A main part of the Summer Camp experience is to earn Merit Badges.
There are certain badges that first year campers should not take, they are too difficutlt.
I will try and give some thoughts on the badges offed at camp this year. In case you are not sure of my expertise. I am an Eagle Scout and have been to Treasure Island longer than anyone in the troop. This will be my tenth year going to TI. I was SPL at Camp for 4 years and I was acting Scoutmaster for one year.



Merit Badge offered: My notes about it
Archery Only for skiller archers. This is a very difficult badge for those that are not familiar with a bow and arrow.
Athletics Good badge for Scouts who are involved in sports at home. You need to be fit and part of a team to complete this badge.
Basketry Very simple badge can easily be completed by any age scout. If time permits it can be done in one or two days.
Camping Requires an overnighter at camp. This badge should be left for a second or third year camper.
Canoeing Should be left for second or later year campers. It can be done by a first year scout but requires much work. Be prepared to be in the river every day. You need good river shoes.
Cooking Requires the scout to prepare lunch every day in the camp site away from the troop. This badge should not be taken by first year campers, but can be completed if taken.
Eviornmental Science This badge requires lots of work, including a 500 word essay that should be completed before camp. Definately not for first year campers. It also requires several hours each day for observation.
This badge is most easily completed at camp but should be left to older scouts.
Fish & Wildlife Management This badge is a good badge for any age scout.
Fishing This is difficult to complete at camp due to the poor fishing off the island. If a scout wants to take this badge please pack fishing equiptment in a manner that will protect it against damange during travel.
Forestry A more difficult badge but can be completed at camp, be sure to read the merit badge pamphlet before camp.
Leather Work This is an excellent badge for first year campers. It is easily accomplished and requires little precamp work.
Lifesaving Difficult badge that should be left for very expericenced scouts. It requires completion of Swimming merit badge in addition to all other requirements.
Mamal Study This is an other excellent badge for scouts of any age. It can be completed easily within the week. Be sure to complete
Nature This is a good badge for scouts of all ages. It can easily be done with little study.
Orienteering This is a good badge that allows the scout to learn the basics of the compass and maps. It is a good badge for all ages.
Personal Fitness This is a badge that requires some work before camp. Read the requirments that are need before camp.
Pioneering Excellent badge that teaches knots and lashings. It is good for all ages. Some familiarity with knots before camp will help in the completion of this badge.
Reptile & Anphibian Study Similar to mammal study, it requires some things before camp, check the packet that you recieved at the Summer Camp Meeting.


Merit Badge offered: My notes about it
Rifle Shooting EXTREMELY DIFFICULT unless you are VERY practiced with a rifle. Not for first year campers. Not for anyone that has not shot a rifle before.
Rowing Same difficulty as Canoeing. Requires some work it is good for all ages.
Shotgun Shooting THE MOST DIFFICULT BADGE AT CAMP! This is not to be taken unless you are extrememly proficient with a Shotgun.
Small Boat Sailing A difficult badge that depends heavily on the weather. If you are not a sailor or have never sailed you should not take this badge.
Soil and Water Conservation Good badge for all ages. Some requirements needs to be completed before camp.
Sports Good badge for athletic scouts. It is not very difficult but will take all week to finish. Particapation in a sports team out side of scouts is required.
Swimming Unless you are a good swimmer this is not the badge for you. It requires lots of time in the pool.
Scouts taking this badge must bring a set of clothes that include: Pants, belt, longsleve shirt. One requirement needs the scouts to jump in the pool fully clothed.
Weather Some requirements need to be completed before camp. It is a good badge for anyon e intereseted in the weather.
Wilderness Survival Not recommended for first time campers since it requires a night out alone in the woods.
Wood Carving More difficult than the other craft badges. Scouts need to be proficient with a knife and carving before camp.


These notes are just recommendations. If a scout has a skill that allows them to easily complete a badge (i.e. rifle shooting). Then by all means they should take that badge.