|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First.. WELCOME to BOY SCOUT!
As a Scout (and a parent), you'll quickly find Boy Scout is a whole new adventure unlike Cub Scouts. Let's sum up the points: - Its boy-led not adult-led so Scouts have an opportunity to develop and practice different skills: leadership, time management, social skills, self- initiative, self-reliance and etc. (We'll admit is hard to retrain ourselves, as the adult, from doing for our sons. Parents, quickly ingrain yourself in a new parent/ leader motto: NEVER do anything a boy can do!! and you and your son(s) will get more out of the Boy ScOUTING Adventure.)
- Is about the journey to advancement where Scouts learn, practice and develop skills to 'Prepare. For Life.' (Yes, its chaos at times as the Scouts practice and develop their inexperienced leadership skills. It's hands-on learning and repetitive practice. Scouts' mistakes are lessons within their decisions or mistakes they themselves made.)
- The journey has two pathways: rank and merit badges. (Merit badges can be done at anytime AFTER discussion with one's Scoutmaster but counted on the last three ranks. Once a merit badge is earned they are good for the Scout's recording later.)
- Scouts become responsible for their Scout stuff instead of mom and dad. Helpful hint: Ask Mom or Dad for suggestions for a 'safe designated Scout Spot' at home like a drawer. Put all your Scout papers, patches, books and etc. in it. Years from now, your parent will be so CHEERFUL that you had that 'Scout Spot'.
- When you don't know something, the Scout (your son) needs to ASK. (This helps your son learn valuable lifetime communication skills. Yes, there are times information gets lost but its about practice.)
- Outing in ScOUTING. You'll see, hear and enjoy more OUTINGS in the name of ScOUTING than the Cub Scouts did. (Troop Committees are always looking for parents' skills from Cub Scouts and in other areas so parents never be afraid to ask how you can help. For the adult, Committee meetings are a great place to start.)
What is the purpose of merit badges?? Merit Badges are designed to help Scouts: - acquire skills and/or hobbies.
- explore career possibilities.
- interact with new adults.
- grow in confidence, social skills, self-initiative, and self-reliance.
- experience learning in many different settings.
Summed up... Prepared (the Scout). For Life.
Where can Scouts take merit badges? - Troop meetings
- Summer Camp or Eagle Flight Week
- Campouts / Camporees
- Merit Badge events
- Community places like RMSC, Seneca Zoo, Pisces School of Diving, and Susan B. Anthony House to name a few.
- Community organization events. (Coin Collecting, Geology and Stamp Clubs are some clubs that invite Scouts to work on merit badges during one of their events.)
- Scout Rally weekend events
- Going with your Scout buddy to a Counselor's workplace, home or etc. (Scouts are NEVER to meet a Counselor one on one! If you don't have a Scout buddy, take your parent.)
How are merit badges grouped? - Eagle required - these must be done for one's Trail to Eagle (Eagle Scout Award) based on life skills the Scout should obtain to 'Prepared. For Life.'. (FYI... Eagle required are often the last ones done so a HELPFUL hint is a goal of 2 a year but don't push it as each Scout is ready at different times in their life. Your Scoutmaster will know BEST which ones you are ready for.)
- Electives - ones the Scout chooses and usually ones the Crossover Scout begins with.
What does your son have to do first? Please note.. your son; not you, the parent. Guide your son to ask himself (and for you).. *winka - Talk to his Scoutmaster first before registering for Merit Badge Adventure. Let your son express his interest to his Scoutmaster in which ones he would like to sign up for. Your son's Scoutmaster will discuss which ones are appropriate for him. (You don't want him to end up signing up for Personal Management because its the only Eagle required open when it is a merit badge appropriate for the 15 year older or above without him talking to his Scoutmaster first.)
- After the discussion, his Scoutmaster will give him a 'signed' blue card. Keep this blue card in a safe place! (Helpful hint for your son: An envelope taped to the inside back cover of his Scout handbook is HELPFUL. Make sure the envelope opening faces the handbook binding. Great place for him to put his Firem'n Chit and Totin' Chip cards too.)
- After your son obtains his blue card from his Scoutmaster, your son is ready to register for MBA. Next, its time for your son to talk to mom or dad to ask for their help/approval. After all your son needs his parent's help for their ride to Merit Badge Adventure.
Be sure to read these pages too: Scouts and Blue Card <-- click words to redirect to new pages.
Have FUN and EXPLORE away on the Merit Badge Adventure trail as your BOY SCOUT Adventure is just beginning! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|