Creative Writing MB Comments?

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BM_Crawford
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Joined: 12 Jul 2004
Posts: 131
Location: PA W/F Council
Posted: 17 Jul 2004 11:27 pm Post subject: Creative Writing
MB Comments?

So far I was thinking of having a writing workshop be a
requirment.

That is where you in a group of people go through different
steps like first picking a prompt, then write a page of ideas
on the prompt. Then write three writing ideas. After that you
read selections of others works that relate to the prompt and
make short paragraphs about your feelings on the works and
then come up with three more writing ideas. Lastly you would
do some sort of project dealing with the prompt (completely
creative and can change to whatever the person wants.) You
would then carry out the project (it doesnt have to be big. It
can be role playing writing a story with other people or a
play.) and then come up with three final writing ideas. Then
you have 9 total writing ideas. You pick your favorite one and
write about it.

Another requirement is that you have to write one of each
genre of writing: a short play, a short story, a poem, and a
creative essay.

Anothe requirement is that you have to create a portfollio of
all your works with reflections and opinions on them, the
badge, yourself and other things like a dear reader letter.

I have based the badge off of my creative writing class with
permission from my teacher.

It wouldn't be an easy merit badge and you'd probably have to
have some interest in writing to have alot of fun. But for
scouts who might not have a class like that in school or
something it could be an extremily worthwhile badge.
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Kobalt
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Joined: 12 Jul 2004
Posts: 98
Location: Louisville, KY
Posted: 17 Jul 2004 11:34 pm Post subject:

That's a good idea. However, you should have the scouts only
write three out of the four genres That way they can choose
their best points, instead of just throwing out anything to
meet all of the requirements (Some people have a little
trouble with poetry. ).
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Troop 42
"If it were easy, it would have been done before." -Jeana
Yeager, co-pilot of Voyager

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Firefish
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Joined: 05 Jul 2004
Posts: 145
Location: Beaver, Pa
Posted: 18 Jul 2004 11:04 am Post subject:

good job, though I agree with kobalt

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BM_Crawford
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Joined: 12 Jul 2004
Posts: 131
Location: PA W/F Council
Posted: 18 Jul 2004 12:11 pm Post subject:

I dissagree, I am not good at poetry and I still had to write
it in the class. Scouting is about experiencing things. The
point is you are suppose to have to experience all the genres.

Remember poetry can be about anything. This year one girl
wrote a poem about scooby doo. Besides if you write a poem it
doesnt have to be good to be accepted. Think about it-if you
take pottery you dont have to be good my coffe cup had a hole
in the bottom of it and I still got the badge. hehe So it
would be the same thing in Creative Writing MB. As long as you
try your best and its evident you will surely pass.
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Brian Crawford
Troop 251

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Kobalt
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Joined: 12 Jul 2004
Posts: 98
Location: Louisville, KY
Posted: 18 Jul 2004 10:31 pm Post subject:

I understand what you're saying, BM. My point is that I
wouldn't want to have the kids rush through and not give their
best at their work, just so they can finish all the
requirements. I see your point, though, in having the kids try
their best. Maybe have them write all four, then pick three
for a final project or something. Just an idea.
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Troop 42
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BM_Crawford
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Joined: 12 Jul 2004
Posts: 131
Location: PA W/F Council
Posted: 18 Jul 2004 10:41 pm Post subject:

Hmm good idea I'll definately consider it.
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Brian Crawford
Troop 251

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BM_Crawford
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Joined: 12 Jul 2004
Posts: 131
Location: PA W/F Council
Posted: 07 Aug 2004 07:03 pm Post subject:

What does everyone els think of the badge? Do you like it-do
you like where its going-any suggestions?

I'd LOVE to hear them! Thanks!
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Brian Crawford
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Guneukitschik
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Joined: 02 Aug 2004
Posts: 162
Location: Waynesboro, PA
Posted: 09 Aug 2004 06:24 am Post subject:

Why not have a skateboarding, surfing and mountain biking
merit badges...
Some more adventurious stuff!
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wagionvigil
Counselor

Joined: 21 Jul 2004
Posts: 191
Location: PA
Posted: 09 Aug 2004 07:03 am Post subject:

Lets keep the outing in scouting
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BM_Crawford
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Posted: 09 Aug 2004 07:10 am Post subject:

What do you mean by that?
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Brian Crawford
Troop 251

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RWSmith
Counselor

Joined: 13 Jul 2004
Posts: 55
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posted: 09 Aug 2004 08:56 am Post subject:

Brian,

I think a Creative Writing MB is a GREAT idea. We have
Journalism, Art, Theater and Music MBs. Our ability to
communicate, in writing, comes in MANY, MANY forms. A sheet of
music, a news article, or a scripted play... it's all creative
writing. In fact, I consider the Pythagorean Theorem to be a
creative, poetic work of art. I also like the idea of breaking
your ideas it into seperate categories, i.e., prose, poetry
(of which, there are several types), short stories... even
cartoons (i.e., manga).

I think this MB idea has legs.

Go for it!
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ADC, Apache District

If you can read this, thank a teacher... If you can read it in
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Guneukitschik
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Joined: 02 Aug 2004
Posts: 162
Location: Waynesboro, PA
Posted: 09 Aug 2004 09:32 am Post subject:

Scouting should not forget where it started...an outdoors
program should always be emphasized. However it is hard to get
some kids involved because they are too whizzed up about video
games and computers. These have there place...but I don't
think we should be dumping the camping or wilderness survival
type merit badges to make room for more computer and modern
merit badges.

However there are modern outdoor activities that could be
implemented to gain a scouts interest!
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Canoeist23
Tenderfoot

Joined: 08 Aug 2004
Posts: 9
Location: Staten Island,NY
Posted: 09 Aug 2004 10:18 am Post subject:

Guneukitschik wrote:
Why not have a skateboarding, surfing and mountain
biking merit badges...
Some more adventurious stuff!

He's got the right idea. I would like a surfing merit badge.
Skateboarding is a good one and mountain biking is an
especially good one in addition to cycling because it would be
hard to complete some of the cycling requirements on a
mountain bike.
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Guneukitschik
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Joined: 02 Aug 2004
Posts: 162
Location: Waynesboro, PA
Posted: 09 Aug 2004 10:29 am Post subject:

Scouting is going to have to keep up on the stuff otherwise
scouts will look elsewhere... I'm not saying let's have an
X-Games merit badge...but you never know? maybe someday?
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wagionvigil
Counselor

Joined: 21 Jul 2004
Posts: 191
Location: PA
Posted: 09 Aug 2004 11:13 am Post subject:

How about a MB that covers all the Sports not covered by
Sports MB except The Contact sports that are against BSA
Policy.
You could choose a sport and do the same requirements that
they have in the SPorts MB we just need a Good Name. Ideas?
We have stamp collecting and coin collecting but alot of boys
do not do either BUT they collect other items so they Made the
Collections MB
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BM_Crawford
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Joined: 12 Jul 2004
Posts: 131
Location: PA W/F Council
Posted: 09 Aug 2004 12:46 pm Post subject:

Quote:
From Scoutmaster Bob:
I think a Creative Writing MB is a GREAT idea. We have
Journalism, Art, Theater and Music MBs. Our ability to
communicate, in writing, comes in MANY, MANY forms. A
sheet of music, a news article, or a scripted play...
it's all creative writing. In fact, I consider the
Pythagorean Theorem to be a creative, poetic work of
art. I also like the idea of breaking your ideas it into
seperate categories, i.e., prose, poetry (of which,
there are several types), short stories... even cartoons
(i.e., manga).

Gee thanks alot! I really appreciate that.

Um in my oppinion scouting isnt just about the outdoors its
about experiences (as far as badges and stuff goes) You get to
experience alot of things. I really liked the idea about the
sheet music and and stuff and I'm going to try to add it in
because your are exactly right it is creative writing. I might
add it in with the list of other things I added above. Thanks
for the help!
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Brian Crawford
Troop 251

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Guneukitschik
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Joined: 02 Aug 2004
Posts: 162
Location: Waynesboro, PA
Posted: 09 Aug 2004 01:21 pm Post subject:

Well they have Personal
Fitness....Sports....Athletics....Swimming....Canoeing...Rowing.....Sailing.....Cycling....Whitewater
Rafting....Climbing....I could go on...there already seems to
be a ton of those MB's

What else is there that isn't covered by Sports MB? Just
Curious?
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wagionvigil
Counselor

Joined: 21 Jul 2004
Posts: 191
Location: PA
Posted: 09 Aug 2004 01:47 pm Post subject:

Even though I brought up the Alternates Sports Badge I feel
that we as a society are way too much sports oriented. We need
to emphasize MORE sports that include the out of doors. Like
we do now with CLimbing,Swimming( shoud be required)
Lifesaving (Should be required),Biking etc. I also think we
need a couple more Creative ARts Badges and Creative Writing
would fit into that slot along with Theater and Music
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Guneukitschik
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Joined: 02 Aug 2004
Posts: 162
Location: Waynesboro, PA
Posted: 09 Aug 2004 02:07 pm Post subject:

The creative concept is an interesting one, especially in
today's computer driven world. I don't know how the Scouts
would take to it? Of course some of that would depend on how
you approach them with it!

I have heard it said that Kids don't know how to go outside
and have fun...they now have friends on the computer all over
the world rather than even know who lives next door to them?
Times...they are a changin!
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BM_Crawford
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Joined: 12 Jul 2004
Posts: 131
Location: PA W/F Council
Posted: 09 Aug 2004 03:22 pm Post subject:

I agree with you about the need for more creative oriented
badges Wagionvigil

Umm you are correct times are changing
Guneukitschik...sometimes I think for the worst when it gets
to an extreme. Scouting promotes activity with the community.
In a sense with the whole troop process scouting is a
community activity on the lower levels. Of coarse we have
Jamborees which are nation oriented but scouting gets kids
active and gets them to interact with people in their own
area. I think the whole meeting people in different countries
opens alot of doors and can be a very good tool as long as it
is used minutely and not over exaggerated.

We have to get kids interested in real world activities I
think anyway.

Back on topic though...does anyone have any ideas on
requirements for this badge? Anything you might want to change
or add?
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Brian Crawford
Troop 251

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[Lynda J]

I thing this badge would be great. I watch as the boys come up through school and no longer have to write book reports. Every thing is done on
pre written test. With yes/no/ answers. They don't have to create an answer. This would help teach them to write.

[optimist]

WAR STORY WARNING -- PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK

Many of you have probably taken an SAT college entrance exam. My scores were pretty good, nothing spectacular but pretty good. On the other hand, I got a perfect score on the English portion of the ACT college entrance exam which was rather shocking I assure you.

Anyway, when I reported to college, I found out they had scheduled me to take an exam which would allow me to get full credit for Freshman English without actually having to take the course. I was presented with some information and given an hour to write an essay about it. I flunked miserably because I had no idea how to write an essay. Furthermore, I had no idea how important it was to be able to write in a structured manner.

Freshman English made a huge difference in my writing abilities (I hope it shows ). Scouts who took a merit badge like this may never realize the potential impact it may have on their lives but I think it would be great to help them in this way

[BM_Crawford]

Thanks! I'm talking with a few professionals right now to help me design the badge! I'll give updates whenever I can!

[Lynda J]

I would love to see this as a MB. Our boys are not being taught to write in school anymore. Our read a book, take an AR test. Which is nothing more than a mulitiple choice test. They they are graded on the test.
No more book reports. No more essays. When Kevin reads a book at home I have him write about what he liked or disliked about the book.

[Guneukitschik]

I think that National is now looking for new exciting things to attract new scouts and help retain the scouts they have. A new MB on creative writing although a valid idea, I don't think would be selected. I wonder which MB would be dropped from the current list in order to make room for creative writing?


I think you could however ask that National revise/update a current MB like communications or journalism and incorporate some creative writing requirements. I think this approach would be more likely to succeed!

[wagionvigil]

Well said. WHen looking for new MB ideas lets try to keep the outing in scouting. There was that period that even camping was removed as a required. Now there was a really great idea. An Eagle Scout that did not camp.

[Lynda J]

Why on earth would any badge have to be dropped to add another badge? Is there some hidden rule that Scouting can only have a certain number of Merit Badges?
In Cubs they just recently added 5 new Belt Loops. Nothing was dropped. In adding a new badge you are simply be expanding the horizions for scouts.
As far keeping the outing in scouting. Boys can write wonder stories about camping adventures. Don't put blinders on and see a Creative Writing Merit Badge as something that does not include out of doors.
Creative writing would only expand a boys mind. We challenge their skills in the out of doors, shouldn't we also challenge their creativity? Open up new ideas to them. Remember our goal is to have "Well Rounded" boys maturing into "Well Rounded" adults. And the ability to express oneself with the written word can only enhance ones view of not only himself but of the rest of the world.

[Guneukitschik]

Why on earth would any badge have to be dropped to add another badge? Is there some hidden rule that Scouting can only have a certain number of Merit Badges?

ScoutmasterBob recently posted the following on another thread within the Merit Badge Subject Development Topic.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was curious if the National Council published info from the advancement dept about new MBs that were under consideration and ones that were rejected and why. So I called the National office and asked. I was directed to Terry Lawson the director of the dept that considers new MB amoung other things and asked him.
Terry was very helpful and very nice while asked him about new MB ideas.

I thought I would share some of the things Terry told me.

The committee that considers new MBs meets 3 times a year.

The new MBs need to promote a hobby or career intrest and promote the aims of Scouting.

When submitting an idea, you need to include the rationale behind the idea, as well as potential sample requirements for the badge.

Sadly, nearly all of the ideas for new badges are turned down for one reason or another, very few get tabled for consideration. He gave me two reasons for this.
First, there are 120 MBs and instead of growing that number to 200 or 500 they want to keep it around 120, so if a new MB is considered another one is usually dropped.
Second, it takes around $75,000 to introduce a new MB mostly due to printing of pamplets and updating and printing of the Requirement books.

I hope this is helpful, I found it interesting and was suprised how considereate and helpful Terry Lawson was when I called. I thought I would be just another annoying call wanting to get his MB idea approved, but Terry did not make me feel that way at all.

I guess if you have a question, all you have to do is ask.

_________________

In Cubs they just recently added 5 new Belt Loops. Nothing was dropped. In adding a new badge you are simply be expanding the horizions for scouts.

As for the Cub Scout stuff....well Cub Scouts is a different program than Boy Scouts!