There’s a new way to earn the Skating merit badge — and it comes with the backing of the national governing body for skateboarding in the United States.
The merit badge already featured options that allowed Scouts to explore the exciting world of ice skating, roller skating and in-line skating. Now add skateboarding to that list.
Scouts who work on the Skating merit badge and choose the Skateboarding option can learn about the history, purpose and benefits of skateboarding, along with some skateboarding skills and tricks.
And they can get expert online instruction with a series of videos provided by USA Skateboarding.
“Skateboarding provides a fun experience for everyone,” says Johnny Schillereff, CEO of USA Skateboarding. “The dedication, work ethic and creativity developed from skateboarding is invaluable. It’s a welcoming physical activity that builds self-esteem and encourages its community to overcome obstacles and roll toward positive opportunities and a happier, healthier life.
“We are thrilled to partner with Scouting America to help introduce future generations to the joys of skateboarding.”
Check out the videos on the Skating page in the BSA’s merit badge hub, and read on for more details.
From learning about equipment to learning new tricks
There are eight videos covering six of the merit badge’s requirements, including requirement C: explain skateboard anatomy, build a board by assembling all pieces in the proper order and explain skateboard maintenance.
“Knowledge of how your board is made is important because that will affect the way the board rides and skates overall,” says the video’s host. “It can affect things like pop, durability and how long they last.”
There are also videos for requirements A3, D2, D3 and D5, along with three videos for requirement E.
The evolution of the Skating merit badge
The Skating merit badge was launched in 1973 in cooperation with the Roller Skating Rink Operators Association. It featured only one set of requirements that could be used for roller skating or ice skating.
In 1977, requirements specific to ice skating were added; and, years later, a third option was added for in-line skating.
That brings us to the present, where we find skateboarding requirements such as demonstrating flatland tricks; flip and shove-it tricks; grind and slide tricks; and air, grab, bowl and ramp tricks.
Photos courtesy of NOAC staff
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