests:
- Run/walk as far as you can as fast as you can in nine minutes.
OR- Run/walk one mile as fast as you can (preferable)
Flexibility Test
Using a sit-and-reach box constructed according to specifications in the merit badge pamphlet, make four repetitions and record the fourth reach. This last reach must be held for 15 seconds to qualify. (Remember to keep your knees down.)
Strength Tests
You must do the sit-ups exercise and one other (either push-ups or pull-ups). You may also do all three for extra experience and benefit.
- Sit-ups. Record the number of sit-ups done correctly in 60 seconds. The sit-ups must be done in the form explained and illustrated in the merit badge pamphlet.
- Pull-ups. Record the total number of pull-ups completed correctly in 60 seconds. Be consistent with the procedures presented in the merit badge pamphlet.
- Push-ups.
(preferable) Record the total number of push-ups completed correctly in 60 seconds. Be consistent with the procedures presented in the merit badge pamphlet.
Testing Schedule:
Two dates are mandatory...Test 1 and Test 7. It is on these dates that we will establish your baseline physical state and the improvement you made from your fitness plan.
The remaining dates are used to help the Scout to measure their progress. It is well established that Scouts who test bi-weekly have greater success completing this Merit Badge. That said, Makajawan and Philmont treks may take the Scout away from a testing date. If this occurs, please make sure the instructor is aware.
We will need one classroom event to discuss health, nutrition, and disease. This Class session will be scheduled in early August... likely August 1 after the test measurements.
Fitness tests on Wednesday or Thursdays at 6 pm unless noted: Test 1 (Start) Thursday, May 9
Test 2 (Wk3)
Wednesday, May 22 (set to avoid LHS graduation)
Test 3 (Wk5) Thursday, June 6
Test 4 (Wk7) Thursday, June 20
Test 5 (Wk 9) Wednesday, July 3 (set for Independence Day Holiday)
Test 6 (Wk11) Thursday, July 18
Test 7 (Wk13) Thursday, August 1 - Scheduled last Test date
Fitness Test results will be posted for the Scout to review on a Google Sheet after every test date.
