Fencing Merit Badge

[scout mom]

My son is presently active in fencing competively at a national level. His coach and I are hoping to create a merit badge for fencing. Are there any other interested scouts/ scout leaders?

[PaulSWolf]

My son is presently active in fencing competively at a national level. His coach and I are hoping to create a merit badge for fencing. Are there any other interested scouts/ scout leaders?

I'd suggest you look at this URL: http://usscouts.org/mb/proposals.html

I've given an explanation there of the process and time it takes to develop new merit badges, based on conversations I and others have had with BSA Staff at the national office.

Also keep in mind that Fencing is a sport already included within the SPORTS Merit Badge.

[cballman]

it could also be in the home repairs or farm mechnics merit badge


P.S. I know it is a sport but i just couldnt resist

[RWSmith]

(I must admit, I had to think about it... for a moment.)

[wagionvigil]

Heard all those years ago. Garret was number 3 Foil in Pa for under 18 about 10 years ago and he could not figure out why there was not a MB for It.

[Scouting179]

Even if it's not one of the sports listed for SPORTS MB, the counselor can approve it for use.

[PaulSWolf]

Even if it's not one of the sports listed for SPORTS MB, the counselor can approve it for use.

It IS one of the sports listed for the Sports MB, both for Team and Individual use.

[scout mom]

Thanks everyone for all the information! (and smart comments)

I have seen that it is included in the Sports Merit Badge. The Fencing Coach and I will see if we can create the necessary class room material (with the use of Merit Badge .com) to make Fencing a sport available to the BS's of Louisville. Feel free to contact me if you are from another part of the country and would like to find a fencing club near you or more information on our merit badge instruction experiences!

Thanks again and Merry Christmas to all!

[twheatley]

I too believe that fencing would be an excellent merit badge. I have two sons in scouting, both of whom, along with myself, are competitive fencers.

Because the art of fencing includes much technical knowledge in addition to physical skill I believe it to lend itself well to merit badge requirements. Topics should include:

1) Knowledge of the various weapons.
2) Target areas for the various weapons.
3) Right of way rules
4) All of the parries for the various weapons
5) The different types of attacks/timing
6) The tactical wheel

Plus, of course, a requirement to actually fence

I will take a crack at writing up a requirements document and sending it through the process. Meanwhile, it would probably help if every scout interested in a fencing merit badge would send a message to let the reviewers know how much interest there is.