SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

Over the last few months I have had an item each issue about a special award Cub Scout can earn.  This issue it is the Internet Scout Patch of USScouts.org

If you missed any they were:

August – Emergency Preparedness Award

September – Boys’ life Reading Contest
(repeated again this month)

October – Leave No Trace Award

Upcoming issues may feature – World Conservation Award, Religious Awards, and Sports and Academics Awards.  If you have suggestions, please let us know.  CD

Internet Scout Patch - Earn It!

U.S. Scouting Service Project

This is an educational program of the U.S. Scouting Service Project and is not part of the advancement program of any WOSM Scouting Association

Cub Scout (Under 11 years old) Requirements:

Do ANY 8 of Requirements 1 through 11

AND Do Requirement 12

Online help - http://usscouts.org/internetscoutpatch-earnit.asp.

(You can find the Boy Scout (over 11 years old) requirements here)

1.       Computer Access Find out where computing resources are available in your community or school OR visit a store where computer hardware, software and accessories are sold.   Share with your leader (or a parent) and with your Den what you learned.

2.       Getting Connected Find out what internet service you use at home, or your parents use at work or learn about a service that is available in your home town.  Discuss with your parents and Den Leader what you learned.

3.       Online Safety Learn about Online safety and how to protect yourself on the Internet. With your parents, guardian, or Scout Leader, go to http://www.netsmartz.org/KIDS/index_hasFlash.html and complete each lesson.

4.       Web Browsers Explain what a browser (for example; Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Opera, Amaya, or Lynx) is and how use a browser to find information on the World Wide Web.

5.       Using the World Wide Web Demonstrate how to connect to the Internet and World Wide Web using a computer & modem or other device (Cable Modems, DSL, etc) . Once connected:
Explain the difference between a web page and a website.
Demonstrate what a "link" is and how it works.
Explain how to change from one URL to another.

6.       Searching for Information Use a search engine on the World Wide Web Examples of search engines include; Google (http://www.google.com), Yahoo (http://www.yahoo.com), AltaVista (http://www.altavista.digital.com), Lycos (http://www.lycos.com) and FirstGov (http://firstgov.gov). Find a website which addresses some part of Scouting.

7.       Using the Web for Scouting Visit http://macscouter.com/CubScouts/CubCmptr/index.html and under the category “Let’s Go Surfing”, find and print out games, songs or skits. (If Bears find a game, song or skit they like and get their Den Leader’s approval, they can plan and conduct one of the above during a den meeting and complete Achievement 24c.)

8.       Your Own Web Page With the help of an adult build a simple web page and show it to your Scout Leader (or a parent). This web page should include text, a link, and a graphic. (note: This web page does not have to be put on the internet to qualify and can be done as a den project.)  Discuss with your Scout leader (or a parent) how an individual with disabilities can access the web.

9.       Using E-mail Show how to send and receive e-mail.

10.    Internet Communications Explain what Messenger-type services (AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, etc.) are and how to use them. Explain to an Adult what to do when somebody you don't know tries to chat with you. Explain what to do when somebody tries to find out where you live or go to school. With an adult present, use one of these tools.

11.    Safe Computing Explain what a computer virus and worm are. Explain how to protect your computer from viruses, worms, and other malicious programs.

12.    Downloading Software Explain to your Scout Leader what can go wrong with your computer when you download software and how to safely download software. If you have a home computer, discuss with your parents what software you can download on your home computer.

Boys' Life Reading Contest

Enter the 16th Boys' Life Reading Contest Now!

Write a one-page report titled "The Best Book I Read This Year" and enter it in the Boys' Life 2003 "Say Yes to Reading!" contest.

The book can be fiction or nonfiction. But the report has to be in your own words—500 words tops. Enter in one of these three age categories: 8 years old and younger, 9 and 10 years old, or 11 years and older.

First-place winners in each age category will receive a $100 gift certificate good for any product in the Boy Scouts Official Retail Catalog. Second-place will receive a $75 gift certificate, and third-place a $50 certificate.

Everyone who enters will get a free patch like the square one above. (The patch is a temporary insignia, so it can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform shirt. Proudly display it there or anywhere!) In coming years, you'll have the opportunity to earn the other patches.

The contest is open to all Boys' Life readers. Be sure to include your name, address, age and grade on the entry.

Send your report, along with a business-size, self-addressed, stamped envelope, to:

Boys' Life Reading Contest, S306
P.O. Box 152079
Irving, TX 75015-2079

For more details go to www.boyslife.org

Entries must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2003.