Signs, Signals and Codes

[Quailman]

I just purchased a 2015 Requirements book. I hate doing so since they're available all over for free, but I really wanted to get a look at the two new badges. I recently assumed the role of Merit Badge Counselor Coordinator for my district, and one of my responsibilities is to recruit MBCs when a new badge is released.

For Animation, I can go to a company that does graphics for websites and other media and recruit professionals who are recognized as having skills and education in the subject matter. Where do I turn for this one? The Scout needs to send or receive messages in Morse code, ASL semaphore and Braille. There are also requirements related to traffic signs, topo map symbols, texting symbols and even aircraft carrier catapult crew signals. Who on earth is qualified to sign off on all these requirements?

Sorry for the rant. I guess I'm just old and out of touch. In my day there were only two signals. The emperor either put his thumb up or down to indicate whether the gladiator should live or die.

[BartHumphries]

Just like for any merit badge, someone that really knows what they're talking about should be a merit badge counselor. For topo map symbols, probably anyone who's familiar with Orienteering. Maybe some old Ham operators for Morse code? There are Morse apps. I have my General-class amateur radio license, but I don't know Morse code.

[jr56]

I'm guessing that some veterans out there at a VFW club (for example) might have experience with various military signalling methods, and would love to work with scouts that are interested in that field of knowledge.

[BartHumphries]

Yeah, really you just need to go talk to the merit badge coordinator for your district... I mean, uh...

Try asking around in other districts. Ask troops. Stand up in front of everyone at roundtable and ask them to ask around in their groups and to let you know at the next roundtable, or to call or email you anytime. Call your council up and say, "Hey, who teaches these things at summer camp and do they live in my area?" There are lots of us in the big councils who teach these things during summer camp, etc., but aren't registered as merit badge counselors during the year. I don't know who really teaches those things outside summer camp and I don't want to step on anyone's toes. If someone wanted me to, because there wasn't anyone else, then I'd sign up as a regular merit badge counselor. Ask them, "Hey, who used to teach these things at summer camp, and do they live in my area?" For the past two summers, I've worked at a summer camp outside my council, and I'll be doing that again this summer. Three and four years ago, though, I worked at my council's summer camp.

[Quailman]

Yeah, really you just need to go talk to the merit badge coordinator for your district... I mean, uh...

I am the MBC Coordinator for my district.

[BartHumphries]

That's why I put the winky emoticon there.

I don't know anyone who's a Scouter in Texas, but I'll ask around. I'm sure I'll run into at least a couple this summer.