Changes to merit badge worksheets/workbooks

[kc9901mom]

Greetings. I am a fairly new MBC for several Science MB. I would like to discuss and get opinions about Merit Badge Worksheets. I want to start with an apology to the creator(s) of the Merit Badge Worksheets. I know that it took a lot of time and effort to make worksheets and put together resources for all 120+ worksheets. The statements or comments that I make about the worksheets is not meant to demean or devalue the work done in creating worksheets. With that being said, let's begin...

For the most part, the worksheets (at least the ones I have looked at -all ERMB and all Science MB) are "generic" meaning that the creator(s) added blank lines after each of the requirements for most of the worksheets (even those requirements that state "Show", "Identify" etc (blank lines are not necessary here and are a waste of ink for the person printing the worksheets)). From a very technical and petty point of view - "adding blank lines" after each requirement and/or each "sub-requirement" is "adding" to the requirements. (To prove my point, download any worksheet in MS Word and do a grammar check.) Example, using the Backpacking MB worksheet requirement #4b
Worksheet/Workbook
Describe proper methods of handling human and other wastes while on a backpacking trek.__________________________________________________________________
Describe the importance of ________________________________________________

and means to assure personal cleanliness while on a backpacking trek. _____________
_______________________________________________________________________

Here's the requirement as listed in the MB Pamphlet:
Describe proper methods of handling human and other wastes while on a backpacking trek. Describe the importance of and means to assure personal cleanliness while on a backpacking trek.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In my opinion, the Merit Badge Worksheets are a resource to be used (or not used) by Scouts. Since the worksheets are a resource, as a MBC, I think that I can add or make corrections to the worksheets (not the requirements) as needed. For example, if a requirement states, "Conduct an experiment approved by your counselor..." or "Conduct an experiment that..." then I, as a MBC, should be able to list an experiment (complete with questions about the experiment and/or necessary graphs, tables, diagrams etc.) underneath the requirement and not at the end of the worksheet. The MB Pamphlet lists experiments in the pamphlet as one is reading and not at the end of the pamphlet (except Environmental Science).

There are a couple of reasons why I would want to put the experiment or diagram or table (or whatever) underneath a requirement in the MB Worksheet. The first reason is that by doing this the Scout can complete each requirement as it is listed (although the Scout doesn't have too). The second reason is that doing this makes it easier for me as a MBC to review the requirements with the Scout as they are listed (without having to flip back and forth through pages) and so that the blue card can be signed as the requirements are reviewed.

I am being told that I have to "add" my resources at the end of the worksheet and that I can provide a blank table or diagram underneath the requirement but I can't list an experiment for the Scout to complete or a link to a web site that a Scout may need to complete a requirement (i.e., a link to a map). I disagree with the "powers that be" on this issue because (1)BSA does not require or endorse the use of these worksheets, and (2) the worksheets are a resource. One could argue that the Scout may be confused as to what is required of him but there are ways to solve this issue (Italicize or use a different font style and/or simply state - "the observations and/or questions below are to help you with completing this requirement")

Let's be clear - I'm not giving the Scout the answers nor am I doing the work for the Scout. I am following the requirement as stated - if the requirement says "Conduct an experiment approved by your counselor..." or "Using topographical maps provided by your counselor..." - am I not allowed to provide that resource in the MB Worksheet underneath the requirement (and not at the end) and either print or email that worksheet for/to the Scout?

Let the worms crawl out...

[smtroop168]

As you said the worksheets are an unofficial tool only and cannot be required. When you use do "the" experiment and the requirement is to "an" experiment, you could be considered to be adding to the requirements. The worksheets are also not designed to fill them out, turn them in and get the MB.

I assume you have taken MBC training or read the info in the Guide to Advancement Chap 7 or the info on scouting.org There is useful info and helpful hints in both locations.

http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/conten ... Guide.aspx

Whom are the powers that be?

[kc9901mom]

Yes, I have been through training twice now and I have read posts and other blogs about merit badges, worksheets, and counseling. Part of the reason for this "discussion" is because I am being given contradictory information.

As stated, the worksheets are designed as a "resource" for the Scout to use while completing Merit Badges.

Geology requirement #5a1 states, "Conduct an experiment approved by your counselor that demonstrates how sediments settle from suspension in water. Explain to your counselor what the exercise shows and why it is important."

As a Geology MBC, I should be able to type in an experiment that the Scout can conduct underneath the requirement in the worksheet.

If you look at Geology MB Worksheet, you will see that there are no blank lines or experiments listed underneath this requirement (or under any of the options for the Geology MB). I made separate worksheets for each option and then I also modified the Geology worksheet developed by Craig Lincoln. For example, if a Scout comes to me wanting to work on the Geology MB and he chooses Option A then I can hand him a worksheet that has all of the requirements including the Option he chose to use as resource.

"The powers that be" = Advancement Chair

[smtroop168]

Looks good to me. One of the goals of the MB program is for the boys to learn from "experts".

This is a classic example where you turn the question around and ask the AC where is says you can't "modify" a document that is not even a BSA form. The only form you must use for MBs is the Blue Card.

Craig was always looking to make the worksheets better. I haven't seen him on this forum for quite a while.

[Quailman]

I usually do not use or advise Scouts to use MB worksheets, but when I do I often modify them. If it says "discuss" or "demonstrate", I will delete that section to save paper. I also tell Scouts up front that the worksheets can be a good tool for organizing your thoughts before you discuss the requirement with me, but unless it says "write" they don't need to write anything down.

You are correct about the work that had to go into those worksheets. I was doing a merit badge university early in the year after requirements changed for a badge. I modified the worksheet to use and then sent it per the instructions to help the guy who maintains them. He may have already modified it himself, but I like to think I helped a little.

[kc9901mom]

That's the question I asked the AC and I never got a straight answer.

I even went as far as to ask/state, "Show me the BSA policy that states that the worksheets have to be used and cannot be modified"

I am in the process of updating/re-formatting the worksheets for which I am a Merit Badge Counselor. If anyone needs an updated worksheet, please email me and I will send it to you.

I am a counselor for the following merit badges:
Astronomy, Backpacking, Bird Study, Dog Care, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Management, Gardening, Geology, Hiking, Insect Study, Indian Lore (?), Mammal Study, Nature, Oceanography, Pets, Plant Science, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Skating, Soil and Water Conservation, Weather

[wagionvigil]

That's the question I asked the AC and I never got a straight answer.

I even went as far as to ask/state, "Show me the BSA policy that states that the worksheets have to be used and cannot be modified"

I am in the process of updating/re-formatting the worksheets for which I am a Merit Badge Counselor. If anyone needs an updated worksheet, please email me and I will send it to you.

I am a counselor for the following merit badges:
Astronomy, Backpacking, Bird Study, Dog Care, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Management, Gardening, Geology, Hiking, Insect Study, Indian Lore (?), Mammal Study, Nature, Oceanography, Pets, Plant Science, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Skating, Soil and Water Conservation, Weather

Too Many!

[smtroop168]

That's the question I asked the AC and I never got a straight answer.

That's because there isn't one

[ronin718]

Geology requirement #5a1 states, "Conduct an experiment approved by your counselor that demonstrates how sediments settle from suspension in water. Explain to your counselor what the exercise shows and why it is important."

As a Geology MBC, I should be able to type in an experiment that the Scout can conduct underneath the requirement in the worksheet.

To me, the "AN" indicates options. The boy can come up with an experiment that fulfills the requirement. If the experiment does in fact do what the requirement calls for, it should be allowed. By stipulating what the experiment is, then you as the MBC are taking away from the "boy-run" aspect. The requirement states "approved by your counselor", not "selected/given by our counselor".

Just my opinion, YMMV.

[cdwscout]

Ok, first: for the "show/demonstrate" requirements, the blank could be used to describe when/how/where they did it, just for reference.

Second: Maybe it is to many merit badges to be a counselor for, but a lot of those science merit badges are pretty close together.

[Nuts4Scouts]

By stipulating what the experiment is, then you as the MBC are taking away from the "boy-run" aspect. The requirement states "approved by your counselor", not "selected/given by our counselor".

Exactly what I was thinking.

Selecting the experiment for the Scout is adding to the requirements. It is also eliminating some of what he should be learning. You can provide resources, feedback, and final approval, but selecting, creating, and running, the experiments should be all the Scout.

Worksheets, while helpful in some cases to both the MBC and the Scout, are NOT required, and should NOT be required by the MBC, or anyone else.

Also, a Troop Advancement Chair is NOT the "powers that be" over a Merit Badge Counselor. A MBC is approved, and registered by, the Council/District Advancement Committee. It is a DISTRICT position, not a unit position.

[Fred Johnson]

By stipulating what the experiment is, then you as the MBC are taking away from the "boy-run" aspect. The requirement states "approved by your counselor", not "selected/given by our counselor".

Dead on right. Merit badges are to teach a topic, but also to experience working with an adult and to demonstrate responsibility getting things done. Giving them the experiment removes an important chance for growth. Let them find an experiment and guide them on how to make it a meaningful experiment.

IMHO, merit badge worksheets may or may not be useful. It is impressive when a scout fills one out completely. But it is also sad in that the MB just became more school work and I just lost an opportunity to good lively discussion with the scout. (because I need to 1st read what he said and then when we discuss he will be regurgitating what he wrote). Had a scout do that with a MB and there was little for me as a MB counselor to counsel. It was more of a sign-off ... which was fine. Just I never got to know the scout.

[Quailman]

IMHO, merit badge worksheets may or may not be useful. It is impressive when a scout fills one out completely.

I had a Scout come to me with a completely filled out worksheet for American Heritage. You are correct - it is impressive. This young man had way better handwriting than I do. I took it from him and read what he wrote for the first requirement (Read part of the Declaration of Independence and rewrite it in your own words). Then I handed it back to him and we reviewed the rest of the requirements. He referred to it several times, but mostly we "discussed" or he "explained" or "told why", etc.

[kc9901mom]

Thanks for your thoughts.

In response to some of the opinions/thoughts about "providing" experiments, consider the following:
1. The merit badge pamphlet "provides" experiments.
2. The MBC may or may not approve the experiment that is in the merit badge pamphlet (highly unlikely).

My thoughts are that it is all about the "verbiage". For example, one could say to the Scout or write/electronically produce (in italics) a "disclaimer" statement such as: "You may use the experiment in the merit badge pamphlet or you may use the experiment (below) or you may choose a different experiment. However, if you choose a different experiment you must get your counselor's approval first." This "statement" would "leave the door open" for those Scouts who have a strong interest in Science.

It is true that I volunteered to counsel for a lot of badges but I don't think it is too many. I am one of four Hornaday Advisers for our Council that covers 23 Texas counties. For a few of badges, I am the only counseor in our District or there is only one other person. I have had the unique experience of almost finishing two degrees. My major was Geology and then I changed it to Environmental Management. In addition to liking Science I also like history and guns. My hobbies are gardening/landscaping, hiking, camping, backpacking, and fishing. I have had pets (dogs, cats, and fish, sometimes a combination of all 3 at the same time) for most of my life. It has been almost a year since I became a counselor and I have not had one Scout contact me for any of the Badges I counsel. All of my counseling experience has been in a Group environment.

[FrankJ]

It is important not to over think the process. The goal of merit badges is to spark an interest (or find out that you are completely uninterested) & to learn something. They should be mostly self directed discovery rather rote learning. If an scout has an idea that meets the requirement of the merit badge then the MBC should allow that rather than dictate a method that suits the MBC. Please note I am not suggesting anybody in this conversation is (or not) doing this.

Worksheets are just a way of organizing the work. They not required to be filled out completely or even followed. So an MBC is free to modify a worksheet to better serve the needs of the scouts she is coaching. What is required is the work meets the MB requirements.

If a scout suggests an experiment that meets the requirement (I would think the one in a merit badge book would do that ) then the MBC should approve it.

The more I do this, the less rule oriented I become.

[Nuts4Scouts]

The experiments in the MB booklets are NOT REQUIRED. They are merely suggestions/examples.

If a MBC requires a Scout to do a specific experiment, chosen by the counselor, that is no longer a suggestion, and, in my humble opinion, steps over the line.

If a MBC does NOT approve an experiment of the Scouts choice, even if it will meet the BSA requirements for that experiment, that also, in my opinion, steps over the line.

There is no need for "disclaimer statements" of any kind. Simply follow the requirements as written by BSA. The requirement states approved by your counselor - not selected, or provided, by your counselor.

[Quailman]

kc9901mom said she has only counseled merit badges in a group environment. How many of your Scouts have ever taken a merit badge at camp? Do you think they tell the kids "Select two of the four options for requirement 6 and do them"? No, they have a prepared program that may cover options b & d, because they fit into a group camp setting. I think in a group setting it should be up to the MBC to determine which options are made available, and if that means bringing the materials for the Scouts to conduct a given experiment, then so be it.

[Quailman]

I forgot to add that I've counseled several merit badges in a group environment. I select the options that we will be doing. I do not think it takes away from the Scouts' experience. OTOH, I much prefer the old-school way where a Scout would get my name from the SM & call me. my experience is marginally better than kc9901mom's. I've had a few contact me.

[FrankJ]

One of the down sides of teaching in a group environment. Although I have to admit that some merit badges do lend themselves to that & it can be done well. If the group gets too large you lose the one on one (actually one on two if you follow YP) aspect of the merit badge experience. I guess I would tell the scout that he is electing to take a merit class & he needs to except certain restrictions to facilitate the class. He does not want to do that then he is free to find a MBC that teaches one on one.

[Quailman]

Exactly.