Scouting America Troop 184 Rochester, NH

10/13/2026

For today's merit badge moment:

The Drafting Merit Badge introduces Scouts to the universal visual language used by architects, engineers, and builders to bring ideas to life.

To earn it, Scouts learn proper paper formatting, title blocks, and Gothic lettering. You’ll create both a manual hand-drawing and a computer-aided design (CAD) drawing—choosing between architectural plans, mechanical parts, or electrical schematics. You’ll experience real-world engineering workflows by processing counselor 'redline' corrections and updating revision blocks. Requirements also include visiting a professional drafting workplace or researching the history of technical tools, as well as exploring careers in the field.

Why take it? It bridges technical skill and creative design, teaches industry-standard CAD software, and opens pathways to rewarding careers in architecture, engineering, and manufacturing.

Want to learn more? Look up the requirements or talk to a leader about how to get connected with Mr. Hughes.

10/06/2026

For today's merit badge moment:

The Dog Care Merit Badge teaches Scouts what it truly takes to be a responsible pet owner and canine advocate.

To earn it, Scouts explore dog history, the seven main breed groups, and basic canine anatomy. You’ll demonstrate obedience training commands, learn local pet laws, and practice essential health care—including vaccination schedules, parasite prevention, and emergency first aid like muzzling and bandaging. A central requirement is keeping a detailed log for two full months tracking your dog’s feeding, exercise, weight, grooming, and costs. Finally, you’ll visit a vet clinic or animal shelter and explore veterinary or animal-care career paths.

Why take it? It turns everyday pet care into structured leadership, deepens your bond with your dog, and introduces exciting careers in veterinary medicine or animal welfare.

Want to know more? Talk to Mr. Cleary or lookup the requirements!

09/29/2026

For today's merit badge moment:

The Backpacking Merit Badge pushes Scouts beyond basic camping to master backcountry self-reliance and wilderness travel.

To earn it, Scouts learn critical trail safety, first aid, navigation using topographic maps and compasses, and Leave No Trace principles. You’ll practice gear selection, meal planning, and safe stove operation. The core of this badge requires serious trail time: completing a 2-mile preparation hike, three separate multi-day treks totaling at least 15 miles each, and a final 5-day high-adventure trek covering at least 30 miles while completing a service project and keeping a trip journal.

Why take it? It builds true wilderness independence, deepens respect for nature, and serves as the ultimate test of endurance, teamwork, and outdoor leadership.

Want to learn more? Talk to Mr. Harriman or look up the requirements!

09/29/2026

Do you have a kiddo who wants to make new friends, do cool things, and learn new skills? Our Troop is holding an open house meeting this evening from 7:00-8:30 at the First United Methodist Church here in Rochester. It's free to come check it out. All youth ages 11-17 are welcome.

Have a fifth grade Cub Scout? They can come learn about the Scouts BSA program to ease the transition. Have younger kiddos interested in Scouting? We'll have leaders from the Cub Scout program on hand as well who can answer any questions.

09/22/2026

For today's merit badge moment we're taking a look at the Athletics Merit Badge, which encourages Scouts to build a strong, healthy body while developing physical skills and fair play.

To earn it, Scouts learn first aid for common sports injuries, the importance of annual physicals, proper nutrition, and avoiding harmful substances. You’ll set up a personal 3-month training program for a sport of your choice, track your progress, and demonstrate physical improvement across four specific skill options—like running, swimming, basketball, or weight training. Requirements also include understanding sportsmanship, planning a field day, and volunteering at a sports meet.

Why take it? It directly supports the Scout Oath to stay 'physically strong,' teaches goal-setting and athletic discipline, and lets Scouts test their physical limits while exploring careers in sports.

Want to learn more? Talk to Mr. Nickerson or check out the requirements here: https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/athletics/

09/19/2026

Tomfoolery at the Merit Badge Mania today!

09/17/2026

Come see Mr. Cleary at the RMS Open House!

09/15/2026

Switching things up this year I'm replacing our Adventure is Out There! segment with our Merit Badge Minute. Each meeting we'll take a quick look at a merit badge offered by one of the counselors in our unit. First up is American Business.

Mr. Nickerson is a counselor for this one and it's not an Eagle required badge.

The American Business Merit Badge gives Scouts a practical look into how businesses operate and fuel our economy.

To earn it, Scouts explore key foundations—like the free enterprise system, the Industrial Revolution, labor unions, and the three basic financial statements. You’ll dive into business structures, insurance, and the role of ethics and sustainability in modern decision-making. Requirements also include researching a real-world business across its major functional areas and either exploring a business career path or interviewing an actual business leader.

Why take it? It breaks down how the economy impacts everyday life, teaches essential financial literacy, and opens the door to a wide range of future career options—from accounting and finance to marketing and management."
Core Highlights at a Glance

Want to learn more - check out the full requirements and resources here: https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/american-business/

08/31/2026

Our crew is going to get this special edition patch!

Our 2027 High Adventure Trek Award Patch means so much more than a unique special edition patch added to your collection.

Next year, Swamp Base celebrates its 15th summer of treks, but that anniversary coincides with another more impactful anniversary. As we celebrate our continued positive impacts on our state, environment, and the thousands of Scouts and leaders that have paddled our trek, we'll also be paying remembrance to the devastating Great Flood of 1927. An event that dramatically altered the Atchafalaya Swamp, mankind's relationship with our rivers and wetlands, and ultimately reshaped the landscape and environment Scouts get to explore today.

A cattle skull resting high on a cypress tree's trunk is all that's left to remember the highwater crest of 1927. Hundreds of lives were lost. Hundreds of thousands were displaced, and countless lives were changed forever.

Next summer, we remember their stories with every mile paddled....

08/29/2026

Big thanks to those of you who came out to help Kaylee finish her Eagle Project today!