Q: What changes have been made to rank advancement/camping requirements given the need to maintain social distancing during this time?
We have implemented temporary changes, detailed below, to allow Scouts to complete rank requirements, detailed below, by video conferencing through September 1, 2020. This deadline will be re-evaluated as needed.
The goal when using video conferencing must be to preserve the ideals and intent of each requirement as best as possible. Scoutmasters or their designee(s) should remain mindful of the Methods of Scouting, such as the Patrol Method, before implementing the modified requirements listed below. Some advancement activities can be completed by video conferencing but not all. For example, virtual visits to a city council meeting, national historic landmarks, museums, and art galleries may be acceptable, but swimming, rifle shooting, and motorboating merit badges cannot be completed virtually.
Even when using video conferencing, all virtual campouts and activities should consist of as many elements found on a normal outdoor campout or activity as possible. The most significant difference is that patrol or troop members are not all in the same location. All existing youth protection policies and digital safety guidelines must be followed.
Tenderfoot rank requirements
1b. – Virtual patrol or troop campouts via video conferencing will be permitted.
2a. – During the same day as your virtual patrol or troop campout, assist in preparing one meal with the help of those with whom you live. Tell your patrol or troop why it was important for each person to share in meal preparation and cleanup.
2b. – During the same day as your virtual campout, demonstrate the appropriate method of safely cleaning items used to prepare, serve and eat a meal.
5a. – Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and in your neighborhood. Verbally commit to following the buddy system on your next troop or patrol outing.
7a. – Tell how to display, raise, lower, and fold the U.S. flag.
Second Class rank requirements:
1a & 1c. – Virtual patrol or troop activities via video conferencing will be permitted. 
3b. – Using a compass and map together, plan a 5-mile hike approved by your adult leader.
4. – Evidence of wild animals can be demonstrated with information or photos of your local area found online.
5c. – May be completed virtually via video conferencing on dry land.
7c. – Learn about the dangers of using drugs, alcohol and tobacco and other practices that could be harmful to your health. Discuss what you learned with your family and explain the dangers of substance addictions. Report to your Scoutmaster or other adult leader in your troop about which parts of the Scout Oath and Scout Law relate to what you learned.
8a. – May be completed virtually using video conferencing.
8d. – May be completed by comparing costs at three (3) online sites or locations.
First Class rank requirements:
1a – Virtual patrol or troop activities via video conferencing will be permitted.
2e. – On the same day as your virtual campout, serve as the cook. Supervise your assistant(s) in using a stove or building a cooking fire. Prepare the breakfast, lunch, and dinner planned in First Class requirement 2a. Supervise the cleanup.
4a. – By drawing, computer software, or other virtual methods, plan an orienteering course that would cover at least one mile. Explain why measuring the height and/or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.) is helpful. Explain how you would complete your course using a real map and compass.
4b. – Scouts do not need to follow their route.
5a. – Evidence of native plants can be demonstrated with information or photos of your local area found online.
6e. – May be completed on dry land.
9a. – Visit may take place virtually or by phone.
9c. – Outings can include past or future plans.
10. – Invite the potential new member to a virtual meeting or future activity using video conferencing. 

 

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY:

4 Hour Service for Reading Merit Badge #6 or General Service Hours - 2nd Grade Teacher looking for people to video yourself reading a kids book for her students.  Email videos to hollyvaneis@gmail.com

 

Meeting Ideas: 

 

Great Resource Page: https://www.glaciersedge.org/2549

 

MERIT BADGE CLASSES – Make Note of the Time Zone, and plan accordingly!!!

A site with quick-links to councils that offer many online Merit Badges.  Not all of the links work, but many do.  The list below comes from this site’s connections.  Check regularly, as the individual Council links update their offerings regularly - https://www.buffalotracecouncil.org/merit-badges-online

FREE – Heart of America Council (MO) – https://www.hoac-bsa.org/scoutconnect

  • Register/Watch Video/Complete Worksheet/Connect with a Counselor to Complete

  • Animation

  • Genealogy

  • Public Health

  • Journalism

  • Music

  • American Labor

  • Emergendy Preparedness

  • Law

 

$10 – Alamo Council (TX) – https://www.alamoareabsa.org/resources/Scouting-at-home/Scouts-bsa/

Hawk Mountain Council - $10 - https://hawkmountain.tentaroo.com/admin2/eventtypes/4730/Summer-Merit-Badges-from-Home

August 3-7

  • Weather – M/Th – 9am

  • Collections – T/F – 9am

  • First Aid – W/F – 9am

  • Scouting Heritage – M/Th – 10am

  • American Heritage – T/F – 10am

  • American Cultures – W – 10am

  • Golf – M/Th – 11am

  • Wilderness Survival – T/F – 11am

  • Safety – M/Th – 12pm

  • Citizenship in the Nation – T/W – 12pm

  • Dog Care – M/Th – 1pm

  • Public Health – T – 1pm

  • Art – W – 1pm

  • Crime Prevention – M/Th – 2pm

  • Citizenship in the World – T/W – 2pm

  • Pets – M/W – 3pm

  • Nature – T/Th – 3pm

  • Photography – M/Th – 4pm

  • Music – T/Th – 4pm

  • Genealogy – M/F – 4pm

  • Traffic Safety – M/W – 5pm

  • American Business – T/Th – 5pm

  • Public Speaking – T/Th – 6pm

  • Mammal Study – M/W – 7pm

  • Fishing – T/Th – 7pm

  • MORE CHOICES for Aug 10-14 & Aug 17-21 on the link

Pee Dee Area Council (SC) EST - $15 – https://www.hoac-bsa.org/scoutconnect

  • Registration closes 8/2 @7pm EST

  • Crime Prevention – 8/3 – M 9-10 am

  • Emergency Preparedness – 8/3 – M 10:30-11:30am

  • Traffic Safety – 8/3 – M 12-1pm

  • Weather – 8/3 – M 1:30-2:30pm

  •  

New England Base Camp (MA)  – Spirit of Adventure Council (Boston)

$25 - https://www.scoutspirit.org/advancement/

  • American Business – Friday, July 31st – 2-4pm EDT – Instructor Alison Batey

  • American Cultures – Thursday, July 30th – 2-4pm EDT – Instructor Alison Batey

  • American Heritage – Thursday, July 30th – 4-6pm EDT – Instructor Zack Shepherd

  • Citizenship in the World – Friday, July 31st – 10am-1pm EDT – Instructor Alison Batey

  • Law – Wednesday, July 29th – 2-5pm EDT – Instructor Darrin Johnson

  • Wood Carving – Wednesday, July 29th & Friday, July 31st – 1-3pm – Instructor Miles Plunkett

  • Sculpture – Wednesday, July 29th & Friday, July 31st – 5-7pm – Instructor Matthew Thomas

  • Chemistry – Sunday, August 2nd – 2-5pm – Instructor Miles Plunkett & Robert Pothier

 

  • Safety Merit Badge – Wednesday, August 5th & Friday, August 7th – 12-2pm EDT – Instructor Andrew Dion

  • Camping Merit Badge – Wednesday, August 5th & Friday, August 7th – 2-5pm EDT – Instructor Josh Plunkett

  • Traffic Safety Merit Badge – Wednesday, August 5th – 6-9pm EDT – Instructor Matthew Thomas

  • Pathway to First Class – First Aid Rank Skills – Thursday, August 6th – 10am-1pm EDT – Instructor Josh Plunkett

  • Geocaching Merit Badge – Saturday, August 8th – 3-6pm EDT – Instructor Matthew Thomas


  • First Aid Merit Badge – Tuesday, August 11th & Thursday, August 13th – 2-5pm EDT – Instructor Andrew Dion

  • Traffic Safety Merit Badge – Wednesday, August 12th – 10am-1pm EDT – Instructor Matthew Thomas

  • Wilderness Survival Merit Badge – Wednesday, August 12th & Friday, August 14th – 4-6pm EDT – Instructor Josh Plunkett

  • Pathway to First Class – First Aid Rank Skills – Thursday, August 13th – 10am-1pm EDT – Instructor Josh Plunkett

  • Fire Safety Merit Badge – Saturday, August 15th – 10am-1pm EDT – Instructor Zack Shepherd

 

  • Traffic Safety Merit Badge – Wednesday, August 19th – 10am-1pm EDT – Instructor Matthew Thomas

  • First Aid Merit Badge – Wednesday, August 19th & Friday, August 21st – 1-4pm EDT – Instructor Andrew Dion

  • Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge – Wednesday, August 19th & Friday, August 21st – 5-7pm EDT – Instructor Josh Plunkett

  • Pathway to First Class – First Aid Rank Skills – Thursday, August 20th – 10am-1pm EDT – Instructor Josh Plunkett

  • Geocaching Merit Badge – Sunday, August 23rd – 10am-1pm EDT – Instructor Matthew Thomas

 

Daniel Webster Council - $20

Upcoming Merit Badge Workshops

Click a session highlighted in blue below to register

MORE SESSIONS COMING SOON!

 

 

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