Aquatics Day

Aquatics DayAugust 8, 2026

Camp Strake
2020 Camp Strake Rd.
Coldspring, TX 77331

Aquatics Day is a fun-filled event for Scouts in troops, crews, and ships. Participants can participate in two activities, including five aquatics-related merit badge classes and 14 additional merit badge classes—some of which are rarely offered.  In addition to merit badge sessions, there will be opportunities to try climbing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Sea Scouts and Venturers can also work on rank advancement during the event. The day will conclude with a Sea Scout and Venturing Fair, a Glow Splash Party, and an Ice Cream Social. Individual Scouts can participate on Saturday.  Troops, crews, and ships can camp for the weekend. 

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Registration

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Payments are made online with a credit card or electronic check. Council refund policy. 

Advanced Notification List:  Join the advanced notification to receive an email when registration opens.

Register

Before registering:  Before registering, "a Scout must meet with their unit leader or their delegate … this meeting is a required part of the merit badge process, and that it should be documented … in Scoutbook Plus or other method.” (Source, p.40, 7.0.0.3). Member ID Number: Have the Scout's member ID number ready before registering. The ID number can be found in Scoutbook (1. click on My Dashboard, 2. for a Scout - click on name of Scout, 3. select Edit Profile).

Cost Registrant Type Times       Notes
$50    Individual Scout Sat. 8 am - 5 pm Parent/guardian registers the Scout; fee includes lunch, and 2 merit badge classes.  
Scouts attend with a buddy; parents who are YPT trained can be a Scout's buddy.  Lunch is provided.
$75 Scouts with a troop, ship, crew Fr. 6 pm - Sun. 12 pm Unit leader registers the unit; fee includes camping, 3 meals on Sat, breakfast on Sun, and 2 merit badge classes. Units must follow all leadership requirements. Troops are asked to provide one merit badge counselor.
$10 Adult parent - Saturday only Sat. 8 am - 5 pm Fee includes lunch. Parent and adults must have current YPT training.
$35 Adult leader - weekend Fr. 6 pm - Sun. 12 pm Fee includes camping, Sat meals, Sun breakfast. Adults must be registered leaders with their unit. 

Program

Scouts can participate in two sessions. When Scouts are not participating in a program area, the troop leadership is responsible for programming in the campsites. Camp staff will provide leadership in the program areas.

Swim Checks

swim test​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​On Friday evening, after Scouts drop off their gear at their campsite, Scouts should change into swimsuits, take a towel and report to the aquatic area. Buddy tags will be issued based on the level of swimming proficiency. Adult assistance is needed to hand out the buddy tags during the swim check.

Swim Checks Prior to the Event. Units may complete their swim checks locally prior to the event following the Swim Classification Procedures or bring documentation of swim checks conducted during summer camp. The unit-level swim check must be performed by one of the following certified people: Aquatics Instructor; Aquatics Cub Supervisor; Lifeguard; Swimming & Water Rescue; or other lifeguard, swimming instructor, etc. When swim tests are conducted prior to camp, the camp aquatics director shall reserve the authority to review or retest all participants to ensure that standards have been maintained for the safety of everyone. 

Swim Classification Procedures Record and Classifications

Tentative Classes 2025
 AM PM All
Day
Location
Age
Prerequisite and other notes
Art Merit Badge ♦     Pavillion J   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Requirements not covered: #6
Canoeing Merit Badge     ♦ Aquatics   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet; be physically fit
• Must be able to pass the  Swim Test Swimmer requirement
• Saturday-only participants must take Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat online at my.scouting.org; bring certificate.
• Bring: modest swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen
Chess Merit Badge ♦ ♦   Pavillion K   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: ​#6 (complete after class)
• Bring a board, completed worksheet
Climbing Tower ♦ ♦   Climbing Tower   • Not a merit badge class
• Spend a half-day at the tower and try your hand at climbing.
Kayaking Merit Badge   ♦   Aquatics 14+ • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet; be physically fit
• Must be able to pass the  Swim Test Swimmer requirement
• Recommended for older Scouts
• Saturday-only participants must take Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat online at my.scouting.org; bring certificate.
• Bring: modest swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen
Lifesaving Merit Badge   ♦ Pool 12+  • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet; must be able to pass a swim test.
• Prerequisite: Have earned the Swimming Merit Badge
• Bring: modest swimsuit, towel, long pants, a long-sleeved button-down shirt, shoes and sunscreeen
• Recommended for Scouts ages 12+
Multisport Merit Badge ♦   Pavillion M   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Prerequisite: must have earned the Swimming Merit Badge
• Must be able to pass the  Swim Test Swimmer requirement
• Not covered: #2a, 5, 7a
• Bring: fitness-appropriate clothes, including tennis shoes
• Bring: modest swimsuit, towel and sunscreen
• Bring: bike and helmet
Oceanography Merit Badge ♦     Pavillion L   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
Photography Merit Badge ♦     STEM Lab   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet; bring verification of viewing the Personal Safety Awareness "Digital Safety" video
• Requirements not covered: #7
• Bring camera, and 12 digital pictures that you are willing to share for #4, 5.
Pulp and Paper Merit Badge   ♦   Leader's Lounge   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
Radio Merit Badge   ♦   STEM Lab   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
Range Time ♦ ♦   Ranges   • Not a merit badge class
• Spend a half-day at the ranges and try your hand at archery, shotgun, and rifle.
Rowing Merit Badge ♦     Aquatics   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Must be able to pass the  Swim Test Swimmer requirement
• Saturday-only participants must take Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat online at my.scouting.org; bring certificate.
• Bring: modest swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen
Sculpture Merit Badge   ♦   Pavillion J   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
Search and Rescue and Fingerprinting Merit Badges    ♦ STEM Center   • Special guest instructors: Montgomery County Search and Rescue Team
• Prerequisite: Read the Fingerprinting Merit Badge Pamphlet
• Prerequisite: Read the Search and Rescue Merit Badge Pamphlet
Sea Scout Advancement Track ♦ ♦   Pavillions E, F, G, H 14+ • For Sea Scouts to work on Apprentice and Ordinary rank advancements, such as ideals, marlinspike,
boat handling, safety, ground tackle, navigation, weather
Sea Scout Aquatics   ♦ Aquatics 14+ • All-day course
• For Sea Scouts to work on anchoring and Ordinary and Able water skills
• Bring: modest swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen
Signs, Signals and Codes Merit Badge   ♦   STEM Center   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
Snorkeling Award   ♦   STEM Lab   • Not a merit badge
• Bring: Scouts bring snorkeling gear
• Become proficient in snorkeling skills and to snorkel safely
Stand Up Paddleboard ♦     Aquatics   • Not a merit badge
• 2-hour class
• Develop boardsailing skills
• For Scouts with solid core and leg strength and balance
• Saturday-only participants must take Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat online at my.scouting.org; bring certificate.
• Bring: modest swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen
Swimming Merit Badge   ♦   Pool   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Bring: modest swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen
Textile Merit Badge ♦     Leader's Lounge   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
Venturing Track     ♦ HQ Training Room 14+ • All-day course
• Venturers will work on rank advancement requirements and training
• Venturers will participate in range and target activities as well as search and rescue activities.
• Bring: bike and helmet, optional, but highly recommended due to walking required
• Bring: snorkel, mask, and fins, optional
• Bring: modest swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen
Weather Merit Badge   ♦   Pavillion L   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet

What to Bring 

Mark all items with Scout's name and troop number. 
Do not bring valuables.

  • Activity uniform (Scout t-shirt) ^
  • Shoes (closed-toe) or hiking boots 
  • Cap or hat 
  • Rain gear (pants and jacket) 
  • Swimsuit and towel (if participating in swimming or boating), water shoes are optional
  • Sunscreen 
  • Camping gear
  • Water bottle - marked with name and troop # (one you don't mind losing)
  • Water bottle clip to attach water bottle to belt loop or backpack
  • Sports drink powder packs for water bottles (not energy drinks)
  • Backpack (day pack)  - marked with name and troop # (one you don't mind losing). If participating in aquatics, bring a bag to hold wet clothing.
  • Insect repellent (non-aerosol) , optional
  • Documentation of any completed merit badge prerequisites.
  • Read merit badge pamphlets online before camp.
  • Class items required
  • Note-taking items
  • Writing utensils

 

If Camping* (check with Scoutmaster)

  • Tent and ground cloth
  • Sleeping bag, blankets, sheet 
  • Pillow 
  • Cot or pad 
  • Pajamas or sleeping clothes
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Personal items (e.g., deodorant, comb, medications, toothpaste, toothbrush)
  • Personal medications: prescriptions (listed on medical form) and over-the-counter, in original containers
  • Mosquito netting, optional
  • Portable chair or camp stool, optional

Troop Equipment

  • Annual Health and Medical Record (part A&B for all Scouting events) for every participant; troops will keep the medical forms
  • Trash bags, 55-gallon
  • Ice chest
  • Troop first aid kit 
  • Lanterns 
  • Lockable storage container for medications
  • Firewood (if no burn ban) 
  • Sports equipment, optional (e.g., Frisbee, football, soccer ball, kickball)
Optional
  • Spending money for trading post (cash, debit, credit)
  • Backup phone battery, rechargeable, fully charged
  • Fishing pole and bait (worms, corn, jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, topwater lures); hooks must be barbless; catch and release only
^The field uniform is not expected to be worn as part of the weekend programming, so check with the Scoutmaster before packing.
*Mark all items with name and troop number.  Electricity is limited.

Don’t Bring: Valuables, electronics (e.g., iPad), fireworks, sheath or hunting knives, pets, hammocks, personal firearms and ammunition, jewelry, personal bows and arrows or hammocks

#Bikes (non-motorized) are allowed on all paved roads to access the campsites and program areas, and on the marked mountain bike trail by the bike barn. There are bike racks near the climbing tower, shooting sports area, Grand Pavilion, and campsites 1 and 20. All other trails, including sidewalks and grassy areas, are off-limits. Helmets, proper safety protocols, and procedures are always required while riding bicycles. Learn more about Bike Safety.

Camp App​​​​​​​Camp App

The camp app serves as a vital communication tool for all camp attendees, offering convenient access to essential resources such as the camp map, schedule, program updates, emergency announcements, and much more. You can find it by searching "Sam Houston Area Council" on both Apple and Android platforms. 

App

Check-in: Saturday-only Participants

  • Have Annual Health and Medical Record (part A, B) for every participant easily accessible for check-in at the gate on Saturday morning.
  • For Scouts taking aquatics/boating classes:  Swim checks will be completed on Saturday morning from 7:30-8:30 am.  
  • For Scouts taking boating classes: Take Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat online at my.scouting.org and bring a copy of the completion certificate to get credit for these requirements.
  • For Scouts who do not need a Swim Test:  arrive between 7:45 - 8:30 am. Drop off Scout at Campsite 20 for classes being held at Aquatics or the Ranges; drop off at Campsite 1 for classes being held in the pavilions, STEM Center, or HQ Training Room.
  • Lunch will be provided.

Tentative Schedule

Friday
5:30 - 8:00 pm Unit Arrival (eat dinner before arrival)
6:30 - 7:30 pm Swim Checks
8:30 - 10:00 pm Training: Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense, and Life Jacket Safety in Dining Hall 
11:00 pm Lights out
Saturday
7:00 - 8:00 am Breakfast for weekend participants (dining hall)
7:00 - 7:45  am Saturday-only participants who need a Swim Test check in (eat breakfast before arrival) - Drop off Scout at campsite 20
7:45 - 8:30 am Saturday-only participants who don't need a Swim Test check in (eat breakfast before arrival) - Drop off Scout at Campsite 20 for classes being held at Aquatics, Ranges; drop off at Campsite 1 for classes being held in the pavilions, STEM Center, or HQ Training Room.
9:00 am - 12:00 pm     Morning classes
12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch (for all registered participants)
1:00 - 5:00 pm Afternoon classes
5:00 pm Saturday-only attendees depart
6:00 pm Dinner for units
7:00 pm Venturing and Sea Scout Midway
8:00 pm Glow Splash Party and open swim
11 pm Lights Out

Sunday
7 am -8 am Breakfast
830 - 11:30 pm Swimming Merit Badge (25 spots) - only for weekend participants
9:00 - 11:00 am Open boating
12 pm Check Out

Buddy System 

Scouting 101​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​All Scouts should adhere to the buddy system throughout the camp. Scouting’s buddy system calls for Scouts to pair up with a friend or two for all activities. This helps ensure safety and accountability, teaching Scouts to take responsibility for others. No Scout should ever be found wandering through camp alone. It can be difficult to implement the buddy system when a Scout does not schedule classes with fellow members of their troop. Troop leaders are encouraged to pair Scouts in classes as much as possible. If this is not feasible, the Scout should walk with other Scouts in the class to the location of the merit badge class. Due to the number of Scouts and the short amount of time between classes, this should be a relatively simple exercise.

 

Prerequisites, Requirements Not Covered and Partials

what to bring​Attending a merit badge class does not guarantee that a Scout will complete the merit badge, but it is an opportunity for Scouts to meet with qualified counselors, to help them work on the requirements needed to complete a merit badge. The merit badge fair should not be considered another school where the pupils sit and stare for hours on end. Scouts should come prepared to participate. The counselor's job is to encourage self-discovery and then check that each Scout has the minimum knowledge and does the requirements. Scouts should be ready to take notes and come prepared with notetaking materials and writing utensils. Remember one goal of the merit badge advancement system is to develop individual growth and initiative. 

Prerequisites: All Scouts are to read the merit badge pamphlet prior to the Merit Badge Fair. Merit Badge pamplets are available online. Scouts are to be prepared to answer the questions to each of the requirements before the merit badge fair; Scouts can complete the worksheets available at http://usscouts.org/usscouts/mb/worksheets/list.asp to help them prepare. Some merit badges require prerequisites that must be completed before the merit badge fair.

Merit Badge Worksheets  

Requirements not covered: Some requirements cannot be completed during the class. The Scout should bring documentation of requirements not covered. Scouts are encouraged to complete requirements not covered before the the event and bring proof of completion; otherwise, the Scout will receive a partial.

Partials: If the Scout does not complete the requirements not covered and bring documentation to the class, the Scout will receive a partial completion of the merit badge. The partial completion will be noted on the advancement report. Scouts will need to complete the badge with a registered merit badge counselor approved for that particular badge with their unit. Merit badge counselors are not usually available to serve as a counselor after the event unless arrangements are made with the counselor. Find a list of merit badge counselors by logging into http://scoutbook.scouting.org with your my.scouting userID and password, click on My Dashboard, Administration, your unit and scroll down the page. Remember that a youth member must not meet one-on-one with an adult. Sessions with counselors must take place where others can view the interaction, or the Scout must have a buddy: a friend, parent, guardian, brother, sister, or other relatives—or better yet, another Scout working on the same badge. 

Merit Badge Completion Reports

After the event, all of the completed requirements will be posted in BlackPug, the registration system. A note will be placed at the top of this page when all the completions have been entered. The Scoutmaster, committee chair, or registrant contact (i.e., person who registered the unit for the event) can log in to BlackPug and view the reports. How to Pull Advancement Reports:

  • Go to https://scoutingevent.com/000/Login/ 
  • Click on profile name (top right)
  • Click on View Activity (tabs: Summer Camp & Activities or Year Round Camping)
  • Select the activity
  • Click on Reports Tab (provide these reports to the unit advancement chair)
    ⇒ Unit Advancement Summary: summarizes all advancements completed at camp  (e.g., merit badges, rank advancements)
    ⇒ Unit Advancement Detail: list of all advancements completed at camp in a grid  (one page per Scout)
    ⇒ Scoutbook Export: is a report of all merit badge completions that can be uploaded into Scoutbook.  Note: rank advancements have to be entered manually. This report exports merit badge data in Scoutbook format using Scoutbook's "advancement.csv" template. Chrome Users - an extension is available that allows direct import of this data into Scoutbook. This extension can be obtained here: Feature Assistant Extension for Scoutbook. Firefox Users - a similar extension for Firefox can be obtained here: Feature Assistant - Scoutbook. A document describing the upload process can be found here: Importing Summer Camp Data from Black Pug Software
  • Video: How to view Reports  

Registration Support

Helpful Registration Videos
Reports

A variety of reports are available:

     - Preparing for Full Throttle   ⇒ Class Schedule Checklist Sheet: report Scouts can use to indicate which classes they are interested in (print a copy for each Scout)
⇒ Unit Roster: Scoutmaster report with a list of all Scouts attending with check boxes to keep track of things like medical forms
⇒ Unit Roster Registrant: Scoutmaster report with a list of all Scouts by registrant type attending with check boxes to keep track of things like medical forms
⇒ Prerequisites by Scouts: a report for Scouts listing prerequisites they should work on before the event (one page per Scout).
⇒ Prerequisites by Unit: summarizes all prerequisites that Scouts should work on before the event, making it useful for planning troop meetings le
  - Print Before Arrival  ⇒ Class Schedule or Participant Class Schedule: two types of reports for Scouts with their merit badge schedule (one page per Scout)
⇒ Scout Summary:  summarizes all Scouts' schedules. 
⇒ Period Summary:  lists where every Scout should be each period. 
⇒ Class Summary:  lists Scouts taking each class
⇒ Scoutmaster QR Codes: QR codes for the unit and each Scout used to access class and merit badge schedules on mobile devices.
  - After the Event ⇒ Scoutbook Export: is a report of all merit badge completions that can be uploaded into Scoutbook so Scouts get credit for advancements completed.  Note: rank advancements have to be entered manually.
⇒ Unit Advancement Summary: summarizes all advancements completed at camp  (e.g., merit badges, rank advancements)
⇒ Unit Advancement Detail: list of all advancements completed at camp in a grid  (one page per Scout)
  - Resources ⇒ Class Data: Excel report listing all Scouts and merit badge classes
⇒ Customer Invoice: shows all payments
⇒ Event Additional Fees: lists any additional fees

Scouting Safely

Safety is Your Responsibility poster​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Scouting America's Commitment to Safety is ongoing, and the safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, and employees cannot be compromised. Scouting America puts the utmost importance on safe and healthy environments for its youth membership. The Sam Houston Area Council takes great strides to ensure the safety of its youth as well as the adult volunteer leadership that interacts with them. 

Guide to Safe Scouting policies must be followed. All participants must follow youth protection guidelines at all Scouting events. Highlights include:

  • Two-deep leadership on all outings is required.  
  • One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is prohibited. 
  • The buddy system should be used at all times. 
  • Discipline must be constructive.

Health and safety must be integrated into everything we do, to the point that no injuries are acceptable beyond those that are readily treatable by Scout-rendered first aid. As an aid in the continuing effort to protect participants in Scout activities, the National Health and Safety Committee and the Council Services Division of the National Council has developed the SAFE Checklist of safety procedures for physical activity. These points, which embody good judgment and common sense, are applicable to all activities. 

*About Medical Record: Scouting America requires all participants to bring an Annual Health and Medical Record to every Scouting event. The Scouting adventures, camping trips, and having fun are important to everyone in Scouting—and so is your safety and well-being. Completing the Annual Health and Medical Record is the first step in ensuring you have a great Scouting experience. Completing a health history promotes health awareness, collects necessary data, and provides medical professionals with critical information needed to treat a patient in the event of an illness or injury. It also provides emergency contact information. Please download the form and have it with you at all Scouting events for every member of your family.  

^Closed-toed shoes are highly recommended for all Scouting events. Many of our outdoor venues have snakes and sticks that can injure toes. Many of our activities include active games, so shoes that Scouts can run in (e.g., tennis shoes) are recommended.

Youth Protection Guidelines     Guide to Safe Scouting      SAFE Checklist      Enterprise Risk Management

Contacts

Question​​​Parents of campers should contact their troop leaders with questions about Aquatics Day. Many of the adult leaders attending summer camp are quite experienced and can answer most questions.

For answers not addressed on this page, click here.

Questions and Support