Boy Scouts Introduce Video Game Award
Posted by Kevin McGuire on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 · 
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Perhaps a bit off topic from our normal postings, but I found this story very interesting from a cultural perspective. The Boy Scouts, known for offering merit badges and awards in such active events like camping, athletics, swimming, and wilderness survival, have introduced an award for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts called “Video Games”. Available as a belt loop and pin, the award involves very strenuous activities like:
- Learn to play a new video game that is approved by your parent, guardian, or teacher.
- With your parents, create a plan to buy a video game that is right for your age group.
- Play an appropriate video game with a friend for one hour.
Then there are some that require a little work, like “Teach an adult or a friend how to play a video game.” This is probably done after the child has earned the “Teach your parents about the computer” and “Explaining the DVR” badges. And one that actually is a pretty decent activity: “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.”
As an Eagle Scout and former Scoutmaster, I have plenty of opinions on this, none of which are good. I can only hope that some savvy game maker doesn’t make a virtual camping game to save our precious snowflakes from the dirt, bugs, and ickyness of real camping.
*sigh*
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