Basketry Merit Badge

Introduction

Welcome, scouts! The Basketry Merit Badge is all about learning how to create baskets from natural materials. You'll learn about different types of baskets, the materials used to make them, and the techniques used to weave them. By the end of this merit badge, you'll have a new appreciation for the art of basketry!

Merit Badge Requirements

1. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while working on basketry projects, including cuts, scratches, insect bites, and reactions to poisonous plants.
2. Do the following:
   1. Explain to your counselor the hazards you are most likely to encounter while using basketry tools and materials, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
   2. Show that you know how to use basketry tools safely.
3. Make two baskets using different materials and different weaving techniques. Explain the uses of baskets.
4. Make two articles from bark or leaves.
5. Make two cordage items.
6. Do ONE of the following:
   1. Make a splint basket.
   2. Make a coil basket.
   3. Make a plaited basket.
   4. Make a braided or woven rug or mat.
7. Do ONE of the following:
   1. Make a pack basket or a creel.
   2. Make a rice basket or a berry basket.
   3. Make a folded bark basket or a quilled object.
   4. Make a basket of your own design, incorporating additional materials in its construction.

Lesson

Alright scouts, let's get started on Basketry! First things first, we need to make sure we're prepared for any injuries or illnesses that could happen while working on our projects. Can anyone tell me what types of injuries or illnesses we should be prepared for?

That's right, cuts, scratches, insect bites, and reactions to poisonous plants are all potential hazards. So, we need to make sure we have a first aid kit handy and know how to use it. Who knows how to use a first aid kit?

Great, now that we're prepared, let's talk about the different types of baskets we can make. There are so many possibilities! We can make splint baskets, coil baskets, plaited baskets, and even braided or woven rugs or mats. Who has an idea for what type of basket they want to make?

Now, let's talk about materials. We can use all sorts of natural materials to make our baskets, like bark, leaves, and cordage. Who knows what cordage is?

That's right, cordage is a type of rope or string made by twisting or braiding fibers together. We can use cordage to make all sorts of things, like handles for our baskets. Who wants to try making some cordage?

Finally, let's talk about weaving techniques. There are so many different ways to weave a basket, like over-under weaving, twining, and plaiting. Who wants to try out a weaving technique?

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and be creative! Don't be afraid to try new things and experiment with different materials and techniques.

Questions

• What types of injuries or illnesses should we be prepared for while working on basketry projects?
• What are some different types of baskets we can make?
• What are some natural materials we can use to make baskets?
• What is cordage, and how can we use it in basketry?
• What are some different weaving techniques we can use to make baskets?

Remember, if you have any questions or need help with your Basketry Merit Badge, don't hesitate to reach out to your merit badge counselor. They're here to help you succeed!

Schedule

Week	Requirements
1	Requirement 1, 2a
2	Requirements 2b, 3
3	Requirement 4, 5
4	Requirement 6, any unfinished requirements