I recently stumbled upon a very cool website talking about the history of scouting in Northern Canadian communities.

Did you know that in 1964 the National Council of Scouts Canada authorized a series of special badges specifically for Arctic communities? What’s interesting about them is that they were only available for people who lived in the North.

If you are a Scout in the north you can attain your Kayak Builder badge. To get it you are required to:

1. Know how the form of a kayak is made.
2. Be able to recognize kayaks made by various groups of people.
3. Make a model kayak covered with skin which will be watertight, and make a model paddle for the kayak.
4. Know why the shapes of kayaks differ from place to place.
5. Explain the various implements used in hunting from a kayak and be able to demonstrate their use.
6. Paddle a kayak without accident for three miles.

There were a couple of other interesting badges available including Fur Trapper, Hunter, Dog Driver and Lamp Maker but my favourite one (which is available for younger cubs is the Germ Enemy. To earn that badge (and make your mother proud) you have to:

1. Keep hands, feet, nails and teeth clean and cared for properly.
2. Know why regular meals and regular sleep are important and make an effort to observe good habits.
3. Know the need for prompt attention to cuts, injuries and skin infections.
4. Know the treatment for fleas and lice.
5. Perform the Cub exercises and walk with good posture.
6. Know why regular exercise is important.

More info: scouteralf.tripod.com

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