Earn Your Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge with the Help of New England Reptile Shows!
If you haven’t yet earned your Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge, read on.
New England Reptile Shows will donate a snake or reptile that you can take care of for one month to help you earn this badge.
To get your Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge, you need to be able to:
- know the identifying characteristics of six species of reptiles and four species of amphibians
- describe how reptiles and amphibians reproduce
- know which four species of reptiles are protected by federal law and why
- identify at night three kinds of toads by their voices
- maintain one or more reptiles for at least a month – we can help you with that!
- and other qualifications—find out more here
You’ll also need to understand the differences between the following:
- amphibians and reptiles
- alligators and crocodiles
- toads and frogs
- snakes and lizards
This knowledge is important because it helps you learn about the life cycle of reptiles and amphibians, and how essential they are to the natural environment. Keeping one as a pet teaches you even more about natural history. What’s more, knowing about which species of snakes are venomous and what to do when you encounter a poisonous one will prepare you in case of emergencies.
What we do
New England Reptile Shows will put on a private reptile show for your troop and those scouts interested in obtaining their badge! With a hands on show, get up close and personal while learning how to care for these amazing reptiles. At the end of the show we will donate a snake or other reptile, which you’ll be required to care for during a full month.
We’ll provide the following:
- a snake or reptile (never a venomous species)
- habitat with heat lamp or mat
- water dish
- and care instructions for feeding
What you’ll need to do
You’ll be required to feed the reptile on a regular schedule, handle, clean and care for them. For a snake, this could mean feeding once a week, while bearded dragons need to be fed every day. You’ll need to make sure the reptile has proper heating and is comfortable. You’ll have to keep the habitat clean and the water bowl fresh. And yes, this means that even if your snake poops in his water bowl, you’ll need to completely clean it out and refresh the water.
During the month when you keep a reptile as a pet, you’ll need to keep a daily log, and take him out and handle him every day; this helps reptiles get used to human contact.
When the month is over, the professionals at New England Reptile Shows will inspect—we’ll check the appearance, health and temperament of the reptile to ensure he’s been cared for properly, and examine the habitat to make sure it’s been maintained well. It’s as simple as that!
The benefits of getting your badge with New England Reptile Shows:
- You won’t have to worry about the expenses of a reptile or the habitat, only food and care.
- As reptile professionals, we’ll inspect to make sure you’ve met all the expectations needed to earn that part of your badge.
- We offer HUGE discounts for any scouting event.
At New England Reptile Shows, we’re invested in promoting greater education and awareness about our friends in the reptile world. That’s why we work with groups like the Boy Scouts to help provide an easier path toward that education. Most of all, taking care of one of our reptiles is just plain fun, and an experience you’ll never forget!
Troop leaders, click here to book a show online today!
