Scouting America Launches Multisport Merit Badge in Partnership with USA Triathlon
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Time to read 2 min
If you are reading this, you’re likely an adult triathlete wondering where this sport is going. What is USA Triathlon doing to get new athletes, as in youth athletes, into our exciting sport. Well, they’ve just announced a great initiative that has everyone as Xterra Wetsuits pumped. One of the owners is an Eagle Scout with kids, and the other owner is a former competitive runner with a super-active son who needs a new Scouting merit badge to earn!
Scouting America, in partnership with USA Triathlon, just introduced the Multisport Merit Badge, designed to recognize and celebrate Scouts who develop skills in endurance-based activities. This new badge provides a fun and accessible way for Scouts to explore multisport disciplines while building key life skills and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.
Amazing that there will be more triathletes coming up through the ranks…..
Scouts will earn the Multisport Merit Badge by demonstrating proficiency in a combination of swimming, cycling, and running through age-appropriate challenges and skill-building activities. The program features multiple levels of achievement, encouraging Scouts to progress over time while developing both physical and mental fitness.
As the National Governing Body for triathlon and other multisport formats in the United States, USA Triathlon is dedicated to expanding programming, accessibility, and participation in multisport among youth. This partnership with Scouting America brings new energy and amplification to USA Triathlon’s mission by increasing awareness and access for young athletes nationwide.
Multisport Merit Badge Requirements and Opportunities
Scouts pursuing the Multisport Merit Badge will have the opportunity to explore and participate in one of the following multisport formats:
• Triathlon — Swimming, biking, and running
• Duathlon — Running and biking
• Aquathlon — Swimming and running
• Aquabike — Swimming and biking
Scouts selecting a format that includes swimming must first earn the Swimming Merit Badge before completing the more advanced swimming-based Multisport requirements.
While Scouts are not required to complete an official, sanctioned multisport event, they must complete all components of their chosen format in the same day under the guidance of a Multisport Merit Badge Counselor.
Beyond physical participation, Scouts will also learn about:
• The history of multisport
• Safety considerations and hazard awareness
• The importance of maintaining physical fitness
• Ways to get involved in multisport activities within their community
As part of the merit badge requirements, Scouts will complete a four-week training plan, providing them with a structured introduction to multisport training and preparation.
The Multisport Merit Badge officially launches in March 2025, when its official pamphlet becomes available at local Scout Shops and online at www.ScoutShop.org . Scouts BSA members, as well as Sea Scouts and Venturers who have earned the rank of First Class in a troop, will be eligible to begin working toward this exciting new achievement.
Resources and detailed requirements for earning the Multisport Merit Badge will be available on the Scouting America and USA Triathlon websites.
Find Scouting Near You - https://beascout.scouting.org
If you are a high school student, USA Triathlon has a High School program: https://www.usatriathlon.org/clubs/high-school-program
Find a youth triathlon race nearby. For example, if you live in San Diego you’ve got www.kozevents.com which has many youth events and races.
Naturally, if you are a Scout, you need a wetsuit. We have smaller sizes, and a new Youth wetsuit being launched in the Spring. www.xterrawetsuits.com – We’re thinking of having a Scouting-Discount program, so if you know anyone from Scouting America have them reach out to us.