Indian Lore

Indian Lore merit badge requirements

1. Identify the different American Indian cultural areas. Explain what makes them each unique.
2. Give the history of one American Indian tribe, group or nation that lives or has lived near you. Visit it, if possible. Tell about traditional dwellings, way of life, tribal government, religious beliefs, family and clan relationships, language, clothing styles, arts and crafts, food preparation, means of getting around, games, customs in warfare, where members of the group now live, and how they live.
3. Do TWO of the following. Focus on a specific group or tribe.

   a. Make an item of clothing worn by members of the tribe.

   b. Make and decorate three items used by the tribe, as approved by your counselor.

   c. Make an authentic model of a dwelling used by any Indian tribe, group, or nation.

   d. Visit a museum to see Indian artifacts. Discuss them with your counselor. Identify at least 10artifacts by tribe or nation, their shape, size, and use.

4. Do ONE of the following:

   a. Learn three games played by a group or tribe. Teach and lead one game with a Scout group.

   b. Learn and show how a tribe traditionally cooked or prepared food. Make three food items.

   c. Give a demonstration showing how a specific Indian group traditionally hunted, fished, or trapped.

5. Do ONE of the following:

   a. Write or briefly describe how life might have been different for the European settlers if there had been no native Americans to meet them when they came to this continent.

   b. Sing two songs in an Indian language. Explain their meanings.

   c. Learn in an Indian language at least 25 common terms and their meanings.

   d. Show 25 signs in Indian sign language. Include those that will help you ask for water, for food, and where the path or road leads.

   e. Learn an Indian story of up to 300 words (or several shorter stories adding up to no more than 300 words). Tell the story or stories at a Scout gathering or campfire.

   f. Write or tell about eight things adopted by others from American Indians.

   g. Learn 25 Indian place names. Tell their origins and meanings.

   h. Name five well-known American Indian leaders, either from the past or people of today. Give their tribes or nations. Describe what they did or do now that makes them notable.

   i. Attend a contemporary American Indian gathering. Discuss with your counselor what you learned and observed. Include in your discussion any singing, dancing, drumming, and the various men’s and women’s dance styles you saw.

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: Boy Scout Requirements, 2014 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #637685)

A FREE workbook for Indian Lore is available here! with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need! Or click here to print just the Indian Lore requirements.

meritbadge.org has PDF and DOC versions of Boy Scout merit badge workbooks, Webelos workbooks, and Cub Scout workbooks.

• Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." Pamphlets (books) are at local Scout Shops and online at ScoutStuff.org.
• "Get a signed Merit Badge application from your Scoutmaster." An online, printable Word doc file version is available.

• Boy Scout Merit Badges: Architecture - Art - Basketry - Bugling - Cinematography - Cooking - Graphic Arts - Indian Lore - Leatherwork - Metalwork - Model Design and Building - Music - Photography - Pottery - Sculpture - Theater- Wood Carving - Woodwork
• Venturing: Arts and Hobbies Bronze Award - Outdoor Living History (Ranger Award elective)
• Webelos Activity Badges: Artist - Craftsman - Showman
• Cub Scout Belt Loops & Pins: Art - Music

• An Introduction to Merit Badges – how to get started, who chooses the counselor, etc.
• Merit Badge Worksheets & Requirements – with the revision dates, diagrams, charts, checklists, logs, and links you need.
• Merit Badge Application – offers online resources to let you print "Blue Cards," etc.
• Merit Badge FAQ – answers dozens of questions like: Who can be a counselor? Can requirements be added or removed?
• Merit Badges Requiring Prior Approval – Certain requirements need prior approval. Most do not. Here is the list.
• Also see: List of how many boys have earned each Merit Badge – Merit Badge policies – Merit badges required for the Eagle Scout rank – Merit Badge Days
• Additionally: List of Merit Badges by Field of Study – Merit Badge Pamphlets & Libraries
• Merit Badge Counselors must complete Youth Protection Training, file an Adult Application (and Merit Badge Counselor Information Form); and be approved by the local council. (See the Guide for Merit Badge Counselors for additional details.)