Our top notch Nature department offers 15 merit badges! These badges include (in the order pictured above) Astronomy, Bird Study, Energy, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife, Fishing, Forestry, Geology, Insect Study, Mammal Study, Nature, Oceanography, Reptile & Amphibian Study, Soil and Water Conservation, Space Exploration and Weather. Below are just a few of the activities Scouts can enjoy in the Nature Lodge.

Nature Hikes – The Nature Trail is always available, and guided hikes are available upon request.

The Scavenger Hunt – Camp Ranachqua’s world famous scavenger hunt is part of campwide games on Thursday night. Good luck!

Conservation Projects – Conservation projects are outstanding ideas for troops wanting to do a service project for the camp. See the Nature Director and Program Director for ideas.

Hornaday Award – This is one of the most prestigious awards offered by the B.SA. It symbolizes an outstanding commitment to conservation and the environment. This award is extremely time consuming and requires a great deal of work. However, the Camp Ranachqua nature department will be happy to get you going in the right direction. It requires that a Scout:
1. Earn Environmental Science merit badge.
2. Earn 2 merit badges from the following group: Forestry, Soil & Water Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Management
3. Earn 3 merit badges from the following group: Bird Study, Geology, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Mammal Study, Nature, Weather, Oceanography
4. Do four substantial service projects in the areas of energy conservation, soil and water, fish and wildlife, forestry, air and water pollution, resource recovery.

World Conservation Award – For Scouts who have already earned Citizenship in the World merit badge, they may earn the World Conservation Award simply by completing:
1. Environmental Science merit badge.
2. Soil and Water Conservation or Fish and Wildlife Management merit badges.

Leave no Trace Award – May be completed by earning Camping and Environmental Science
merit badges, and completing a service project for the camp.