Change in Computer Merit Badge Requirements?

[fritz1255]

I am going to be the counseler for the Computer Merit Badge either late this year or early next. I have heard that there will be revised requirements in the near future (revisions are needed - the present ones don't have any references to the internet). Is this true, and if so, when will the new requirements be issued?

[PaulSWolf]

If any changes are imminent, they will probably appear in the next edition of "Boy Scout Requirements" which will be issued around 1/1/2005. Another clue would be if the next edition of the Scout Suppply Catalog , which also comes out around the first of the year, lists a new catalog number for the Computers Merit Badge Pamphlet (currently 33246 - which would become 33246A).

11 merit badges had new pamphlets issued to date this year, and there were 21 issued in 2003 and 21 in 2002. As you note, there is no question that the requirements are a bit dated (last changed in 1993). There are only 21 merit badges whose current requirements were last changed earlier than 1993 (and 6 in 1993), and only 12 whose pamphlet was last revised before 1993 (and 9 in 1993), so the odds of a new pamphlet and new requirements are increasing.

[PaulSWolf]

I got a note today informing me that the Computers Merit Badge pamphlet has been revised and is now reaching Scout Shops. The pamphlet contains new requirements.

This is, of course, long overdue. As soon as I can get a copy of the revised requirements, I'll post them to the USSSP. It may, however, have to wait until after the Jamboree, unless someone can scan in the requirements and send them to me in the next day or two.

[PaulSWolf]

I was able to get the new pamphlet at the Jamboree. The new requirements are now available at http://usscouts.org/mb/mb036.html

[evmori]

That's much better!

[ICanCanoeCanU]

Much more sensible requirements. Harder though, but better.

[Scouting179]

Yes, this is much better than the old requirements. Now I think they should update the design of the patch.

[riverwalk]

Hmmm, neat thought, about a patch update. I am kinda sorta skilled in ebay and email, but not other puter issues. But I do love patch collecting. What kind of image should/could be ona newer MB emblem??

[Scouting179]

Just about any design reflective of today. The design they have is so 1980s-ish. Maybe a laptop hooked to the Internet. But I can't think of how one would show an Internet connection.

[DadScout]

The US Scouts Service Project has a nice patch for Internet Scouts. It's not official but has some nice design ideas if they want to give the MB patch a new look. It has a globe, web design, PC. You can view it here
http://www.usscouts.org/tradingpost/int ... tpatch.asp

[Chief J]

I agree, they have now brought the requirements into line with what Scouts have access to.

[fritz1255]

Yes, the new requirements are MUCH better, although too late for my class. One comment: I ran across some old Merit Badge booklets at my parents' house from way back when I was in Scouts. Each booklet had a list of all available merit badges. There was actually a Computers badge in 1968! Does anybody have a copy of the requirements from back then? Would have been strictly mainframe machines, I guess.