07/27/2026
New merit badge!!!
As wildfires continue to impact communities across the country, preparing the next generation to understand and respond to these challenges has never been more timely. So far this year, more than 40,000 wildfires have burned over 3.8 million acres across the United States, keeping firefighters and emergency responders busy nationwide.
That's why Scouting America's newest merit badge, Wildland Fire Management, is so important.
Developed in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Society of American Foresters, this hands-on merit badge gives Scouts the opportunity to learn directly from wildfire professionals about fire ecology, wildfire behavior, prevention, emergency preparedness, firefighting careers, and the critical role fire plays in our environment.
As a Scouting alumnus, you've seen firsthand how Scouting prepares young people for life. This new merit badge continues that tradition by equipping today's Scouts with knowledge and skills that are more relevant than ever.
If you're attending the 2026 National Jamboree, stop by the Wildland Fire Management Merit Badge booth in Boulder Cove Village, July 23–25 and July 27–29, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. And don't miss the official launch ceremony on July 29 from 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Together, we can help inspire the next generation of leaders, conservationists, and public servants.
See the merit badge requirements here:
https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/wildland-fire-management/
