Promoting Youth development and Scouting Values
through sailing

Earn the Small Boat Sailing (SBS) Merit Badge

Step 1 - Enroll in one of our annual Youth Sailing Camps or one of our Adult/Youth "Start Sailing Right" courses. Click on the links above to view course information, schedules, and registration requirements.

Step 2 - Obtain your copy of the "Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge Handbook" and the Merit Badge Application (Blue Card).

Step 3 - Call or email the "Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge Counselor(s) listed below to make arrangements to demonstrate your proficiency for badge requirements.

Counselor List (Counselors on this list are registered with the BSA Indian Waters Council)

*Ryan Gaskin - 803-865-2777 - r98gaskin@bellsouth.net
Frank McKinnon - 803-749-2070 - fmckinnon1@sc.rr.com
Chelsea Hexel - 561-713-8547 - chelsealynnhexel@gmail.com
*Tommy Weaver - 803-735-0011 - tommyweaver@sc.rr.com
Allan Gowans - 803 -781-4762 - LMSCSummercamp@aol.com
*Qualified to sign off CPR requirement of SBS Merit Badge

What to Expect

• Scouts successfully completing one of our basic Youth Camp or Adult/Youth sailing courses will be able to satisfy all 9 requirements under section 6 of the "Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge Handbook. This represents approximately 1/3 of the total requirements. Completion of these courses also earns the student US Sailing certification in basic small boat sailing.
  
• Recommended skills for Scouts to be able to demonstrate before registering for Youth Camp are (1) BSA swim Test, (2) CPR, (3) Knots (Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge requirement 7.a.)
  
• The swim test is a prerequisite.
  
• CPR must be taught by a qualified CPR instructor. LMSC does have CPR certified SBS Merit Badge Counselors qualified to sign the scout's "blue card" if proper CPR procedure can be demonstrated.
  
• Merit Badge Counselors are available to teach Marlinspike Seamanship (Knots) but much time can be saved if this skill is mastered prior to taking the course.
  
• Our Merit Badge counselors will work with Scouts and course instructors to be available to Scouts who want to demonstrate proficiency in all "Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge" requirements. Counselors will try to be available as much as possible during and after scheduled instruction periods. Counselors will work with Scouts at alternate times as can be mutually agreed upon.
  
• LMSC will provide a demo manikin for Scouts demonstrating proficiency administering CPR, a "Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge" requirement.
  
• LMSC counselors will sign off, on the Merit Badge Application form (blue card), all Merit Badge requirements for which the Scout demonstrates knowledge or proficiency.
  
• Scouts successfully completing one of our basic Youth Camp or Adult/Youth sailing courses will be eligible to participate in Lake Murray Sailing Club's continuing Youth Sailing events and programs. Examples are our 2009 Wednesday evening "Soda Can" races and youth sailing teams being organized this season. Club boats will be available for youth activities of this type.