Scouting at the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

A major part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, Scouts can fulfill the American Cultures merit badge requirements by learning about the individuals and groups involved with the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights Marches of 1965. Learn more about the specific requirements of the American Cultures Merit Badge.

Scouts can fulfill some of the American Heritage merit badge requirements by learning about how contributions of Civil Rights Movement leaders such as John Lewis, Amelia Boynton, and Martin Luther King, Jr led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and how this affects modern day America. Learn more about the specific requirements of the American Heritage Merit Badge.

“Realize the benefits of diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership with the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge. Scouts will research any individual [i.e. John Lewis, Martin Luther King, Jr.] who has demonstrated positive leadership while making an ethical decision, explain what options the leader had when faced with a problem, why they believe they chose their final course of action, and the outcome of the leader’s decision.” 
-Scouting USA

Learn more about the specific requirements of the Citizenship in Society Badge.

“A nation is a patchwork of communities that differ from each other and may be governed differently. But regardless of how local communities differ, they all have one point in common: In the United States, local government means self-government. Good citizens [i.e. Amelia Boynton] help to make decisions about their community through their elected local officials.” 
-Scouting USA 

Learn more about the specific requirements of the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge.

“As Scouts fulfill the requirements for this merit badge, they will learn how to become active citizens [who] are aware of and grateful for their liberties and rights, to participate in their governments and protect their freedom, helping to defend their country and standing up for individual rights on behalf of all its citizens.” 
-Scouting USA 

Learn more about the specific requirements of the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge.

Civil Rights Movement leaders knew how to communicate effectively and persuaded millions of Americans to their cause for change in American society.  By studying these leaders and speaking with a ranger, Scouts can work towards fulfilling some of the Communication merit badge requirements.  Learn more about the specific requirements of the Communication Merit Badge.

The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail features creeks, rivers, lakes, rolling hills, and farmland.  By studying the trail and speaking with a ranger, Scouts can learn about natural resource conservation and work towards fulfilling some of the Environmental Science merit badge requirements. Learn more about the specific requirements of the Enrironmental Science Merit Badge.

After touring the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, our rangers recommend Scouts pursuing the Journalism merit badge to research the Southern Courier: a major Civil Rights Movement newspaper that had offices in Montgomery, AL. Learn more about the specific requirements of the Journalism Merit Badge.

After touring the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, our rangers recommend Scouts pursuing the Music merit badge to research Civil Rights Movement freedom songs inspired by African America spiritual, gospel, and folk music.  “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round” is a great example. Learn more about the specific requirements of the Music Merit Badge.