Merit Badge "Competition"

[adv_385]

It's in quotes for a reason. I'm pretty sure I've seen this answered somewhere, but I can't find it. Our Scoutmaster wants to publish the number of merit badges (not their identities) for all our Scouts by name because he thinks it will make Johnny try to earn more MBs because Billy has two more than he does. Firstly, I think this is a lousy idea, and secondly I'm sure I read somewhere that we are not supposed to do this.

Scouts are supposed to earn MBs because they're interested in the topics (or need them for advancement), not so that they can have a bigger number in a chart on a bulletin board. Like I said, I'm pretty sure I saw this addressed somewhere, but I can't find it. If I'm wrong, it won't be the first time. If I'm right, I want to put an end to this practice. Help, please.

Neal

[smtroop168]

It's in quotes for a reason. I'm pretty sure I've seen this answered somewhere, but I can't find it. Our Scoutmaster wants to publish the number of merit badges (not their identities) for all our Scouts by name because he thinks it will make Johnny try to earn more MBs because Billy has two more than he does. Firstly, I think this is a lousy idea, and secondly I'm sure I read somewhere that we are not supposed to do this.

Scouts are supposed to earn MBs because they're interested in the topics (or need them for advancement), not so that they can have a bigger number in a chart on a bulletin board. Like I said, I'm pretty sure I saw this addressed somewhere, but I can't find it. If I'm wrong, it won't be the first time. If I'm right, I want to put an end to this practice. Help, please.

Neal

Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures (2008 printing)

Each youth progresses at his or her own
rate. Advancement is not a competition among
individual young people, but is an expression of their
interest and participation in the program. Youth
must be encouraged to advance steadily and set
their own goals with guidance from their parents,
guardians, or leaders. Just because a group of youth
join at the same time, not everyone will earn the
same awards at the same time. Let all members earn
the awards at their own pace.

[kwildman]

there is nothing wrong with motivating youth. They are still going at their own pace. Competition is a good motivating factor for young boys and men. I dont see anything wrong with this. Now if the SM was offering a prize or an award i would have a problem with it. As long as you dont sell it as a competition its not a problem. It really isnt any diffrent than the kids wearing their merit badge sashes and showing off all their badges.

[lambeausam]

If that's not an invitation to create a "mill" environment, then I don't know what is. I agree with the concept that scouts should be earning MB's either because they are rank-required or the subject is appealing. I would prefer seeing a scout invest time and effort into a merit badge because he really wants to learn something, rather than rushing through for the sake of competition.

[rkpeck]

We've had more success with motivating the troop as a whole by setting a bogey at summer camp to earn a total MB quantity based on the number of scouts attending camp. (say five per scout - some of the first year scouts may get 7 or 8, but the fifth and sixth year scouts will be lucky to get two or three). So if we take 35 scouts to camp, and hit 175 merit badges earned, then they get to shave the assistant scoutmaster's head. There's some informal competition between patrols, which is always fun to watch. To me, that is positive peer motivation.

Roger

[smtroop168]

some of the first year scouts may get 7 or 8 Roger

Where do you go to camp that 1st year scouts "earn" 7-8 MBs!!!

[WVBeaver05]

...some of the first year scouts may get 7 or 8, but the fifth and sixth year scouts will be lucky to get two or three...

WOW!!! 7 or 8 MBs in a week at camp?

YiS

[rkpeck]

Seven or eight is doable when scout camp is 10 days long.

Roger

[rkpeck]

some of the first year scouts may get 7 or 8 Roger

Where do you go to camp that 1st year scouts "earn" 7-8 MBs!!!

H.Roe Bartle, Heart of America Council (Osceola, MO)

Most first-years will bring back at least 6. Seven if they're eager. Eight if they're motivated.

[ronin718]

A "highly-motivated" Scout can earn 10-12 at Goshen SR in VA. They have a lot of open program opportunities, particularly in the Handicraft area. We had one young man earn 12 last year.

I don't agree with it, especially since I think Dad had more to do with it than anything, but it is possible.

[smtroop168]

A "highly-motivated" Scout can earn 10-12 at Goshen SR in VA. They have a lot of open program opportunities, particularly in the Handicraft area. We had one young man earn 12 last year.

I don't agree with it, especially since I think Dad had more to do with it than anything, but it is possible.

At that rate he can finish all the MBs in 3 months! I wonder how much the 1st year guy even would remember about what he did.

[kwildman]

If that's not an invitation to create a "mill" environment, then I don't know what is. I agree with the concept that scouts should be earning MB's either because they are rank-required or the subject is appealing. I would prefer seeing a scout invest time and effort into a merit badge because he really wants to learn something, rather than rushing through for the sake of competition.

I dont think this would create a mill environment. Scouts still need to find someone to do the merit badges and have to complete the work. Getting scouts actively engaged in the program and working towards advancements whether it is rank or merit badges is a good thing. Boys are driven by competition so why not use it where it helps. Its all a matter of perspective and focus. We use competition between patrols and also between different troops to motivate the boys. The ultimate quality of the program is going to be what the leaders (youth and adult) make it.

[Bill Pitcher]

If you want to post what MB's little "Johnny" has earned, post an advancement chart . . . they're all there for all to see!

[agdparker]

This is a really interesting discussion and I've been following it closely. I can see both sides of the argument, for sure. Let me ask this to those that don't want boys doing MB's in which they aren't interested: Is there something to be said about boys stepping out side their comfort zone to try new things? If a boy tries a MB in an area in which he thought he had no interest and then decides it is interesting or fun, wouldn't that be a positive thing? Obviously they shouldn't be forced, but if some positive peer pressure exposes them to a potentially new and engaging skill, talent or even career, why not?

It's potentially a fine line to walk between encouraging them and letting them choose their own advancement path.

I'm mostly thinking out loud, so I could be swayed either way.

[Mrw]

Posting this can motivate some kids to either get off the fence and work a little or maybe to try something new. As far as earning badges they hate just to get their name on the chart - not going to happen.

My experience is that the postings and advancementchart are liked by the little kids right when they cross over, but it is more of a Cub thing and once they get into being a Boy Scout, they are never looked at again.

[smtroop168]

We post Target 1st Class and Target Eagle reports from Troopmaster monthly. We also post the Required MB matrix report.

[lambeausam]

This is a really interesting discussion and I've been following it closely. I can see both sides of the argument, for sure. Let me ask this to those that don't want boys doing MB's in which they aren't interested: Is there something to be said about boys stepping out side their comfort zone to try new things? If a boy tries a MB in an area in which he thought he had no interest and then decides it is interesting or fun, wouldn't that be a positive thing? Obviously they shouldn't be forced, but if some positive peer pressure exposes them to a potentially new and engaging skill, talent or even career, why not?

This is why I love the fact that there are over 125 MB subjects. During BOR's, I usually ask the scout what MBs he is working on and any that he would like to start. I love watching the excitement in the scout's face when he talks about learning something new. I also remind the boys that you never know what kind of lasting effect a MB might have. They may find an interest in a MB that eventually becomes a career. I know a kid studying marine biology that didn't have any interest in the field until he took the Oceanography MB.

[RWSmith]

I know a kid studying marine biology that didn't have any interest in the field until he took the Oceanography MB.

Two words: Star Wars

[WeeWillie]

Troop Advancement Chart, Item # 34506 can be purchased at your Scout Shop. The purpose of the chart is to track, advertise, and encourage advancement. Merely posting the chart without a lot of fanfare hardly constitutes competition.

[alex gregory]

Using a visual aid like the troop advancement chart is an excellent motivational tool.

The point is motivation, not competition, and there is a difference.

Another great motivation tool is the brag rag, oops I meant the merit badge sash. Encourage the guys at least once in a while to wear full uniform including the sash.