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I think a properly run Eagle Scout project is 10x more beneficial than this merit badge, but I appreciate the idea behind it.

by derwiki 17y ago

spking 17y ago
I earned Eagle Scout in 2000, one month shy of turning 18. I agree with your comment 100%. Earning merit badges is akin to preparing for standardized tests; it's simply regurgitating ideas and concepts to fulfill a list of requirements. It was the non-merit badge activities that I gained and learned the most from, where there was less structure involved. Running an Eagle Scout project introduced me to budget constraints, solving problems creatively and managing a team. I don't know much about the Girl Scouts, but if they are similar in spirit to the BSA I'll definitely encourage my daughter to participate.
- seehafer 17y ago
  Unless of course the merit badge covers a concrete skill: I learned a great deal by completing the Rifle Shooting, First Aid, and Wilderness Survival merit badges. I agree with your point, though: some are the equivalent of 'read the book, regurgitate the contents on a test'.
- leftnode 17y ago
  Without a doubt, Wilderness Survival was my favorite merit badge of all time. I don't think it was Eagle required, but boy was it fun and I learned a ton. But you're right, having to do my Eagle project taught me the most. Organizing some 150 volunteers on New Years Eve was no small feat, but I felt a great deal of accomplishment when it was done.
sliverstorm 17y ago
That's why it's the capstone. Merit badges are like a mix of exit requirements and gen eds, to give scouts a taste of many things, and ensure basic competency/familiarity with important things. I don't believe it's intended to help you learn a ton through the requirements; rather, to put you into a situation where you can pursue further knowledge.
Tangurena 17y ago
This is one of the rarest merit badges: http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Merit_Badges_Earned http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Merit_Badges_Earned

I think a properly run Eagle Scout project is 10x more beneficial than this merit badge, but I appreciate the idea behind it.

by derwiki 17y ago

I think a properly run Eagle Scout project is 10x more beneficial than this merit badge, but I appreciate the idea behind it.

spking 17y ago

I earned Eagle Scout in 2000, one month shy of turning 18. I agree with your comment 100%. Earning merit badges is akin to preparing for standardized tests; it's simply regurgitating ideas and concepts to fulfill a list of requirements. It was the non-merit badge activities that I gained and learned the most from, where there was less structure involved. Running an Eagle Scout project introduced me to budget constraints, solving problems creatively and managing a team. I don't know much about the Girl Scouts, but if they are similar in spirit to the BSA I'll definitely encourage my daughter to participate.

seehafer 17y ago
Unless of course the merit badge covers a concrete skill: I learned a great deal by completing the Rifle Shooting, First Aid, and Wilderness Survival merit badges. I agree with your point, though: some are the equivalent of 'read the book, regurgitate the contents on a test'.
leftnode 17y ago
Without a doubt, Wilderness Survival was my favorite merit badge of all time. I don't think it was Eagle required, but boy was it fun and I learned a ton. But you're right, having to do my Eagle project taught me the most. Organizing some 150 volunteers on New Years Eve was no small feat, but I felt a great deal of accomplishment when it was done.

sliverstorm 17y ago

That's why it's the capstone. Merit badges are like a mix of exit requirements and gen eds, to give scouts a taste of many things, and ensure basic competency/familiarity with important things. I don't believe it's intended to help you learn a ton through the requirements; rather, to put you into a situation where you can pursue further knowledge.

Tangurena 17y ago

This is one of the rarest merit badges: http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Merit_Badges_Earned http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Merit_Badges_Earned