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From Basketry to Robotics, merit badges are where Scouts meet the wider world. These posts share counselor tips, workbook debates, new badge announcements and the stories behind favorite badges.
637 posts · 2007–2020
Showing 251–300 of 637 posts
Genealogy Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in CultureScholarshipBoy Scouts who enjoy delving into their family history can earn the Genealogy merit badge. There is a local LDS church which holds a skill center for this badge every year. Some of our scouts have attended and it has sparked an...
Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in ConservationBoy Scouts who are interested in learning more about conservation and wildlife can earn the Fish and Wildlife Management merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
Electronics Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in ScienceThe Electronics merit badge introduces Boy Scouts to the concepts and devices which make a lot of the technology they use possible. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in CharacterBoy Scouts can learn to understand and appreciate each individual's strengths and challenges while working on the Disabilities Awareness merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
Proud to be an American? Absolutely, but this hurts a little: American fourth- and eighth-graders are far from No. 1 in math and science. In fact, we're just outside of or barely in the top 10 in both categories, lagging behind countries like Korea, Singapore and Finland, according to a study released late last year…
Dentistry Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in ScienceThe Dentistry merit badge encourages Boy Scouts to think about the many aspects of caring for their teeth. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
Composite Materials Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in ScienceBoy Scouts can learn about composites and how they are incorporated into many of the things which make their lives easier when they work on the Compostite Materials merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth...
Canoeing Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in FitnessCanoeing merit badge is a favorite for our second year Boy Scouts at summer camp. Everyone likes to get out on the lake on a warm summer day. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
Computers Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in Careers and VocationsScienceBoy Scouts learn about the development and practical application of computing devices while earning the Computers merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
Don't sob about Sewing or mope about Magic. Send those ideas for new merit badges to someone who can actually act on them. Over the years, several of you emailed me with suggestions for merit badges about Sewing, Magic, Guitar, Hunting, Surfing and lots more.
The BSA is proud to announce that September is Boy Scout Month at Bass Pro Shops. This promotion will run in all of the Bass Pro Shop stores for the entire month of September 2013. The Bass Pro Shops promotional partnership is in its sixth year and is a multifaceted event created to give families…
Chemistry Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in ScienceChemistry is called the central science because it connects physics with astronomy, geology and biology, and other sciences. Boy Scouts can learn about chemistry by earning the Chemistry merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for...
As we look ahead to Scouting's next century, we know that giving our Scouts solid skills in Science, Technology, and Engineering and Math – or STEM – is what will make the difference in having a qualified workforce where it's needed to help keep our nation strong.
Pottery Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in Careers and VocationsHobbiesThe Arts and CreativityBoy Scouts learn about the craft and art of making useful and beautiful ceramic objects while earning the Pottery merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in...
Backpacking Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in FitnessHikingIf your Boy Scout troop is planning some backpacking outings, check out the requirements for the Backpacking merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
I I expect if you are viewing this blog of mine you're involved in the Scouting world online and are already aware of Scoutmaster Clarke Green's blog. (That's him in the pic) He posts much more than I do - both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Reading the requirements for sustainability merit badge got me to thinking about merit badges as tools to achieve the aims of Scouting in general and Eagle required merit badges in particular. Faithful readers will understand that I like to think about these things and write about possibilities, take it all with a grain of salt.
Before long (January 1, 2014) the list of Eagle required merit badges will change slightly with the addition of cooking as a required merit badge and the new sustainability merit badge as an alternative to environmental science. Here's an overview of the current and new lists: Current list of Eagle-required merit badges Earn a total…
If the packed tent is any early indication, Mining in Society merit badge will be a hit when it debuts in February 2014. Scouts attending the 2013 National Jamboree got a sneak peek at the new elective merit badge, set to be released at the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration's Annual Meeting in Salt Lake…
Do your Scouts prefer their bike tires fat instead of thin? Then I've got good news. Beginning today, Cycling merit badge now includes a mountain biking option. That means Scouts can choose between road cycling or mountain biking when earning the Eagle-required badge.
Much of Baden-Powell's vision for Scouting still holds true today. But put this one in the category of something B-P never could have predicted. Today the Boy Scouts of America releases Programming merit badge , an elective badge that challenges Scouts to, among other requirements, "write, debug, and demonstrate a functioning program."
Ready … set … go green! The long-awaited requirements for the Boy Scouts of America's Sustainability merit badge have been released. The badge joins the Eagle-required list as an option to Environmental Science merit badge . Scouts must earn either Sustainability or Environmental Science on their journey to Eagle.
The long-awaited 2013 revision to the standard reference text for Scouting’s advancement programs has been released, leaving a somewhat bewildering series of changes and clarifications in its wake. The 2011 document did a great job of consolidating, codifying and clarifying BSA’s rules relating to advancement.
Here's one for your browser's bookmarks bar: The newest edition of the Boy Scouts of America Guide to Advancement released today. The PDF version contains answers to pretty much any advancement question that might come up, and it's essential reading for your unit's advancement chair and others who like to be kept in the loop…
Two new merit badges-and a long-anticipated update to an existing badge-will be available beginning July 15 at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree and online: Cycling update with mountain biking option Sustainability Programming More information will be released next week, but the merit badge pamphlets for all three should hit Scout shops (and scoutstuff.org) in early…
Aviation Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in ScienceBoy Scouts learn all about the history and science of flight when they earn their Aviation merit badge. There is an annual skill center for this badge in our council at a local airport.
Wood Carving Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in ScoutcraftBoy Scouts can learn about wood carving techniques and safety while working on the Wood Carving merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
Well, it's that time of year again. I've just returned from another wonderful week at Camp Friedlander. As a result of another week visit, we had to take a hard look at what not only my own boys packed (I took three boys with me), and what to tell the other 60 boys to bring.
Water Sports Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in FitnessThe Water Sports merit badge focuses on water skiing. Boy Scouts will learn about safety and technique while working on this badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
The Ask the Expert floodgates are wide open. I'm now getting roughly 50 emails a week with Ask the Expert questions, a sign that Scouters out there care enough to seek out the right answer to their burning BSA queries.
With the finish line tantalizingly close, you'll never guess what slowed down John L. on his trail to Eagle. John, a Life Scout from Texas, had finished his position of responsibility requirements and completed his Eagle Scout project. He had signatures from his counselor and Scoutmaster on the blue card for his final required merit…
Architecture Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in The Arts and CreativityArchitecture is both an art and a science. Boy Scouts who are interested in learning more about the design and creation of buildings can earn their Architecture merit badge.
Want proof as to how passionate Scout volunteers are about the Boy Scouts of America? Just look at my inbox. Last week, I provided answers to eight frequently asked questions , and at the end of the post, I provided information on how to ask your own Scouting-related question.
Orienteering Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in ScoutcraftOrienteering is a sport that requires navigational skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point in unfamiliar terrain. Boy Scouts can learn all about orienteering when they earn their Orienteering merit badge.
So far, Ask the Expert posts have offered one often-lengthy answer to one complicated Scouting question. You can read past posts here . Perhaps a question you have is answered there. But now it's time for the lightning round. Here's a collection of questions I've received along with the short answer: blue cards Question from Ramona…
Scuba Diving Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in FitnessThe Scuba Diving merit badge gives Boy Scouts the opportunity to learn all about scuba. Your local scuba shop might be a good resource. One in our area has chartered a Venture Crew with a scuba specialty.
I think one of the coolest things about the Bear Lake Aquatics Base is what they offer for the Aviation Merit Badge. In fact, it's one of the reasons we're going to BLAB again this summer. Boys who register for this merit badge get to complete requirement 2 by actually going up in an aircraft!
Rowing Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in FitnessRowing merit badge is often completed at Boy Scout summer camp. I always enjoy seeing their skill level improve over the series of days. The first day they are often rowing around in circles, but by the end of the week they have the hang of...
Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Posted in Nature and the WorldBoy Scouts who want to learn more about reptiles will enjoy the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge. They will learn how to classify reptiles and find out about their habitats and how they live.
Not all merit badges are earned in the traditional troop setting. Enterprising Scouts can earn them at council-run merit badge "colleges" or workshops, summer or winter camps, or on their own with a registered counselor. But some troops restrict or even prohibit this practice, insisting that merit badges must be earned under their own roof…
At summer camp, what's more important for Scouts, advancement or fun? Trick question. Scouts who attend the best summer camps and have effective Scout leaders guiding them don't have to choose. For these Scouts, advancement is part of the fun.
What are your expectations for summer camp merit badges? To most of us and to nearly all of our Scouts the central feature of the week at camp is earning merit badges. But what if it wasn't? What if Scouts exchanged earning summer camp merit badges for learning and doing the things that actually interest…
Posted in Culture Indian Lore Merit Badge for Boy Scouts The Indian Lore merit badge is a favorite for our first year Boy Scouts at summer camp. I can always tell which Scouts are working on the badge because they are usually walking around with a necklace with beads on.
New Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
I'm in the process of updating all of the current merit badge workbooks to a PDF format that will allow Scouts to type into the form and save their work (but not, of course, change the wording of the requirements).
Posted in Be PreparedCamping Wilderness Survival Merit Badge for Boy Scouts Boy Scouts who like building their own shelters and making survival packs will enjoy the Wilderness Survival merit badge. Copyright Scouter Mom - A resource for adults and youth involved in Scouting [ This is a content summary only.
If a Scout camps several nights with his troop before getting a signed blue card from his Scoutmaster, do those nights count toward his earning Camping merit badge? That's what a Scouter, who I'll call James, wondered last week in an email.
Posted in The Arts and Creativity Textile Merit Badge for Boy Scouts A textile is a flexible material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibres often referred to as thread or yarn. Boy Scouts can learn all about the uses and manufacture of textiles while working on the Textile...
Which merit badges had Scouts rushing to counselors and Moms and Dads rushing to the sewing machine last year? Here's your answer. In January 2012, I presented a list of 2011′s most- and least-popular merit badges based on sales numbers from the Supply Division.
Posted in Science Weather Merit Badge for Boy Scouts The Weather merit badge might be a good one for all of those Boy Scouts who spend a lot of time worrying about and checking the weather before they go camping.
