Merit Badges
Note:
References below to the "Guide to Advancement" (GTA) refer to the 2013
printing of BSA Publication 33088 (SKU 618673).
The
Guide to Advancement is the official Boy Scouts of America source on advancement
procedures.
References to "Boy Scout Requirements" (BSR) refer to the 2013 printing
of BSA Publication 33216 (SKU 616334)
All unit committees should have copies of these two publications to avoid running
into the below urban legend traps.
Statement
You can't earn a Merit Badge until you're First Class.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
This was true in the early days of Scouting. It isn't true now. You need
only be registered in the BSA as a Boy Scout to start earning merit badges.
"Though a few merit badges may have certain restrictions; short of them,
any registered Scout may work on any of them at any time, as long as he has
the approval of his unit leader." (GTA 7.0.0.2)
Statement
If you start a merit badge at camp, you must finish it at camp.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
Not true, any registered merit badge counselor for that badge can elect to
accept the work already completed and allow the rest of the work for him or
her to sign off.
Statement
You can't get your First Aid Merit Badge until you are First Class, because
you haven't taken all of the TESTS related to first aid.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
You can start First Aid Merit Badge at any time.
Statement
You only have one year after you start a merit badge to complete it.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
Actually, you have until you turn 18.
"Partials have no expiration except the 18th birthday." (GTA 7.0.3.3)
Statement
Similarly, Merit badge partials expire six months they are issued
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
Nope, they last until the Scout is 18. (see the previous item.)
Statement
Merit Badge Counselor applications must be approved by the Troop Committee.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
Nope, district or council (as defined by local council rules).
"The council advancement committee is responsible for approval of all merit
badge counselors before they provide services, although it is acceptable to
delegate authority for this function to districts." (GTA 7.0.1.4)
Statement
You don't need to be a registered merit badge councilor to sign off a merit
badge. Similarly, the SM (or designated Scouter) in your troop can sign
off on any merit badge.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
"People serving must maintain registration with the Boy Scouts of America
as merit badge counselors and be approved by the local council for each of their
badges. See "Counselor Approvals and Limitations," 7.0.1.4. There are no exceptions.
For example, Scoutmasters must be approved for any badge they wish to counsel
or sign off in their troop." (GTA 7.0.1.1)
Statement
You have to do a board of review for each merit badge.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
What a silly idea. In fact, Article X, Clause 13, of the Rules and Regulations
of the BSA specifically states, "There shall be no board of review procedure
for merit badges".
"Once a registered and approved counselor has passed a
Scout on requirements for a merit badge, it cannot be taken away. Nor does unit
leadership have the authority to retract approval, or take the badge away."
(GTA 7.0.4.6)
Statement
The official rule is -- If merit badge requirements change while you are
doing that badge you MUST earn the merit badge in accordance with the new requirements.
Conversely, A scout MUST earn the merit badge under the requirements as written
when he started the badge.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
No, at the scout's option, he can continue the old requirements or use the
new ones. It's HIS choice.
"What to Do When Requirements Change
"The current annual edition of Boy Scout Requirements, No. 34765, lists
the official requirements. Changes usually appear first in a revised merit badge
pamphlet, then become effective the next January 1 and are published in the
requirements book. Unless otherwise stated there, or in the pamphlet, the following
options are allowed.
- "If Scouts have already started on a merit badge when a revision is
introduced, they may switch to the new requirements or continue with the
old ones until the badge is completed.
- "If they have not already started, they may use the new requirements
and the new pamphlet.
- "If work begins before the end of the current year, they may use the
old requirements and old pamphlet until the badge is completed.
"There is no time limit between starting and completing a badge, although
a counselor may determine so much time has passed since any effort took place
that the new requirements must be used." (GTA 7.0.4.3)
Statement
A Scout can't earn a merit badge after the BSA has eliminated the badge.
or
Merit badges are never totally retired - If you can find a counselor,
find a book that has the requirements, and find the badge, you can earn some
that are not officially listed right now.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction (BOTH Cases)
Comments
With regard to the first statement, He sure can, as long as he started working on the badge prior to the badge's
elimination, is continuing to work on the badge, and has not yet turned 18. His troop or crew advancement committee
may have a bit of difficulty finding a badge to award him, but that is a different
problem.
With regard to the second statement, It's just not true. Here's the
documentation for both cases::
"Discontinued Merit Badges
"Scouts may not begin working on discontinued merit badges. If actual effort
has already begun by the time discontinuation becomes effective, and work actively
continues, then the badge may be completed and can count toward rank advancement,
but presentation of the badge itself will be subject to availability. It is
a misconception that discontinued merit badges may be earned as long as the
patch and requirements can be found." (GTA 7.0.4.4)
Statement
Merit badges are awarded at the next Court of Honor.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
Not. It is up to the troop or team, but instant recognition is encouraged.
Most units present the actual badge at the next meeting, and the wallet card
at the next Court of Honor.
Statement
A parent may not be a merit badge counselor for their own son for eagle required
merit badges.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
No, it's usually not a good idea, but it can be done.
"Approved counselors may work with and pass any member, including their
own son, ward, or relative." (GTA 7.0.1.4)
Statement
A Merit Badge Counselor may only counsel 5 merit badges.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
"There is no limit to the number of merit badges an individual may counsel
except to the extent the person lacks skills and education in the subjects."
(GTA 7.0.1.4)
Statement
A Merit Badge Counselor may only counsel 5 merit badges for a specific Scout.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction - As stated
Comments
In General this statement is false, based on this statement:
"There is no limit on the number of merit badges a youth may earn from one
counselor." (GTA 7.0.1.4)
However, the GTA then goes on to say this:
"However, in situations where a Scout is earning a large number of badges
from just one counselor, the unit leader is permitted to place a limit on
the number of merit badges that may be earned from one counselor, as long as
the same limit applies to all Scouts in the unit." (GTA 7.0.1.4)
Therefore, the following statement would be true:
"A Merit Badge Counselor may only counsel 5 merit badges for a specific Scout,
AS LONG AS the Scoutmaster elects to apply the same limit to all Scouts in the unit."
Statement
A merit badge counselor can counsel his/her son ONLY if there are 3 other
boys being counseled at the same time.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
Here are the ONLY rules on the subject:
- Youth members must not meet one-on-one with adults. Sessions with counselors
must take place where others can view the interaction, or the Scout must
have a buddy: a friend, parent, guardian, brother, sister, or other relative—or
better yet, another Scout working on the same badge—along with him attending
the session. (GTA 7.0.3.1)
- (A)pproved counselors may work with and pass any member, including their
own son, ward, or relative. (GTA 7.0.1.4)
So it's clear that a parent may counsel his son for any merit badges, provided
he is qualified and approved to counsel the badge(s), and the only restriction
is that there must be a "buddy" around, but that could be his sibling, the other
parent, another relative, a friend, OR one or more other Scouts.
Statement
A troop's leaders have an obligation to re-test every merit badge earned
by the Scouts, to make sure that proper standards have been maintained.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
Once signed by the MBC, the merit badge is deemed completed; no re-test or
board of review for merit badges is permitted by BSA policy. See the quotation
of GTA 7.0.4.6 above.
Statement
A Merit Badge Counselor (MBC) may counsel his or her own son.
Fact or Fiction
Fact
Comments
It is a BSA policy that this may be done. See the quotation from
GTA 7.0.1.4 above.
Statement
The Scoutmaster can withhold his signature on a Scout's merit badge application
if he feels the Scout isn't "ready" for a particular merit badge.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
It is the Scout, and the Scout alone, who decides what merit badge he wishes
to earn. Neither the Scoutmaster nor anyone else can arbitrarily withhold approval
of a Scout's desire for a particular merit badge. The following is
quoted from the 2013 Guide to Advancement:
"A few merit badges have certain restrictions, but otherwise any
registered Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualified Venturer or Sea Scout may
work on any of them at any time. Before he begins working with a merit badge
counselor, however, he is to have a discussion with his unit leader. That a
discussion has been held is indicated by the unit leader’s signature on the
Application for Merit Badge, No. 34124, commonly called the “blue card.”
Although it is the unit leader’s responsibility to see that at least one
merit badge counselor is identified from those approved and made available,
the Scout may have one in mind with whom he would like to work. The unit
leader and Scout should come to agreement as to who the counselor will be.
Lacking agreement, the Scout must be allowed to work with the counselor of
his choice, so long as the counselor is registered and has been approved by
the council advancement committee. However, see “Counselor Approvals and
Limitations,” 7.0.1.4, for circumstances when a unit leader may place limits
on the number of merit badges that may be earned from one counselor."
"The Scout may also want to take advantage of opportunities at merit
badge fairs or midways, or at rock-climbing gyms or whitewater rafting trips
that provide merit badge instruction. This is also acceptable, but the Scout
must still discuss the merit badge with the unit leader and get a signed
blue card. Should a Scout want to change counselors, he should once again
speak with the unit leader to verify that the counselor is properly
registered and approved. Whatever the source, all merit badge counselors
must be registered and approved for the merit badges they counsel. See
“Counselor Approvals and Limitations,” 7.0.1.4, and “Registration and
Reregistration,” 7.0.1.5."
"A unit leader should consider making more of the process than just
providing a signature. The opportunity exists, then and there, to provide
inspiration and direction in a young man’s life. Preliminary merit badge
discussions can lead to conversations about talents and interests, goal
setting, and the concept of “challenge by choice.” The benefits can be much
like those of a well-done Scoutmaster conference."
"The discussion a Scout is to have with the unit leader is meant to be a
growth-oriented and positive conversation. The unit leader should discuss
any concerns related to working on the merit badge and provide appropriate
counseling. It is then the Scout’s decision whether or not to proceed with
the merit badge. The process is intended to inform the Scout about what he
may encounter along the way, and perhaps to give him suggestions on how the
work might be approached. It also has the purpose of keeping the unit leader
up to date with what the members of the unit are doing." (GTA 7.0.0.3 )
Statement
A Scout can only earn merit badges from a MBC registered in his home council.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
So long as the MBC is registered, the Council he or she is registered in
is irrelevant.
"It is acceptable for a counselor registered in one council to approve merit
badges for Scouts in another. This is an important consideration, especially
in areas where counselors are scarce, or when Scouts are away from home and
want to continue advancing." (GTA 7.0.1.1)
Statement
The prerequisite to Life Saving merit badge is Swimming merit badge
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
A bunch of years ago, this used to be the case. It isn't any longer. The
sole prerequisite for Life Saving is the ability to pass the First Class swimming
requirement and swim continuously for 400 yards using specific strokes.
- "Before doing requirements 2 through 15:
- "Complete Second Class rank requirements 8a through 8c and
First Class rank requirements 9a through 9c.
- "Swim continuously for 400 yards using each of the following strokes
in a strong manner for at least 50 continuous yards: front crawl, sidestroke,
breaststroke, and elementary backstroke." (BSR - Lifesaving merit badge
requirements)
Statement
To help its Scouts advance, troops should be sure to hold merit badge classes
in troop meetings.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
The TROOP MEETING PLAN, which has been the same for decades, has no provision
in it for merit badge classes.
Statement
The primary purpose of merit badges is to advance to Star, Life, and Eagle.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
The merit badge program is created to (a) offer a Scout exposure to an area
of interest that may become his profession or life-long hobby, and (b) to expose
him to interaction with adults with whom he is not readily familiar, for the
purpose of growth in inter-personal relations.
"The Benefits of Merit Badges
"There is more to merit badges than simply providing opportunities to learn
skills. There is more to them than an introduction to lifetime hobbies, or the
inspiration to pursue a career—though these invaluable results occur regularly.
The uncomplicated process—beginning in a discussion with a Scoutmaster, continuing
through meetings with a counselor, and culminating in advancement and recognition—provides
several learning experiences. It gives a Scout the confidence achieved through
overcoming obstacles. Social skills improve. Self-reliance develops. Examples
are set and followed. And fields of study and interest are explored beyond the
limits of the school classroom." (GTA 7.0.0.1)
"(W)e often teach young people the importance of broadening horizons. Scouts
meeting with counselors beyond their families and beyond even their own units
are doing that. They will benefit from the perspectives of many "teachers" and
will learn more as a result. They should be encouraged to reach out." (GTA 7.0.1.4)
Statement
A merit badge requirement can be changed if, in the judgment of a qualified
counselor, an enhancement to the basic skill is more practical or a better learning
experience.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
A Merit Badge Counselor may certainly "teach beyond the requirements," for
the benefit of the youth he or she is counseling; however, only the requirements
precisely as written represent the standard for completing the merit badge.
"Policy on Unauthorized Changes to Advancement Program
"No council, committee, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add
to, or subtract from, advancement requirements. There are limited exceptions
relating only to youth members with disabilities." (GTA - page 2)
Statement
The specific order of events for earning a Merit Badge are: (1) the Scout
picks a subject, (2) he gets a signed Merit Badge Application ("Blue Card")
from his Scoutmaster, (3) he meets with a Counselor, (4) he begins fulfilling
requirements.
Fact or Fiction
Fact
Comments
"Introduction to Merit Badges;
"Pick a Subject.
"Talk to your unit leader about your interests. Read the requirements of the
merit badges you think might interest you, and pick one to earn. Your leader
will give you the name of a person from a list of counselors. These individuals
have special knowledge in their merit badge subjects and are interested in helping
you.
"Scout Buddy System.
"You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge
counselor. This person can be another Scout, your parents or guardian, a brother
or sister, a relative, or a friend.
"Call the Merit Badge Counselor.
"Get a signed Application for Merit Badge, No. 34124, from your unit leader.
Get in touch with the merit badge counselor and explain that you want to earn
the badge. The counselor may ask to meet you to explain what is expected and
to start helping you meet the requirements. You should also discuss work you
have already started or possibly completed.
"At the first meeting, you and your merit badge counselor will review and may
start working on the requirements. In some cases, you may share the work you
have already started or completed.
"Unless otherwise specified, work on a requirement can be started at
any time. Ask your counselor to help you learn the things you need
to know or do. You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject. Many
troops, schools, and public libraries have them.
("All merit badge requirements must be met while a registered Boy Scout
or Varsity Scout, or a qualified Venturer or Sea Scout. Accomplishments before
joining, or while a Cub Scout, do not apply.)
"Show Your Stuff.
"When you are ready, call the counselor again to make an appointment. When you
go, take along the things you have made to meet the requirements. If they are
too big to move, take pictures or have an adult tell in writing what you have
done. The counselor will test you on each requirement to make sure you know
your stuff and have done or can do the things required."
"Get the Badge.
"When the counselor is satisfied you have met each requirement, he or she will
sign your application. Give the signed application to your unit leader so your
merit badge emblem can be secured for you."
"Requirements.
"You are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated—no more and no
less. You must do exactly what is stated in the requirements. If it says "show
or demonstrate," that is what you must do. Just telling about it isn't enough.
The same thing holds true for such words as "make," "list," "in the field,"
and "collect," "identify," and "label." " (BSR - pages 20 - 21 except the clause
in italics which is from GTA 7.0.0.1)
Statement
Merit Badges operate on a "pass-fail" system.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
Merit badge requirements are to be completed; not "passed." When a Scout
has completed all of the requirements, he has earned the merit badge. The Merit
Badge Counselor's obligation is to assure that the Scout successfully completes
all requirements by counseling, coaching, and mentoring him along the way.
Statement
A Merit Badge Counselor can't counsel a relative (brother, cousin, son, etc.)
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
Nope - just not true! see above
Statement
If a Sea Scout or Venturer completes all the requirements for a merit badge
(e.g., Swimming), the merit badge itself should be awarded, regardless of gender.
Fact or Fiction
Both Fact and Fiction
Comments
Fiction: Because Sea Scouting is a part of the
overall Venturing program for older youth, it is eligible to be co-ed, and female
Sea Scouts are eligible to earn the Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and Quartermaster
ranks. Along the way, completing the requirements for some Boy Scout merit badges
is to be accomplished, and the BSA is specific in wording: "Complete the requirements
for "X" merit badge;" not "earn the ‘X' merit badge." So while working toward
Sea Scout ranks, Sea Scouts may not earn nor be awarded merit badges.
Fact: The exception to the above rule is this:
"Boy Scout Advancement in Venturing and Sea Scouts
"Venturers and Sea Scouts who earned First Class rank as registered Boy Scouts
or Varsity Scouts are qualified until their 18th birthday to continue with Boy
Scout advancement. If desired, they can maintain multiple (dual) registration
in a troop or team, and also in a crew or ship, and work on ranks in either
unit. Wherever the member is registered, the Scoutmaster and crew Advisor or
Skipper decide with the young man which one will oversee his advancement. If
the Advisor or Skipper does so, but is unfamiliar with Boy Scouting, the district
advancement committee should identify an experienced Scouter to assist. It is
important for Venturing and Sea Scout leaders to understand that Boy Scout advancement
procedures must be followed.
Any work done while a Venturer or Sea Scout can count toward both Boy
Scout and Venturing or Sea Scout advancement at the same time. For instance,
a conservation project required in Boy Scouting can also count in Venturing.
Position of responsibility requirements for Boy Scout ranks may be met by the
Venturer or Sea Scout serving in crew or ship positions as outlined in the Boy
Scout Requirements book, No. 34765. The Advisor or Skipper conducts the unit
leader conference. The crew or ship committee conducts Star and Life boards
of review, and Eagle Scout boards follow the local council's established procedure."
(GTA 4.3.1.4)
So eligible Venturers or Sea Scouts who are working on Boy Scout advancement
(but not Venturers or Sea Scouts who are not doing so) may earn and be awarded
merit badges.
Statement
A merit badge "partial" is good until the Scout is 18 years old.
Fact or Fiction
Fact
Comments
The 18th birthday is the only restriction on merit badge partials. A Scout
may pick up where he left off at any time up until then.
"A subsequent counselor may choose not to accept partial work, but this should
be rare. A Scout, if he believes he is being treated unfairly, may work with
his Scoutmaster to find another counselor. ... Partials have no expiration except
the 18th birthday." (GTA 7.0.3.3)
Statement
A "partial" more than 12 months old should be entirely re-tested.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
See the previous answer
Statement
Swimming merit badge is required before a Scout can take Canoeing merit badge.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
This used to be the case, back in the days of buggy-whips. Today, successful
completion of the First Class swimming requirements is the prerequisite for
Canoeing merit badge.
"3. Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA
swimmer test;" (BSR- Canoeing merit badge requirements)
Statement
Requirements can be changed for a Scout who has a physical handicap that
prevents him from completing the requirements as stated.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
The BSA has very specific provisions for Scouts with physical and/or mental
impediments. See GSR pages 13 and 18, and the following from GTA. Also
see Scouting for Youth
With Disabilities Manual BSA Publication 34059
"Advancement for Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts With Disabilities
"Members must meet current advancement requirements as written for merit badges,
all ranks, and Eagle Palms, although some allowable substitutions or alternatives
are specifically set forth in official literature. The member is expected to
meet the requirements—no more and no less—and he is to do exactly what is stated.
If it says, "Show or demonstrate," that is what he must do; just "telling" isn't
enough. The same holds for words and phrases such as "make," "list," "in the
field," "collect," "identify," and "label." Requests for alternate requirements
for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks can be made using the information
outlined below. " (GTA 10.2.2.0)
"Using Alternative Requirements
"A degree of modification in advancement requirements may be necessary to mainstream
as many members with disabilities as possible. Thus a Scout with a permanent
physical or mental disability (or a disability expected to last more than two
years or beyond the 18th birthday) who is unable to complete all the requirements
for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class rank may, with his parent or guardian,
submit a request to the council advancement committee to complete alternative
requirements. Unless a Scout has been approved to register beyond the age of
eligibility, then alternative requirements must be completed by the 18th birthday.
The procedures appear below. This avenue is also available to youth with longer-term
disabilities (such as those related to a severe injury) who want to continue
advancing during recovery. Simple modifications very close to existing requirements
need not be approved. A Scout in a wheelchair, for example, may meet the requirements
for hiking by "wheeling" to a place of interest. Allowing more time and permitting
special aids are also ways leaders can help Scouts with disabilities make progress.
Modifications, however, must provide a very similar challenge and learning experience."
(GTA 10.2.2.1)
"Alternative Merit Badges for Eagle Scout Rank
"Though individual requirements for merit badges may not be modified
or substituted, youth with disabilities may be approved for alternative badges
they can complete. This is allowable on the basis of one entire badge for another.
To qualify, a Scout or qualified Venturer or Sea Scout must have a permanent
physical or mental disability, or a disability expected to last more than two
years, or beyond age 18. The member does not need to be registered beyond the
age of eligibility with a disability code. Before applying, he must earn as
many of the Eagle required merit badges as possible. Any alternates must present
the same challenge and learning level as those they replace, and must be completed
by the 18th birthday. If physical activity is involved, a physician must approve
it." (GTA 10.2.2.3)
Statement
Merit badge tasks completed before the Scoutmaster has signed the "blue card"
can be accepted so long as they match the merit badge's requirements.
Fact or Fiction
Fact
Comments
It's up to the Counselor whether to accept work done in advance. Examples
are Stamp & Coin Collections, Camping, a family tree for Genealogy, etc.
"You should also discuss work you have already started or possibly completed.
At the first meeting, you and your merit badge counselor will review and may
start working on the requirements. In some cases, you may share the work you
have already started or completed. ... Unless otherwise specified, work on a
requirement can be started at any time." (BSR - page 21)
"All merit badge requirements must be met while a registered Boy Scout or
Varsity Scout, or a qualified Venturer or Sea Scout. Accomplishments before
joining, or while a Cub Scout, do not apply." (GTA 7.0.0.1)
"(A) counselor may choose not to accept partial work, but this should be
rare. A Scout, if he believes he is being treated unfairly, may work with his
Scoutmaster to find another counselor. ... Partials have no expiration except
the 18th birthday." (GTA 7.0.3.3)
Statement
It's important to be known as a "tough" Merit Badge Counselor, so that you
get dedicated Scouts, willing to do more than just the minimum requirements
to earn the Merit Badge you handle.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
To be blunt, this is nonsense. First, there's no such thing in Scouting as
"minimum requirements." There are requirements, period. Second, the notion of
being "tough" may belong in Parris Island or Quantico or some other boot camp,
but it has no place in Scouting.
Statement
If the Scout camp can't accommodate all of the requirements of a Merit Badge,
the Directors may change the requirements to fit the camp's capabilities.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
The requirements for all ranks and merit badges are as written by the BSA
and are unalterable.
"Policy on Unauthorized Changes to Advancement Program
"No council, committee, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add
to, or subtract from, advancement requirements. There are limited exceptions
relating only to youth members with disabilities." (GTA - page 2)
"Statement on Unauthorized Changes to Advancement
"Though stated earlier in this publication, it bears repeating here:
No council, committee, district, unit, or individual has the authority to
add to or subtract from advancement requirements. There are no
camp-related exemptions except those described in "Advancement for Members With
Special Needs," 10.0.0.0. Camp counselors and those assisting them, regardless
the circumstances, must comply. If requirements as written cannot be completed
at camp, they must be done elsewhere. The Application for Merit Badge "blue
card" (see "Unit Leader Signs Application for Merit Badge," 7.0.0.2) has space
to record and initial what is finished, and age 18 is the only limit to finishing
partials." (GTA 5.0.1.4)
Statement
If a Scout has attended all summer camp merit badge sessions, and participates
in a general review of the group's knowledge by the Merit Badge Counselor, he
should be considered to have completed the requirements.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
Merit Badge Counselors, even in summer camp, are expected to assure that
every individual Scout possesses the skills and knowledge a merit badge's requirements
specify; no "group final exam" is appropriate.
"Instruction may take place in group settings, but it must be done in accordance
with the procedures described in "Group Instruction," 7.0.3.2." (GTA 5.0.1.3)
"There must be attention to each individual's projects and his fulfillment
of all requirements. We must know that every Scout — actually and personally
— completed them. If, for example, a requirement uses words like "show," "demonstrate,"
or "discuss," then every Scout must do that. It is unacceptable to award badges
on the basis of sitting in classrooms watching demonstrations, or remaining
silent during discussions." (GTA 7.0.3.2)
Statement
Teaching skills "beyond the requirements" is permissible so long as these
are not included as "additional requirements."
Fact or Fiction
Fact
Comments
This provides a Merit Badge Counselor with a wonderful opportunity to pass
along his or her unique knowledge of the subject matter!
Statement
"Group" Merit Badge counseling, such as in Scout summer camps, is encouraged
so long as each individual Scout in the group receives personal, individual
attention, and fulfilling requirements is managed on an individual and not group
basis.
Fact or Fiction
Fact
Comments
Merit Badge Counselors, even in summer camp, are expected to assure that
every individual Scout possesses the skills and knowledge a merit badge's requirements
specify; no "group final exam" is appropriate.
"There must be attention to each individual's projects and his fulfillment
of all requirements. We must know that every Scout — actually and personally
— completed them. If, for example, a requirement uses words like "show," "demonstrate,"
or "discuss," then every Scout must do that. It is unacceptable to award badges
on the basis of sitting in classrooms watching demonstrations, or remaining
silent during discussions." (GTA 7.0.3.2)
Statement
Scouts really enjoy going to classes in summer camp.
Fact or Fiction
Fiction
Comments
When we turn this unique program into "Scout School", we repudiate its most
fundamental philosophical underpinning.
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