Cub Scouts can now earn a badge for video games
Apparently the Boy Scouts of America have run out of ideas for new badges for its legions of scouts, or else the organization is looking to pander to today’s kids.
The Boy Scouts of America announced new awards for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelo Scouts this past week that centers around video games. The requirements aren’t as easy as just playing a video game, but they also aren’t exactly anything strenuous.
Belt Loop
Complete these three requirements:
- Explain why it is important to have a rating system for video games. Check your video games to be sure they are right for your age.
- With an adult, create a schedule for you to do things that includes your chores, homework, and video gaming. Do your best to follow this schedule.
- Learn to play a new video game that is approved by your parent, guardian, or teacher.
Academics Pin
Earn the Video Games belt loop and complete five of the following requirements:
- With your parents, create a plan to buy a video game that is right for your age group.
- Compare two game systems (for example, Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo Wii, and so on). Explain some of the differences between the two. List good reasons to purchase or use a game system.
- Play a video game with family members in a family tournament.
- Teach an adult or a friend how to play a video game.
- List at least five tips that would help someone who was learning how to play your favorite video game.
- Play an appropriate video game with a friend for one hour.
- Play a video game that will help you practice your math, spelling, or another skill that helps you in your schoolwork.
- Choose a game you might like to purchase. Compare the price for this game at three different stores. Decide which store has the best deal. In your decision, be sure to consider things like the store return policy and manufacturer’s warranty.
- With an adult’s supervision, install a gaming system.
“Sure, the video-gaming badge is a concession made to keep Scouting attractive to kids who might not otherwise be interested, but it’s not what Scouting is about,” said Bob Cunniff, 46, a pack leader of eight years to the New Jersey Star Ledger. “It’s not even a real badge.”
Considering that Scouting’s ranks have dropped 25 percent over the past decade, this may be a way to try to regain some of its former membership, but in general it does not seem to be receiving anything but a mocking welcome online.
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