Virtual Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge

What:   Reptiles and Amphibians Study Merit Badge provides scouts with an introduction to herpetology.  The requirements cover biology and ecology of herptiles, global and local diversity, and the conservation of reptiles and amphibians.  Some independent work is required.  

 Meet your Counselor - Brian Bastarache has been part of the Bristol County Agricultural High School Natural Resource Management Department (NRM) since 1995 and has been the department chairman since 2005. He has spearheaded the creation of the Conservation Aquaculture Program, which has provided several real-world, cooperative project-based education opportunities that have enhanced the educational experience of his students and provided tangible assistance to the conservation efforts of cooperating partners. Cooperating partners include the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife, Hofstra University, and Oxbow Associates, Inc.  He has recent and ongoing volunteer and paid experience as a field biologist, attends regional meetings and conferences. He holds several related certifications (e.g., Wilderness First Aid).

Remaining active in the field, Brian works for Oxbow Associates, Inc. (when extra help is needed) and has been part of a team conducting Northern Diamondback Terrapin surveys in the Lower Taunton River in cooperation with the Taunton River Watershed Alliance. He sets a high bar for himself and expects his students to do the same. He is deeply aware of the importance of conservation and education. New ideas and opportunities are always exciting and welcomed. Contact information is listed below.

BS: Wildlife and Fisheries Biology - University of Massachusetts at Amherst

MA: Environmental Management - Harvard University

WHO: Open to all Scouts BSA members.

HOW:  The Reptile and Amphibian Merit Badge will be taught in a virtual classroom. The class has a capacity of 15 Scouts. Small classroom size provides all students with the opportunity to share and interact with the counselors and other Scouts. Scouts should be prepared to be challenged and to join the conversation! Participants who do not engage with the class may not receive credit for the badge. Scouts must be prompt for all badge sessions. Late participants may not receive credit for all requirements. Scouts must use a device with video to access this class.

Before beginning work on any merit badge, scouts are to have a discussion with their unit leader regarding the specific badge and counselor.

WHEN: This class will be held virtually over two sessions:

May 11, 2020 7:00PM-9:00PM

May 14, 2020 7:00PM-9:00PM

Scouts must attend both sessions to complete the offered requirements.

After registering, Scouts will receive a link and login information via email the day of the scheduled class. Scouts will also receive instructor details that can be used to connect to the counselor on Scoutbook. This assures that completed requirements are easily recorded. 

PREREQUISITES: 

8.A. (optional)

Requirements completed in class: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 10

Requirements completed as homework: 8 & 9

Suggested supplies/prep-work for students:

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