The search is over. The hotly anticipated debut of Search and Rescue merit badge — the BSA’s 130th current merit badge — has finally arrived. Search and Rescue merit badge, or SAR for short, has an
Whenever a new merit badge comes out, a handful of well-meaning volunteers usually ask that question. “If you’re adding Welding merit badge,” they write, “which one will you take away?” For me, though, the beauty
When it comes to life-changing experiences, there’s no substitute for camping. And when it comes to the Eagle-required Camping merit badge, there’s no substitute for Requirement 9A. It reads as follows: 9. Show experience in camping
But that’s a good thing. At least, it is for Scouts who love to mountain bike. The BSA has approved a mountain biking option for Cycling, a merit badge mainstay since 1911. So for the
Merit badges don’t teach themselves. And with the 2013 National Scout Jamboree just 14 months away, the BSA’s looking for a few good men and women to demonstrate their skills. The focus is on the
A new merit badge rewarding you for creativity, fun, and strategy? I’m game. Your Scouts will be too when the Game Design merit badge debuts next year. Approved and listed on my Guide to New Merit
Thanks to The Hunger Games, archery is cool again. Your move, Scout leaders. In the megahit film and book, the character Katniss Everdeen (above) uses a bow and arrow to hunt for food. And she
Robots are taking over the world! OK, I’m overreacting, a little, but I can’t help it. This week has me thinking about robotics and the many ways in which machines make our lives better. So
Stumped when Scouts question you about new merit badges? I hear you. With so many new and exciting merit badges, keeping up isn’t easy. That’s why I created a guide to New Merit Badges —
Unless one of their relatives won last week’s Mega Millions jackpot, your Scouts will need a job some day. Sorry. Just one of life’s little realities. But here’s the good news: Part of helping Scouts