FYI, according to BSA policy, there is no time limit on completing a merit badge other than it must be complete prior to the scout's eighteenth birthday.

Also, commenting on Tom's and your's comments, most merit badges are an introduction into a given area (forestry, chemistry, theatre, etc.). The expectation for completing the requirements are relatively basic. I do not expect many if any of the scouts that earn Envirenmental Science MB from me to become expert level proficient and continue on with careers in the field. Rather, I concentrat on making sure they understand and appreciate the fundamental concepts behind the subject matter. I had a stats prof who let us pring all of the formulas to tests on a cheat sheet. He didn't want us to memorize then, instead he wanted to make sure we when and how to use them. I adopt this philosophy with my scouts. They may forget the definitions they are asked to know, such as niche, ecosystem, symbiotic, etc., but will have an appreciation and understanding of the living and non-living components at work interact when they observe a habitat.

With that beinmg said, I beleive there are a handfull of exceptions; specifically First Aid, Emergency Preparedness and Lifesaving (and Wilderness Survival somewhat). I beleive the knowledge and skills learned must be exacting and and testing rigerous. There is a high level of expecation on a person who says he has earned on of these badges and anything short comings could put lives in jeopordy, including the scouts.

I applaude Tom, Pete and others who take their role in teaching these skills seriously, as they should. There are many leaders unqualified to teach these badges. Unfortunately, that's an outgrowth of a volunteer organization. Some troops may just not have a skilled leader who can teach it properly. And BSA doesn't monitor such requirements closely. (Is he or she breathing? Sign them up!) For these badges I wish counsel or districts would pay more close attention and or help out and augment troop programs with outside help, as is being done here. I also agree that First Aid and Emergency Preparedness are cannot be started and completed at one week of summer camp. We don't even push them for camp. But then we are also fortunate enough to have contacts with local EMTs to assist with out programs. (I also know that Environmental Science cannot be effectively earned at summer camp, even if they bring there ecosystem bottle with them).