is it time to update most of the merit badges?

[brianbuf]

As I talk to boys in my troop and review and help boys get rank advancements, I see that many merit badges are out of date and out of touch with the interests of the kids today.

I am glad to see people suggesting Gaming and skateboarding. Truely requirements can be set up for a good merit badge on these topics, including writing reports, etc.

Other badges just need to be updated. Some need to be dropped.

I posted a website talking about updating scouting. Please click on my profile where it has the website. I would like to know what you think.

Brian

[PaulSWolf]

BSA has had an ongoing project since 1999, to rewrite all of the Merit Badge pamphlets and update the requirements. The original goal called for updating all of them within 4-5 years, but the schedule did slip.

Since Jan. 1, 1999, all but ten of the merit badges have had new or revised requirements implemented, and all but five of the pamphlets have been rewritten and new editions issued.

In 2005 and 2006 alone, 61 merit badges have had new or revised requirements published, and 40 had new pamphlets, plus one new badge was added.

Keep in mind that the pamphlets you have may not be the most current, so check http://usscouts.org/mb/mbbooks.html to verify the most current information. Also, note that thi site (meritbadge.com) has not posted the most recent changes, so check my site at http://usscouts.org/mb for the current requirements.

[brianbuf]

Good,
I hope they continue.

As crazy as it sounds, their could be a vidoe game or gamer merit badge with reports and things to make it legitimate. A report on the history of gaming in our day or a report on the different game systems like 64 bit, 128, etc. Not just playing, but research. Also, a report on the dangers of gaming too much, etc.

Skateboarding would draw kids as well. Digital photography by itself also.

We need badges that attract kids. My website shows kids are leaving in droves.... click on the www icon below.

Thanks for the update. Sounds like things are modernizing at some speed.

[Quailman]

Since Jan. 1, 1999, all but ten of the merit badges have had new or revised requirements implemented, and all but five of the pamphlets have been rewritten and new editions issued.

I wonder how many of the ten are included in this year's round of changes. There are 21 badges listed, but only about 4 or 5 say "the requirements were rewritten."

I'm glad I checked that page today, as I am teaching a Dentistry MB class this Friday and it's in there, though minor.