Scouts participate in spring merit badge camp

HONOKAA — Camp Honokaia welcomed more than 40 Scouts from across two islands this spring for a dynamic short-term merit badge camp, offering youth a unique opportunity to build skills, earn badges and connect with peers in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Throughout the multiday event, Scouts participated in a wide range of merit badge classes, includingcommunications, fish and wildlife management, astronomy, engineering, space exploration, first aid, pottery, citizenship in society and fingerprinting. Each class was designed to provide hands-on learning experiences while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking and personal growth.

In addition to academic and practical skills, Scouts engaged in outdoor activities such as fire-building, crafting fire starters, earning their Totin’ Chip, practicing knots and lashings, and exploring the local ecosystem on a nature hike.

Recreational programming also played a big role in building camaraderie among participants. Scouts enjoyed friendly competition at the ping-pong table, a spirited chess tournament, group board games and a lively karaoke night.

Camp Honokaia continues to serve as a vital space for youth leadership development, outdoor education and community building. Events like this underscore the mission of Scouting: preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

For more information about Scouting in your area, visit beascout.org. For more information about short-term camps or how to volunteer on Hawaii Island, please contact Becky Holt at Becky.holt@scouting.org