Herkimer Diamond Mines — Annual Merit Badge Campout

Annual October campout focused on merit badge completion and hands-on mining experience at Herkimer Diamond Mines.

📍 Location

Herkimer Diamond Mines
4626 State Route 28 North
Herkimer, NY 13350

Campsite booked through:
Herkimer Diamond KOA Resort

📞 Contacts

🎯 Purpose

Annual October campout focused on merit badge completion:

  • Geology Merit Badge
  • Mining in Society Merit Badge
  • Environmental Science Merit Badge

Also supports:

  • “Mine Only” participation for Scouts and Leaders

🗓️ Reservation Process

Camping (KOA):

  • Book tent-only sites through KOA
  • Example: Sites 90 & 91
  • One vehicle per site (overflow parking fee may apply)

👉 KOA booking link:
https://koa.com/campgrounds/herkimer/

Merit Badge Registration:

  • Register through Herkimer Diamond Mines
  • Headcount due NLT end of September (for food prep)
  • Invoice issued after registration
  • Final payment due at arrival
  • Adjustments allowed at check-in

👉 Registration:
https://herkimerdiamond.com/scouting/

💰 Cost Structure (Baseline)

Scouts (Merit Badge):

  • Camping: $25
  • Merit Badge: $40
    👉 Total: $65

Scouts (Mine Only):

  • Camping: $25
  • Mine Fee: $10
    👉 Total: $35

Leaders:

  • Camping: $25
  • Mine Fee: $10
    👉 Total: $35

Troop Covers:

  • Saturday lunch (~$7/person)

🥾 Equipment

Provided:

  • Rock hammer (free rental)

Recommended Personal Gear:

  • Bucket
  • Shovel (2’–4’)
  • Safety glasses (strongly recommended)

Optional Rentals:

  • Bucket & shovel: $5
  • Safety glasses:
    • Youth: ~$5
    • Adult: ~$7

⚠️ No power tools allowed

🎒 Packing Notes

  • Standard Fall packing list applies
  • Emphasize:
    • Durable clothing (mining environment)
    • Gloves recommended
    • Eye protection critical

⏱️ Timeline

2–3 Months Out

  • Reserve KOA sites
  • Confirm dates with troop calendar

1 Month Out

  • Submit merit badge headcount
  • Confirm troop participation

2 Weeks Out

  • Finalize roster
  • Send gear requirements

1 Week Out

  • Confirm payments
  • Reconfirm campsite details

Day Of

  • Check-in at KOA
  • Coordinate mine schedule

⚠️ Important Notes

  • October weather—temps may approach freezing overnight
    • (2025: one night slightly below 32°F)
  • High participation event—early coordination is critical
  • Equipment preparation significantly impacts Scout experience

🧠 Lessons Learned

  • Headcount flexibility at check-in is helpful
  • Personal gear improves mining success and safety
  • Clear cost communication prevents confusion
  • Cabin not used—this is a tent-based trip