My 10 year old asked me to join Boy Scouts. I said sure, why not. He could learn a few things. As it is he is bad. Yeah, that is right my son is bad. He is the baby of the household and knows how to play that card. Hopefully, Boy Scouts will help teach him some self control and disiplin. Maybe I am looking in the worng place and should have put him in Karate. But oh well.
I found out today there is a new Boy Scouts badge. It’s nothing like the normal ones that include adventure and learning something. There is a new video game badge. Why should these kids get a video game badge. They play video games enough now not to be encouraged to play more.
Some of the requirements for the Boy Scouts video game badge are create a plan to buy a video game. (We have too many in the house as it is) With adult supervision install the game. (He already totes it from room to room. I have to ask him how to hook it up.) Play an appropriate video game with a friend for one hour. (Does a brother or sister count? What about mom? Mario Cart is cool!)
The only requirement that I do really like is that they are encouraged to create a schedule to do things that include their chores, homework, and playing the video game.
What are the Boy Scouts turning into?
Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts may complete requirements in a family, den, pack, school, or community environment. Tiger Cubs must work with their parents or adult partners. Parents and partners do not earn loops or pins.
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.
Holy smokes I can’t believe they came up with a badge for playing video games?!?! What is next? A badge of honor for texting?
I can only see that now…… LOL
Hi Jessica,
All 4 of our sons and my Hubs were in Cub and Boy Scouting and it is a great program not only for the boys but the whole family !
The video pin/belt loop is in the Cub Scout program. Your son has only a year left in Cubs and then he will advance to Boys Scouts when he turns 11 years old. Hopefully he can advance quickly thru all the badges ( Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Weblos) of Cubs in that year. He will need your help to do it too !
.-= Nonna Beach´s last blog ..Friday Shop at The Commissary =-.
My son is still in cub scouts, but I know he would LOVE to get that video game badge. LOL. I think it is good the boy scouts are adding that badge for the simple fact kids, including mine, play WAY TOO MUCH video games. From what you described, it sounds like the boy scouts want to teach responsible playing. If done by a responsible leader or parent, the badge can be used to teach the importance of saving for a video game, the value of a dollar. My son saved his money for 2 years and bought his own Wii game. Coming up with a schedule of responsibilities and include 1 hours of gaming vs. “anytime the urge hits” may reduce the amount of video gaming played and the importance of “handling your business”.
It is all about perception and what you want your son to learn from acheiving the badge. It can be used to help or hender. Boy Scouts are all about being responsible and accountable. Enjoy!