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At the 2026 National Jamboree, Scouting America launched the Wildland Fire Management merit badge. Its release could not have been timelier. According to statistics from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), more than 8.4 million acres have burned nationwide in 2026 through early September.
That’s a 163% increase over the previous 10-year rolling average.
One such fire destroyed multiple buildings at Worth Ranch, a Scouting America youth camp in north Texas. You can donate to the camp’s recovery fund here.
As explained by Michael Huneke in this recent On Scouting article, wildfire safety and awareness are essential skills for all Scouts. Huneke is the chair of Scouting America’s national conservation and outdoor ethics subcommittee. He says this merit badge and digital resource guide combine environmental science, emergency preparedness and real-world career exploration.
Earning a badge is only part of the goal. Scouts can participate in the management of the wildfire crisis and serve as the workforce of the future.
“Scouts can help change how we manage our properties and communities,” he says.
Many people think of wildfire only in terms of destruction, but Scouts discover through the Wildland Fire Management merit badge digital resource guide that fire also plays a natural and essential role in many ecosystems. The guide explores both the risks associated with uncontrolled wildfires and the benefits of responsibly managed fire, helping Scouts understand the complex relationship between fire, forest health, habitat management and conservation.
The guide also connects learning directly to current events and real-world wildfire management. Through expert-developed content and resources from the NIFC, Scouts gain insight into how federal agencies, state organizations and partners work together to coordinate wildfire response efforts across millions of acres of public lands.
Expanded features in the Wildland Fire Management digital resource guide include:
- Interactive videos and multimedia content that explain wildfire science, fire behavior and fire management principles
- Exploration of both the harmful and beneficial impacts of fire on ecosystems and communities
- Practical learning opportunities focused on wildfire prevention, preparedness, safety and community resilience
- Exposure to careers in wildland fire management, conservation and natural resource stewardship
Because wildfire management practices and research continue to advance, the digital format ensures learning materials remain relevant and connected to the latest developments in the field. Embedded videos, expert perspectives and dynamic digital content allow Scouts to engage with topics that are constantly evolving.
More than a reference tool, the digital resource encourages Scouts to think critically. Through this learning experience, Scouts gain appreciation for the conservation-minded decisions that will help shape the future of America’s wildlands.
To catch up on other digital resource guides, visit our dedicated page on the Scouting America website.
Photo: Michael Huneke
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