Home Maintenance Scout Interest Badge

(Previously Handyman Interest Badge)

Learning how to care for and maintain a home is an essential life skill. The Home Maintenance Scout Interest Badge gives you the chance to develop practical skills that will help you handle everyday repairs, use tools safely, and understand how basic household systems work. You’ll gain confidence in completing tasks like fixing a leaking tap, painting a room, or repairing a broken fence. Through hands-on activities and demonstrations, you'll become more capable, independent, and ready to take responsibility at home, at camp, and in your community.

Badge Requirements

Home Maintenance

1. Personal Toolbox and Tool Knowledge
   Present your personal toolbox to the examiner and explain the purpose and use of each tool you have chosen to include.
2. Power Tool Use and Maintenance
   Demonstrate the use and care of the following:
   1. Power Drill – Show how to use a power drill safely and effectively. Identify and explain the use of twist bits, masonry bits, woodboring bits and tile bits.
   2. Sander – Use and maintain either a block, orbital, or belt sander. Show how to correctly replace the sandpaper on any two types.
   3. Jigsaw – Safely operate a jigsaw to cut out a pattern provided by the examiner.
3. Hand Tool Skills and Safety
   Demonstrate the correct use and safe storage of the following hand tools:
   1. Saws – Use three different types of hand saws and explain when each type is most suitable.
   2. Hammers – Identify various types of hammers and demonstrate their correct use for specific tasks.
   3. Paint Brushes and Rollers – Show how to use and clean paint brushes and rollers. Describe the main types of paint and explain basic painting principles and describe different painting techniques.
   4. Screwdrivers – Demonstrate the use of different types of screwdrivers. Explain their advantages and disadvantages for various tasks.
4. Practical Home Maintenance Tasks
   Complete any FIVE of the following practical maintenance tasks. For each task, demonstrate the correct use of tools, and show that you understand how to clean, maintain, and store them safely after use.
   1. Hang or rehang a door, and repair or replace door fittings such as handles and locks.
   2. Glaze a window, explaining and demonstrating the necessary safety precautions.
   3. Safely and effectively use a spray gun to paint or finish a surface.
   4. Discuss and demonstrate basic winterisation techniques, including how to prevent frozen pipes, safely thaw them, and the immediate actions to take in the event of a burst water pipe or gas leak.
   5. Mix concrete, dagha, or make cement blocks or clay bricks, and carry out a simple repair to a wall or floor.
   6. Repair damaged plastering on a wall.
   7. Paint a ceiling or wall or apply wallpaper. Show correct methods for using, cleaning, and storing paintbrushes and/or rollers.
   8. Replace the mantle on a gas lamp or the wick on a paraffin lamp and clean the glass.
   9. Prepare and paint metalwork, such as a garden fence or railing.
   10. Repair a fence or hang a gate using appropriate tools and materials.
   11. Maintain a swimming pool by cleaning and caring for it over a period of at least one month.
   12. Lay wall or floor tiles, showing correct preparation and installation techniques.
   13. Repair a simple household electrical appliance, demonstrating safe handling.
   14. Clear a blocked drain using appropriate tools and safety measures.
   15. Fix a leaking tap, identifying the source of the problem and replacing necessary components.
   16. Repair a piece of camping or Scouting equipment, restoring it to functional use.
   17. Complete a similar home maintenance task, approved in advance by the examiner.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

• Home Maintenance Scout Interest Badge (PDF)

Last Update

June 2025

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