Scoutcraft and Interest Badges
Scoutcraft and Scout Interest Badges give Scouts the opportunity to explore personal interests, develop new skills, and discover potential career paths. With over 100 badges available, topics range from sports and crafts to science, trades, and business.
While Scouts may earn Scoutcraft Badges at any stage, Scout Interest Badges are designed for Scouts aged 13 and older. Some badges that require more advanced technical knowledge and skills are geared towards Scouts aged 15 and older. Certain Interest Badges may also require the completion of specific Scoutcraft badges as a foundation.
Scoutcraft Badges
- Air Planner
- Athletics
- Aviation Skills
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Charts
- Climbing
- Computer Pilot
- Conservation
- Dance
- Drone Operator
- Entrepreneurship
- Fires & Cooking
- First Aid
- Fitness
- Food for Life - Starter
- Food for Life - Silver
- Geocaching
- Heritage
- Hiking
- Hobbies
- Home Carer
- Map Reading
- Oarsman
- Observation
- Patrol Activities
- Pioneering
- Religion and Life
- Sailing
- Sports Fan
- Survival
- Swimming
- Watermanship
Scoutcraft Badge Gallery
-
Air Planner -
Athletics -
Aviation Skills -
Camping -
Canoeing -
Charts -
Climbing -
Computer Pilot -
Conservation -
Dance -
Drone Operator -
Entrepreneurship -
Fires & Cooking -
First Aid -
Fitness -
Food for Life - Starter -
Food for Life - Silver -
Geocaching -
Heritage -
Hiking -
Hobbies -
Home Carer -
Map Reading -
Oarsman -
Observation -
Patrol Activities -
Pioneering -
Religion and Life -
Sailing -
Sports Fan -
Survival -
Swimming -
Watermanship
Scout Interest Badges
- Advanced Navigation
- Air Glider
- Air Mechanic
- Air Meteorologist
- Air Navigator
- Air Spotter
- Air Traffic Controller
- Amateur Radio Operator
- Archaeologist
- Archer
- Art of Dance
- Artist
- Astronomer
- Athlete
- Beekeeper
- Birder
- Boardsailing
- Boatman
- Boatswain
- Camp Quartermaster
- Campfire Leader
- Canoeist
- Carpenter
- Charting
- Chess Player
- Coin Collecting
- Collector
- Computer
- Cook
- Cyclist
- Designer
- Disaster Risk Management
- Draughting
- Drone Pilot
- Electrician
- Electronic Engineer
- Entertainer
- Entrepreneur
- Environmental Awareness
- Equestrian
- Farmer
- Firefighter
- First Aid
- Fishing
- Food for Life - Gold
- Forester
- Gardener
- Genealogy
- Geocaching
- Geologist
- Guide
- Handcrafts
- Helmsman
- Hike Leader
- Home Carer
- Home Maintenance
- Journalist
- Leather Worker
- Lifesaver
- Linguist
- Mapping
- Master-at-Arms
- Mechanic
- Metal Worker
- Model Aero Engineer
- Model Engineer
- Musician
- Patrol Leadership
- Personal Fitness
- Pet Keeper
- Photographer
- Pioneer
- Plumber
- Power Boating
- Public Health
- Reader
- Religion and Life
- Rock Climbing
- Safety Code
- Scribe
- Sharpshooter
- Ship Quartermaster
- Signaller
- Snorkelling
- Space Explorer
- Speaker
- Sports
- Stamp Collector
- Survival
- Swimmer
- Veldcraft
- Videographer
- Virtual Aviator
- Voyager
- Water Biologist
- Wave Rider
- Weathercaster
- Woodcrafts
- World Friendship
Scout Interest Badge Gallery
-
Advanced Navigation -
Air Glider -
Air Mechanic -
Air Meteorologist -
Air Navigator -
Air Spotter -
Air Traffic Controller -
Amateur Radio Operator -
Archaeologist -
Archer -
Art of Dance -
Artist -
Astronomer -
Athlete -
Beekeeper -
Birder -
Boardsailing -
Boatman -
Boatswain -
Camp Quartermaster -
Campfire Leader -
Canoeist -
Carpenter -
Charting -
Chess Player -
Coin Collecting -
Collector -
Computer -
Cook -
Cyclist -
Designer -
Disaster Risk Management -
Draughting -
Drone Pilot -
Electrician -
Electronic Engineer -
Entertainer -
Entrepreneur -
Environmental Awareness -
Equestrian -
Farmer -
Firefighter -
First Aid -
Fishing -
Food for Life - Gold -
Forester -
Gardener -
Genealogy -
Geocaching -
Geologist -
Guide -
Handcrafts -
Helmsman -
Hike Leader -
Home Carer -
Home Maintenance -
Journalist -
Leather Worker -
Lifesaver -
Linguist -
Mapping -
Master-at-Arms -
Mechanic -
Metal Worker -
Model Aero Engineer -
Model Engineer -
Musician -
Patrol Leadership -
Personal Fitness -
Pet Keeper -
Photographer -
Pioneer -
Plumber -
Power Boating -
Public Health -
Reader -
Religion and Life -
Rock Climbing -
Safety Code -
Scribe -
Sharpshooter -
Ship Quartermaster -
Signaller -
Snorkelling -
Space Explorer -
Speaker -
Sports -
Stamp Collector -
Survival -
Swimmer -
Veldcraft -
Videographer -
Virtual Aviator -
Voyager -
Water Biologist -
Wave Rider -
Weathercaster -
Woodcrafts -
World Friendship
Wearing of Badges and Insignia
When a Scout earns a Scout Interest Badge, the corresponding Scoutcraft Badge is removed from the uniform shirt sleeve and replaced with the Interest Badge.
This shows the Scout’s progression from foundational skills to more advanced knowledge and application in that subject. Only one badge per subject area may be worn at any time, and it must be the highest level badge earned.
Your Badge Questions Answered – Scoutcraft & Interest Badge FAQ for Scouts
Badges are one of the best parts of Scouting — they let you learn new skills, explore your interests, and show what you've achieved. But sometimes Scouts hear 'rules' about badges that aren't quite right. This FAQ answers the most common questions Scouts have about Scoutcraft and Scout Interest Badges, so you know exactly how they work and what's expected. If you still have questions or if you're unsure about anything else, you can always speak to your RTC: Scout Programme or send an email to [email protected] for the correct guidance.
Scoutcraft and Scout Interest Badges - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Getting Started
- What is a badge?
✅ A badge shows that you've learned a skill, tried something new, or completed a challenge. It's a way to track your progress and celebrate your achievements.
- Why do I need to earn badges?
✅ Badges aren't just for fun — they are an important part of the Scout Advancement Programme. Earning Scoutcraft and Scout Interest badges helps you progress through the different advancement levels, like Traveler, Discoverer, and First Class. They also give you skills, experiences, and achievements that build your Scouting journey step by step.
- Is there a difference between a Scoutcraft Badge and a Scout Interest Badge?
✅ Yes. They are not the same thing – they are different but connected. Scoutcraft Badges cover core Scouting skills like camping, pioneering, and first aid. Interest Badges explore hobbies and specialist topics, usually for older Scouts (14+).
- Do I need to already be good at something before starting a badge?
❌ No. Badges are about learning, exploring, and improving, not proving you're already an expert.
- Do I have to finish the Scoutcraft Badge before starting an Interest Badge?
❌ No. You can start any Interest Badge if you meet the age requirement. Many Scouts like completing the Scoutcraft Badge first because it gives a strong foundation. Some Interest Badges do require certain Scoutcraft Badges as prerequisites — always check the requirements before you begin.
- Are there badges that have prerequisites other than age?
✅ Yes. Some badges need you to have certain skills or have earned specific Scoutcraft Badges first. Always check the requirements before you start.
- How do I know if a badge is right for me?
✅ Badges are designed for specific age ranges, skill levels and interests. Your Patrol Leader or Troop Scouter can help you choose.
Working on a Badge
- Can I work on more than one badge at a time?
✅ Yes! You can work on as many badges as you like. Just make sure you meet the requirements for each one.
- Can I redo a badge if I didn't get it right the first time?
✅ Yes. You can always try again until you meet the requirements.
- Can I count activities I did at school, sports clubs, or community groups toward a badge?
✅ Often, yes — as long as they meet the badge requirements exactly. Your examiner can confirm that the requirements have been met.
- Can I use the same task for more than one badge or advancement item?
✅ Yes — unless the requirement says otherwise. If you've done it as written in the badge requirements, it counts.
- Can I use activities from PLTC or PLTU for Scoutcraft or Interest Badges?
❌ No. Activities done on PLTC or PLTU count only towards the PLTC or PLTU National Challenge Award.
✅ If you enjoyed something there, like a pioneering project or a rock-climbing patrol activity, you can always do a similar activity again back in your Troop or Patrol, this time specifically for the badge requirements. That way, the experience is yours, and it counts properly toward the badge.
- Can I combine badge work with other advancement awards?
✅ Yes, if the activities meet the requirements for both badges.
- Are online or digital activities allowed for badge work?
✅ Sometimes. If the activity meets the requirements, it can count. Always check with your examiner first.
- Do I need special equipment or uniforms for badges?
✅ Some badges require basic gear, tools, or materials. Your examiner will let you know what you need.
- Are there badges that require camping, hiking, or outdoor activities?
✅ Yes! Some Scoutcraft and Interest Badges include outdoor skills and adventures.
Progress and Completion
- How long does it take to complete a badge?
⏱️It depends on the badge and your pace. Some take a few weeks, others several months.
- Who can help me learn the skills for a badge?
✅ Your Patrol Leader, Troop Scouter, or another experienced Scout or adult can help you practise the skills you'll need. Sometimes District or Regional activities also give you the chance to learn.
❌ The examiner's job is to test, not to train you — so make sure you've practised before meeting them.
- Can my Patrol Leader teach me the skills for a badge?
✅ Yes! Your Patrol Leader or another experienced Scout can definitely help you learn and practise the skills you'll need. It's a big part of peer learning in Scouting.
❌ But remember — your Patrol Leader cannot sign off the badge. Only an approved adult examiner can do that.
- Do I have to finish a badge in one year?
❌ No. You can continue working on any badge until you turn eighteen. But it's best to finish within a reasonable time so your skills stay fresh and relevant.
- Can I complete part of a badge one year and finish it the next?
✅ Yes, that's perfectly fine.
- Do I need to record all my progress or just show it at the end?
✅ Keep track of your work — photos, notes, or evidence will help your examiner when signing off the badge.
- Can I still do the activities I enjoyed after earning the badge?
✅ Of course! Earning the badge doesn't mean you have to stop learning or practicing.
- Is there a limit to how many badges I can earn before I turn 18?
❌ No. You can earn as many as you want!
- What happens if I move to a different Troop — do I keep my badge progress?
✅ Yes. Your progress moves with you. Let your new Troop Scouter know so you can continue with the right examiner approvals.
Working with Buddies and Patrols
- Must two Scouts always work together on a badge?
❌ No. You do not have to work on a badge with another Scout, but you cannot meet with an examiner alone. You must have a companion when meeting an examiner, but your companion can be a fellow Scout, a friend, a relative, or any adult.
✅ Note: Always follow Safe from Harm rules — make sure an adult or responsible Scouter is present if needed and never put yourself or others at risk.
- Are there badges that require teamwork rather than individual work?
✅ Yes. Some badges involve group projects, Patrol challenges, or community service.
- Can I get help from other Scouts without breaking the rules?
✅ Definitely! Collaboration is encouraged, as long as the work you submit is your own.
Examiners and Approvals
- Who can be my badge examiner?
✅ Any registered examiner approved for that badge.
- Can my parents be my badge examiner?
❌ No - Not recommended. While parents can technically be registered examiners, Scouts should have their badge work assessed by someone other than their own parent. This avoids badges being signed off too easily or, on the other extreme, Scouts being pushed harder than is fair.
✅ It's best to work with other adults, as this is part of the Scouting journey. You get to learn from different people, gain new perspectives, and know your work is being assessed fairly.
- If my parent is a Scouter, can they be my badge examiner?
❌ No. If your parent is also a Scouter, they should NOT examine your badge work.
✅ Other examiners are always available to help, and this keeps the process objective and supportive.
- Can my Patrol Leader be my badge examiner?
❌ No. Only adults who are registered as examiners for that badge can sign off your work.
- How do I find out who the registered examiners are?
✅ Your Troop Scouter can provide a current list of approved examiners.
- Do I need my Troop Scouter's approval before meeting an examiner?
✅ Yes. Your Scouter will approve your application and give you a list of valid examiners.
- What happens if my examiner is unavailable? Can I find a new one?
✅ Yes, but your Troop Scouter must approve the new examiner first.
- Can my Troop Scouter or examiner change the badge requirements?
❌ No. Badge requirements are set nationally and cannot be changed.
- Can an examiner decide if my work meets a requirement?
✅ Yes, within limits. They can't add or remove requirements, but they can use their judgment to see if your work meets the standard.
- Can a badge be withheld if leaders doubt the examiner's decision?
❌ No. Once a registered examiner signs off a badge, it must be awarded.
Inclusivity and Adjustments
- Can Scouts with disabilities or special needs work on all badges?
✅ Yes! Badges are designed to be inclusive, and reasonable adjustments can be made to help every Scout succeed. Any adjusted requirements must be approved by the RTC: Scout Programme before you start the badge.
Certificates and Rewards
- Do I get a certificate or just the badge?
✅ After completing all the requirements, you will be presented with a badge to wear on your Scout uniform. Some Troops also include a certificate — check with your Troop Scouter.
- How long after I have completed the requirements will I receive the badge?
✅ Once your examiner has signed off your badge, it will be awarded as soon as possible. Timing can depend on your Troop or District processes, but usually you'll get your badge within a few weeks.
- Where do I put the badge on my uniform?
✅ Each badge has a designated spot on your uniform. Your Troop Scouter can show you exactly where to place it so it's worn correctly. For detailed guidance, you can also check the Scout uniform page on the Scout Wiki.
- Can I wear both Scoutcraft and Interest badges on my uniform at the same time?
❌ No. Scoutcraft badges and the corresponding Scout Interest badges are not worn together on your Scout uniform. Once you have earned the Scout Interest badge, the Scoutcraft badge is removed and replaced by the Interest badge.
Badge Examiners – Standards and Expectations for Examiners of Scoutcraft and Scout Interest Badges
Scoutcraft and Scout Interest badges form a vital part of the Scout Programme, giving young people opportunities to develop practical skills, explore new interests, and demonstrate initiative, perseverance, and achievement.
Not every Scout Group Leader, Troop Scouter, or Assistant Troop Scouter can be expected to have indepth knowledge of every skill, badge subject, or hobby. For this reason, the support of subject-specialist badge examiners is encouraged.
Examiners play a key role in upholding the credibility of these awards by ensuring that assessments are fair, consistent, and aligned with the values of the Scout Movement.
This document sets out the role of examiners, the qualities expected of them, and the standards to be maintained when assessing badge candidates. It is intended as guidance to support examiner training, standardise practice, and safeguard the credibility of all badge assessments within SCOUTS South Africa.
Media:Scoutcraft and Scout Interest Badges - Badge Examiners.pdf
Role of a Badge Examiner
Examiners are responsible for:
- Assessing competence: Determining whether a Scout has met the badge requirements.
- Encouraging learning: Creating a positive and supportive environment that motivates Scouts to do their best.
- Ensuring fairness: Applying requirements consistently across candidates while recognising individual effort.
- Maintaining integrity: Upholding the standards, value and credibility of Scoutcraft and Scout Interest badges within SCOUTS South Africa.
Who Can Be a Badge Examiner
Badge Examiners may be adults with recognised knowledge, skills, or experience in the subject area of the badge. They should be individuals of good character who are willing to work constructively with young people and uphold the values of SCOUTS South Africa.
Examiners may be members of the Scout Movement (such as Scouters, Rovers, or Adult Volunteers) or suitable subject specialists from the wider community, provided they understand and respect the aims of the Scout Programme.
Appointment of badge examiners should always be done in consultation with the Troop Scouter and, where appropriate, the District or Regional Programme Team.
Qualities of a Badge Examiner
Badge Examiners are expected to demonstrate the following qualities:
- Subject Knowledge
- Competence and confidence in the subject matter being assessed.
- Familiarity with current badge requirements and SCOUTS South Africa advancement policies.
- Impartiality
- Objectivity and fairness, without bias toward individual Scouts, Patrols, or Troops.
- Assessment based on requirements, not personal preferences.
- Youth-Centred Approach
- Understanding the age, ability, and developmental stage of Scouts.
- Encouraging Scouts to think, act, and reflect for themselves.
- Communication Skills
- Clear, age-appropriate explanations and questions.
- Ability to put candidates at ease and build confidence.
- Integrity and Consistency
- Ensuring that standards are neither diluted nor unnecessarily difficult.
- Applying requirements consistently across all candidates.
Standards for Assessments
Scoutcraft Badges
Scoutcraft badges are primarily aimed at younger Scouts (ages 11–13) and:
- Provide foundational knowledge and skills required for advancement.
- Act as prerequisite knowledge and training for many Scout Interest badges.
- Must be assessed at a level that reflects the Scout's age and current advancement level (e.g. Traveller, Discoverer, First Class).
- Require Scouts to demonstrate practical ability, not just theory.
- Ensure skills can be applied in realistic Scouting contexts such as camping, hiking, and Patrol activities.
Scout Interest Badges
Scout Interest badges are aimed at more senior Scouts (ages 14–17) and:
- Encourage Scouts to explore personal interests, hobbies, career pathways, or specialised skills.
- Build on the foundation skills and knowledge developed through Scoutcraft badges, reflecting the progressive learning approach of SCOUTS South Africa.
- Require a deeper level of knowledge, maturity, and responsibility than Scoutcraft badges.
- Should demonstrate evidence of sustained effort and application, not last-minute preparation.
- Must be assessed with age-appropriateness and advancement level in mind, recognising the progression from Scoutcraft foundations.
- Link personal learning with broader Scouting principles such as leadership, service, or responsibility.
Assessment Approach
- Preparation: Examiners must be familiar with the exact requirements before assessing.
- Questioning: Use open-ended questions to test understanding and encourage reflection.
- Observation: Watch Scouts demonstrate practical skills wherever possible.
- Documentation: Where reports, logs, or projects are required, check for originality and genuine effort.
- Feedback: Provide constructive feedback, highlighting strengths and offering guidance for improvement.
- Award Decision: Sign off requirements only when they are fully and satisfactorily completed.
Reporting Back
- To the Troop Scouter: Examiners should provide clear feedback to the Troop Scouter on the Scout's performance, noting both strengths and areas for further development. This ensures that learning continues within the Troop after the badge is awarded.
- Constructive Feedback: Provide direct feedback to the Scout during or immediately after the assessment, highlighting what they did well and offering clear suggestions for improvement. Share feedback with the Troop Scouter, including positive encouragement and suggestions for growth, so that learning and development can be reinforced in future activities.
- Issues or Concerns: If the badge requirements are not met, provide clear reasons and guidance on what still needs to be achieved, so the Scout and Troop know how to proceed.
- Escalation: In cases where concerns arise about standards, conduct, or consistency, feedback should also be directed to the District or Regional Programme Team.
- Record-Keeping: Confirm in writing to the Troop Scouter that the requirements have been completed. The Troop Scouter is responsible for capturing the badge achievement on Scouts.Digital, ensuring the award is officially recorded.
Maintaining Standards
To preserve the standards and credibility of Scoutcraft and Scout Interest badges:
- Examiners must not dilute the badge requirements to make them easier to achieve.
- Equally, examiners must not set extra requirements beyond what is written.
- Where requirements are open-ended (e.g. "show knowledge of..."), assess at a level appropriate to the Scout's age and advancement.
- Examiners must use the latest badge requirements for both Scoutcraft and Scout Interest
badges. All requirements are available on the Scout Wiki: scoutwiki.scouts.org.za/wiki/Scoutcraft_and_Interest_Badges
- Examiners must stay up to date with changes to badge requirements issued by SCOUTS South Africa.
Conclusion
Badge Examiners uphold the integrity of the Scout Programme by ensuring that Scoutcraft and Scout Interest badges remain meaningful, credible, and aspirational achievements for every Scout.
By demonstrating fairness, competence, encouragement, and consistency, examiners not only assess skills but also inspire confidence, curiosity, and personal growth in the Scouts they examine.
All Scoutcraft and Scout Interest badges must be relevant, achievable, and engaging, capturing the interest of the Scout.
Examiners play a vital role in keeping these awards alive, inspiring, and true to the values of SCOUTS South Africa.
Scout Badge Updates 2025-2026
The National Scout Programme Team is currently leading the Badge Review Project 2025-2026, a comprehensive review of all Scoutcraft and Interest Badges. The goal is to ensure they remain exciting, relevant, and achievable for today's Scouts, while staying true to the core Scouting principle of learning by doing. The updated requirements are designed to reflect the evolving interests, environments, and skills of young people today, and to better support their personal growth and development within the Scouting journey.
Below is a list of badges that have been reviewed and refined in 2025 and 2026 - this will be updated as and when a badge is reviewed. The updated badge requirements are available both here on the Scout Wiki and on Scouts.Digital.
Click the links below to explore the updated Scout Wiki pages. Each page includes a user-friendly, printable PDF of the revised badge requirements, also available below under the section titled Current Badge Requirements.
For easy comparison, previous versions of the requirements are available under Previous Badge Requirements.
If you'd like to get involved in the Badge Review Project 2025, please contact your RTC: Scout Programme.
We also welcome your suggestions, feedback, or comments — send them to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!
Scout Badge Updates 2020
The Scout Interest and Scoutcraft badges were reviewed and published in November 2020. The following changes were made. Comments are welcome, and can be sent to [email protected].
Badge name changes
The names of 17 badges have changed.
| Old badge name | New badge name |
|---|---|
| Backwoodsman | Survival |
| Cameraman | Videographer |
| Civil Defence | Disaster Risk Management |
| Craftsman | Handcrafts |
| Fisherman | Fishing |
| Handyman | Home Maintenance |
| Horseman | Equestrian |
| Marksman | Sharpshooter |
| Microcomputer | Computer |
| Motorboatsman | Power Boating |
| Numismatist | Coin Collecting |
| Philatelist | Stamp Collector |
| Physical Fitness | Personal Fitness |
| Sportsman | Sports |
| Weatherman | Weathercaster |
| Woodcraftsman | Woodcrafts |
New Scoutcraft badges
Seven new Scoutcraft badges have been introduced:
- Charts Scoutcraft Badge
- Drone Operator Scoutcraft Badge
- Entrepreneurship Scoutcraft Badge
- Geocaching Scoutcraft Badge
- Heritage Scoutcraft Badge
- Hobbies Scoutcraft Badge
- Oarsman Scoutcraft Badge
New Scout Interest badges
Six new Interest badges have been introduced:
- Amateur Radio Operator Scout Interest Badge
- Beekeeper Scout Interest Badge
- Charting Scout Interest Badge
- Drone Pilot Scout Interest Badge
- Entrepreneur Scout Interest Badge
- Geocaching Scout Interest Badge
New Challenge badges
One new Challenge badge has been introduced:
Other changes
- The Badges for Artist and Designer have swopped around as some time in the past they badges were incorrectly allocated to the requirements.
- The requirements for 64% of the badges have been updated, modernised, and amended.
- The badge designs for Watermanship Scoutcraft and Metal Worker have been updated.
See also
- Scout uniform
- List of Scoutcraft Badges and equivalent Interest Badges
- Scout Advancement Programme
- Scout Challenge Awards
- SDG badges
- Cub Interest Badges
- Cub Advancement Programme
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