SydLexia.com - The Forums :: View topic - Boy Scouts

Joined: Dec 06 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 11244

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/cubscouts/awards/boys/sanda/video_games.aspx

There is now a merit badge for video games.

Why is this necessary or reasonable?

Don't get me wrong, I love video games, but they might as well have a badge for watching TV, playing with nerf guns, or dressing up for cos-play events.

Posted: Apr 29 2010 09:09 am

We already had computer science, electronics and things of that nature, but this is a little ridiculous. No lie, while I love video games as well, it's not really a boy scout activity let alone a Cub Scout one...

Posted: Apr 29 2010 09:13 am

I thought Boy Scouts was primarily supposed to be about outdoor activities and such. This seems ridiculous to me.

Joined: Mar 13 2009 Location: Arlington Posts: 467

I thought this was rediculous when I first heard about it. After reading the "belt loop" requirements, it's not that far off from the other stuff we had to do in Cub Scouts. Cub Scouts, Webelos educates young people about the world around them and how to interact with it. Considering how much video games plays a role in kids lives today, I think this isn't a bad idea.

Pine Wood Derby still rules!

UsaSatsui's Youtube Channel · Posted: Apr 29 2010 09:39 am

Thorton02 wrote:

I thought this was rediculous when I first heard about it. After reading the "belt loop" requirements, it's not that far off from the other stuff we had to do in Cub Scouts. Cub Scouts, Webelos educates young people about the world around them and how to interact with it. Considering how much video games plays a role in kids lives today, I think this isn't a bad idea.

This.

Quote:

Pine Wood Derby still rules!

Me and my brother rocked Pinewood Derby. One year, I took first, he took third. The next year, he took first, I took second.

Joined: Dec 06 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 11244

Thorton02 wrote:

I thought this was rediculous when I first heard about it. After reading the "belt loop" requirements, it's not that far off from the other stuff we had to do in Cub Scouts. Cub Scouts, Webelos educates young people about the world around them and how to interact with it. Considering how much video games plays a role in kids lives today, I think this isn't a bad idea.

Do they teach kids how to watch TV, listen to the radio, watch movies, make MP3 playlists, use Hulu, order prescription drugs, use a Redbox, or open a beer bottle?

I use all of those skills in the world around me and they all require a degree of discipline and respect or they can be abused.

Video games are a part of culture, but that doesn't mean that they need to be reinforced or taught.

Posted: Apr 29 2010 10:24 am

There's been a lot of mother fuckers earning their badges against me in SSF4 lately.

Posted: Apr 29 2010 10:41 am

First of all, it's Cub Scouts, not Boy Scouts. You don't do anything constructive in Cub Scouts.

Secondly, Boy Scouts jumped the shark when they got rid of Rabbit Raising.

Posted: Apr 29 2010 01:32 pm

The scouts do have indoor activities that would be considered not scout like but it's a good skills builder, like many of the merit badges...

Posted: Apr 29 2010 01:35 pm

Syd Lexia wrote:

First of all, it's Cub Scouts, not Boy Scouts. You don't do anything constructive in Cub Scouts.

Secondly, Boy Scouts jumped the shark when they got rid of Rabbit Raising.

That's why all the cool kids like me were in 4H Nod

I don't think this is so bad. Sure its a little absurd, but kids are gonna play games no matter what. There's no harm in giving them a badge for learning about ratings and teaching a family member how to play. Maybe it'll get more parents involved in selecting games for their kids, so we have less of the "holy shit my 5 year old murdered a prostitute in the GTA game I bought for him!" bullshit.

Posted: Apr 29 2010 01:37 pm

Someone else pointed it out, but it's not actually a merit badge for video games. It's more to make cub scouts aware of the video game rating system and what it means. This program is to help them avoid non-appropriate video games and manage video games into their everyday schedule. With video games such a major part of their lifes, it's probably a good idea to help kids manage their 'habit'.

scouting.org wrote:

To get the Belt Loop, complete these three requirements:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Learn to play a new video game that is approved by your parent, guardian, or teacher.

Doesn't seem that crazy to me.

Joined: Dec 06 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 11244

Klimbatize wrote:

Someone else pointed it out, but it's not actually a merit badge for video games. It's more to make cub scouts aware of the video game rating system and what it means. This program is to help them avoid non-appropriate video games and manage video games into their everyday schedule. With video games such a major part of their lifes, it's probably a good idea to help kids manage their 'habit'.

scouting.org wrote:

To get the Belt Loop, complete these three requirements:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Learn to play a new video game that is approved by your parent, guardian, or teacher.

Doesn't seem that crazy to me.

It really comes down to how smart of a kid you are. I was a little wise ass, so I would probably bring this up to my parents and tell them how a rating system is a great idea, but that since I have already seen people do horrible things online, a video game is really nothing by comparison.

I would continue, "The ratings are much like movie ratings, just suggestions from congressmen who believe that they have the right to dictate what you as parents choose for me as your child. Plus they only made this game rated M for mature because a girl wears pasties in it, that is nothing compared to the stack of playboys that dad has."

As for the schedule, I fought about homework all the time. I was the type of kid who was lucky, I could do my homework in the 5-10 minutes before a class and pass with no trouble. It wasn't necessarily a good system, but because I received good grades, I never got in trouble for it unless my parents were interested. Me being a wise ass often times made teachers talk to my parents about that, in turn that often times brought up homework that my parents never saw, but my teachers always had. Chores were no problem either. I have OCD. I keep shit clean. It is what I do.

Finally since at this point my parents would approve just about any game other than one that is full price, or WoW (thank god it didn't exist when I was a kid) learning to play a new game is the point.

In the end I would be a wise ass kid who got to play games because of cub scouts.

Also, unfortunately for my parents I really did think this way starting at a very young age. I was a handful, but I got my work done and never did illegal things, so the fights I usually had with them were over petty things and never serious topics. They have told me since I was 7-8 years old that they hope one day I have a child just like me.

Odds are 50/50 right? My wife is beautiful, smart, fun, and non-confrontational. A kid like that would be cake. I am obnoxious, OCD, ADD, aggressive, and passionate, god help us both if we have one like me. At least I'll understand that it is karma.

Posted: Apr 29 2010 03:58 pm

Also of note is the fact that Boy's Life has featured a Video Game section since the early 90s, as well as video game ads. Back then, the ads were largely - if not exclusively - for Capcom games: Tale Spin, Duck Tales 2, Mega Man X, etc.

So if anything, this step is awfully late.

Posted: Apr 29 2010 04:23 pm

We already have video game merit badges, they're called Achievements (or "trophies" if you're lame.)

Posted: Apr 29 2010 04:31 pm

Those aren't really merit badges. A merit badge would be the equivalent of beating all a game's achievements.

Title: Titlating Joined: Dec 17 2007 Posts: 5042

I don't see the problem here. Kids are playing video games. Kids are in cub scouts. There is clearly an overlap. And since the scouts are a beacon of wholesome activity (ideally), when the next big kids and game issue comes around they can point out kids in the scouts were properly informed of the ratings.

Posted: Apr 29 2010 06:31 pm

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.

Requirements for the Video Games 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.

Requirements for the Video Games 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.

Quit ragging on something that is supposed to be beneficial. It's like teaching drivers ed to 16 year olds. Are they going to drive safe, no, but atleast they know how if they want to.

Posted: Apr 29 2010 08:56 pm

It's got a point, but there's no need for a badge. The Boy Scouts of America are a total joke because they discriminate anyways.

Posted: Apr 29 2010 10:28 pm

GPFontaine wrote:

..They might as well have a badge for watching TV, playing with nerf guns, or dressing up for cos-play events.

There definitely should be a badge for LARPing Laughing

Posted: Apr 30 2010 07:50 am

Thorton02 wrote:

Pine Wood Derby still rules!

Fuck the Pine Wood Derby! Stupid bastard event kept me from graduating from Webelos because in my den (I don't know if this is the same everywhere else), you had to get 1st place in order to pass Webelos and move on. I made a bitching car one year and I don't remember what place I ended up in, but it wasn't first and when I was told I'd have to wait until next year to try again, I burned that fucking car and quit Boy Scouts forever. We didn't have merit badges either so it was even more lame.

What an assfuck system that is.

Anyway, I agree with Douche here. Why are you bitching about them attempting to control and structure a behavior kids do anyway and educate them about doing it responsibly? It also makes the kids feel like they're achieving something instead of just wasting time which is great for self-esteem.

Also, video games are a great tool for teaching agility, extending attention spans, training eye-hand coordination, and can be used in an educational role as well. And when I say education, I don't mean Mario Teaches Typing, but stuff like God of War where kids can learn about Greek Mythology as they play, and the game will be that much more fun when they understand the context. I took Military History in high school, and the teacher of the class would use various hex-based war games for the PC to illustrate historical battles in a context much more fun than a standard dry lecture.

Video games are an important part of human culture now, not just a silly time waster so I applaud any institution that seeks to embrace, educate and structure an activity everyone does anyway. Nothing bad can come of doing that, so open your mind up a little bit before jumping to criticize something that seems ridiculous on the surface.

Posted: Apr 30 2010 08:32 am

Pandajuice wrote:

Thorton02 wrote:

Pine Wood Derby still rules!

Fuck the Pine Wood Derby! Stupid bastard event kept me from graduating from Webelos because in my den (I don't know if this is the same everywhere else), you had to get 1st place in order to pass Webelos and move on. I made a bitching car one year and I don't remember what place I ended up in, but it wasn't first and when I was told I'd have to wait until next year to try again, I burned that fucking car and quit Boy Scouts forever. We didn't have merit badges either so it was even more lame.

You were in Cub Scouts. Webelos is the last level of Cub Scouts. You must earn several activity pins to earn your Webelos rank and then several more to earn your Arrow of Light and "graduate" to Boy Scouts. Winning the Pinewood Derby is not a requirement. The Pinewood Derby is supposed to be a yearly event and that doesn't make any sense. Also, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are separate organizations. Cub Scouts is comprised of local Packs, led by a Scoutmaster and organized into Dens, whereas Boy Scouts are comprised of Troops that are organized into Patrols. Aside from the fact that Packs usually have certain Troops that they try to push their gradudates to, there are no real interaction between the two. Furthermore, you can join Boy Scouts without having ever even been a Cub Scout, let alone having attained the Arrow of Light. The only setback is that you don't get to wear the Arrow of Light patch on your BSA uniform. I think that's it. There was a point where having the Arrow of Light automatically awarded you the first rank, Tenderfoot, but I believe they did away with that and everybody has to earn. On top of that, CSA and BSA each have age requirements and there is no overlap. Once you reach the age of 12, you must leave Cub Scouts for Boy Scouts.

Joined: Oct 01 2009 Posts: 5316

I was in the Cub Scouts for 3 years and ended up never getting my Arrow of Light, which was complete bullshit because I did everything I needed to do in order to get it.

And Pinewood Derby did kick ass, I remember I won with my block car simply because I put the wheels on and raced it, pretty funny considering I put the least amount of effort into it, yet ended up with a blue ribbon.

Posted: Apr 30 2010 01:38 pm

Doddsino wrote:

I was in the Cub Scouts for 3 years and ended up never getting my Arrow of Light, which was complete bullshit because I did everything I needed to do in order to get it.

And Pinewood Derby did kick ass, I remember I won with my block car simply because I put the wheels on and raced it, pretty funny considering I put the least amount of effort into it, yet ended up with a blue ribbon.

Uh... you have to be in Cub scouts for five years in order to get the Arrow of light: Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos I and Webelos II. Sometimes four years because some Packs will merge Bobcat and Tiger together.

I placed 3rd in my Pine Wood Derby with my Dale Earnhart Pine Wood Car. I still don't know how that thing was legal but it was.

Posted: Apr 30 2010 01:42 pm

It must be different everywhere because I don't remember Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear ranks and as far as I understood it, in my den to get past Webelos you had to place 1st in the pinewood derby. And I was led to believe that if you didn't get past Webelos, you couldn't become a boy scout, which is why I quit. I guess I was just very misinformed by the adults.

Posted: Apr 30 2010 02:00 pm

Pandajuice wrote:

It must be different everywhere because I don't remember Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear ranks and as far as I understood it, in my den to get past Webelos you had to place 1st in the pinewood derby. And I was led to believe that if you didn't get past Webelos, you couldn't become a boy scout, which is why I quit. I guess I was just very misinformed by the adults.

That's retarded... My pack had it set much like how you advanced in Boy Scouts, which wasn't half bad when we became scouts. We even had kids join our boy scout troop when they never been in Cub Scouts. And The Pine Wood Derby was more of a yearly event that would help with the Handicraft Pin...