Master the Skills of Canoeing

Canoeing combines paddling technique, coordination, and an understanding of water safety. Scouts will learn the parts of a canoe and paddle, practice essential strokes, and develop the skills needed to safely operate a canoe on the water.

Through supervised instruction, participants will practice launching, landing, steering, and maneuvering a canoe. Scouts will also learn how to work effectively with a paddling partner and respond appropriately to common boating situations.

Skills You'll Practice

• Identifying canoe equipment and understanding proper care and maintenance.
• Using essential paddling strokes to control direction and movement.
• Launching, landing, and maneuvering a canoe safely.
• Working with a paddling partner to coordinate strokes and navigate a course.
• Practicing canoe recovery and rescue techniques under supervision.
• Applying Scouting America's boating safety principles.

Prepare Before Class

Scouts should read the Canoeing Merit Badge pamphlet and review the official requirements before attending. Be prepared to discuss canoeing safety, equipment, paddling techniques, and appropriate responses to boating emergencies.

The merit badge counselor may email additional prerequisites or discussion assignments approximately one week before class. Completing these preparations in advance allows more time for practical instruction on the water.

Equipment & Instruction

Canoes, paddles, and required boating safety equipment will be provided for scheduled instruction. Scouts should arrive ready to participate in supervised water activities and follow all directions from aquatics staff.

Before You Arrive: Required Preparation & Safety

Canoeing requires swimming ability, physical participation, and careful attention to waterfront safety. Scouts and parents should review the following requirements before registering to ensure participants arrive ready for a safe and successful day at Allatoona Aquatics Base.

Annual Health and Medical Record

Every Scout must bring a printed, completed, and parent- or guardian-signed Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A and B). Digital copies are not accepted. Incomplete forms must be corrected before class begins, and Scouts cannot participate without the required medical documentation.

Download the Annual Health and Medical Record

Swimmer Classification Required

Canoeing Merit Badge is not a learn-to-swim class. Scouts must successfully complete the Scouting America Swim Classification Test and qualify as a Swimmer before participating in canoeing activities.

The Swimmer test includes:

• Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth and return to the surface.
• Swim 75 yards using one or more strong forward strokes, such as crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke, or trudgen.
• Continue swimming for 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke.
• Complete the full 100 yards continuously, including at least one sharp turn.
• After completing the swim, demonstrate the ability to rest by floating.

Important: Scouts should be comfortable swimming in lake water, including areas where they cannot see the bottom. Dog paddling does not satisfy the required stroke standard. Scouts who cannot qualify as Swimmers will not be permitted to participate in canoeing activities.

Required Footwear

Closed-toed shoes are mandatory for everyone at Allatoona Aquatics Base, including Scouts, parents, and visitors. Flip-flops, sandals, and Crocs are not permitted.

Closed-toed water shoes are recommended for canoeing activities because participants may need to enter the water during launching, landing, and recovery exercises.

Canoe Recovery & Waterfront Safety

Scouts will practice supervised canoe recovery and rescue techniques as part of their instruction. These activities may involve intentionally capsizing a canoe, entering the water, and learning how to recover safely.

Participants must wear properly fitted, approved personal flotation devices (life jackets) as directed. All Scouts must follow the buddy system, instructor directions, and established waterfront safety procedures.

Activities may be delayed, modified, or canceled because of severe weather, lightning, or unsafe water conditions.

What to Bring

• Printed and signed Annual Health and Medical Record, Parts A and B
• Closed-toed water shoes suitable for canoeing
• Appropriate swimwear and a towel
• Change of dry clothing
• Refillable water bottle and sunscreen
• Packed lunch and snacks — food is not sold at the base
• Hat, sunglasses, and weather-appropriate clothing
• Canoeing Merit Badge pamphlet and completed prerequisites

Check-In & Arrival

Check-in begins at 8:00 AM at the Main Pavilion. Please arrive on time with all required forms and supplies.

Allatoona Aquatics Base
200 Lovingood Drive
Woodstock, GA 30189

Upon entering camp, continue past the Ranger's residence and equipment sheds. The Main Pavilion will be on your right, with parking nearby and overflow parking across from the lot entrance.

Observe the posted 12 MPH speed limit, follow camp staff directions, and remember that pets are not permitted.

Put Your Canoeing Skills to the Test

Earning the Canoeing Merit Badge requires Scouts to demonstrate practical paddling techniques, safe boat handling, and an understanding of boating safety. Participants must show that they can control a canoe, work effectively with a paddling partner, and respond appropriately to common situations on the water.

Scouts will practice maneuvering a canoe through designated exercises and demonstrate recovery techniques under the supervision of their merit badge counselor.

Completing the Merit Badge

The merit badge may be completed during the scheduled class if all requirements are successfully demonstrated and conditions permit. Scouts who need additional practice or cannot complete every requirement may receive partial completion and finish their outstanding requirements later.

Prepare for Success

Review the official requirements, become familiar with basic paddling strokes, and arrive ready to participate in hands-on instruction. Preparation and active participation will help Scouts make the most of their time on the water.

Registration & Important Policies

Advance registration is required, and class sizes are limited. Review the current event schedule and registration instructions before selecting a class.

Class Changes & Cancellations

Under the previously published event policy, final payments and attendance numbers are due 10 days before the event. Substitutions and class changes are not permitted after this deadline.

Refund Policy

The previously published policy provides a full refund for cancellations made at least 12 days before the scheduled class. Cancellations within 11 days of the event are not guaranteed a refund and are subject to Council discretion.

All class changes, cancellations, and refund requests must be submitted by email. Requests cannot be accepted by telephone.

Email: aacaquaticsmbdays@gmail.com

Your Next Paddle Starts Here!

Build confidence, develop essential paddling skills, and discover what you can accomplish on the water. Get ready to earn your Canoeing Merit Badge at Allatoona Aquatics Base!

Registration Contact

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