MERIT BADGE COLLEGE 2015 EX PRAECEDENTIBUS ERUDITA ATTENTION ALL SCOUTMASTERS

Transcription

1 MERIT BADGE COLLEGE 2015 EX PRAECEDENTIBUS ERUDITA ATTENTION ALL SCOUTMASTERS Dear Scoutmaster: It s that time of year again. The Third Annual Merit Badge College (MBC) is coming this April. The following will give you all the information that you will need to register your Scouts for this event. Date: Saturday, APR 25, 2015 Location: Mount Zion Progressive Baptist Church, th Street South, St Petersburg, FL Participants: All Skyway District Boy Scouts registered in West Central Florida Council Initial Pre-Registration: Conducted through the West Central Florida Council Office (WCFC) Enclosed registration form should be submitted to the council service center. Initial Registration will be restricted to Skyway District until Friday 4/3/15 and open to any Scouts on Monday 4/6/15. West Central Florida Council Johnson Blvd. Seminole, FL Phone: Tuition Amount: Tuition Payment: Class Scheduling: Refunds: Registration: $4.00 for one merit badge; $6.00 for two merit badges or one all day merit badge. Tuition must be paid in advance with the pre-registration form (enclosed in this packet) at the time of filing at the WCFC Service Center. Class scheduling is being conducted by co-chairpersons, Todd Kennedy and Mary Luther. Todd Kennedy Phone: Mary Luther Phone: No refunds will be given. Final registration packets will be issued to each registered troop on the morning of MBC. There will be space available walk up registration on the day of the event. 1

2 AM American Heritage American Labor Citizenship in the Community* Communications* Digital Technology Energy Golf Personal Fitness* Public Health Sustainability* Traffic Safety Merit Badge Courses: PM Genealogy Stamp Collecting Citizenship in the Community* Digital Technology Electricity Chess Personal Fitness* Public Health Sustainability* Traffic Safety All Day Citizenship in the Nation* Family Life* First Aid* Robotics** Welding** Non Merit Badge Trainings also available: Den Chief Training AM & PM Merit Badge Counselor Training** AM Only Life to Eagle Course AM & PM * Course Required for Eagle Scout Rank ** All Day Class and has Special Requirements No Exceptions See Requirements *** Adult Leaders Need Youth Protection Certificate Merit Badge Program Catalog: American Heritage Class Periods AM only Pre-Requisites - 3C and 5 Every Scout swears to an oath that includes duty to his country. A better understanding of American heritage, the ways in which the past has lead to our present nation, is key to truly knowing what it means to be an American American Labor Class Periods AM Only Pre-Requisites 2, 4, 5 The labor movement in America seeks to ensure that the civil rights of laborers are protected in the workplace, especially in regard to wages, hours, and working conditions. Chess Class Periods PM Only Pre-Requisites 6 The USCF (United States Chess Federation) provided the primary contributing writers for the Merit Badge pamphlet. They will be helping to promote the badge through communications with the Chess delegate teams (similar to BSA s National Committees and Boards) and blasts, plus website and tournament news announcements. Citizenship in the Community* Pre-Requisites 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 A nation is a patchwork of communities that differ from each other and may be governed differently. But regardless of how local communities differ, they all have one point in common: In the United States, local government means self-government. Good citizens help to make decisions about their community through their elected local officials. Citizenship in the Nation* Class Periods All Day Pre-Requisites 2, 3, 6, 8 As Scouts fulfill the requirements for this merit badge, they will learn how to become active citizens are aware of and grateful for their liberties and rights, to participate in their governments and protect their freedom, helping to defend their country and standing up for individual rights on behalf of all its citizens. 2

3 Communications* Pre-Requisites 2, 3-Speech prepared + Bring Paper & Pen/Pencil This clear and concise definition comes from the U.S. Department of Education: "Communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. The field of communication promotes the effective and ethical practice of human communication. Den Chief Training Not a Merit Badge Pre-Requisites None Boy Scouts wishing to become den chiefs will take this course as part of their training to become a den chief. The module identifies den chief responsibilities and tasks, and describes the den chief's relationship to the adult den leaders and how that relates to the den chief's activities with the den. Digital Technology Pre-Requisites Cyberchip, 1, 5b, 5c, 6, 9 Technology has come a long way since Computers merit badge was first introduced in This badge will teach Scouts about technology in the digital age. Electricity Class Periods PM Only Pre-Requisites 2, 8, 9 Electricity is a powerful and fascinating force of nature. As early as 600 BC, observers of the physical world suspected that electricity existed but did not have a name for it. In fact, real progress in unraveling the mystery of electricity has come only within the last 250 years. Energy Class Periods AM Only Pre-Requisites 1a, 1b, 2b, 4, 5, 6 Saving, producing, and using energy wisely will be critical to America's future. If we are to leave future generations with a world in which they can live as well or better than we have, Scouts and other potential leaders of tomorrow must begin the hard work of understanding energy and the vital role it will play in the future. *Energy is one of the elective merit badges for the William T. Hornaday awards for Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts. Family Life* Class Periods All Day Pre-Requisites Open a Family Life blue card NOW, READ the Family Life MB pamphlet & Bring the book to class, Print Page 7 of the Family Life Worksheet to track Requirement #3 to avoid having to design your own chart, #3: Prepare a list of your regular home duties or chores (at least five) and do them for 90 days. Keep a record of how often you do each of them. Begin tracking now. The family is the basic unit of society and is important to both individuals and communities. The world is rapidly changing, making today's society much more complex than ever before. As Scouts earn this merit badge, they will realize why it is important to know more about family life and how to strengthen their families. CAVEAT: This class will result in a partial completion as several requirements must be completed at home and results shared with your MB Counselor upon completion. Requirements 1, 2, 7 will be completed in class and you will learn tools that will help you to complete 4, 5 and 6. Scouts will view "A Time to Tell". By signing your scout up and paying for this Merit Badge class you give your permission for your Scout to watch this BSA production. First Aid* Class Periods All Day Pre-Requisites 1, 2a, 2b, 2d, 6a-c, 7 First aid caring for injured or ill persons until they can receive professional medical care is an important skill for every Scout. With some knowledge of first aid, a Scout can provide immediate care and help to someone who is hurt or who becomes ill. First aid can help prevent infection and serious loss of blood. It could even save a limb or a life. The First Aid merit badge was one of the original 57 merit badges issued by the Boy Scouts of America in It replaced the 1910 Ambulance "Badge of Merit". First Aid merit badge is an option for the National Outdoor Badge for Camping. Genealogy Class Periods PM only Pre-Requisites 3, 4b Exploring your roots where your family name came from, why your family lives where it does, what your parents and grandparents did for fun when they were your age can be fascinating. Discovering your ancestors back through history is what genealogy is all about. 3

4 Golf Class Periods AM Only Pre-Requisites 8 & Bring Clubs if you have them Golf is unique because the players police themselves. Other sports depend upon referees or umpires to apply penalties when there are infractions of the rules. In golf, every player is expected to act honorably, and the welfare and integrity of the game rely on every player's honesty. This is why golf often is referred to as a "gentleman's game." Advancing from Life Scout to Eagle Scout Not a Merit Badge Class Periods AM & PM Pre-Requisites The Scouts choosing to attend should have completed their Life Boards of Review along with most or all of the 13 Eagle Scout required merit badges plus most or all of the 8 elective merit badges. Note (materials required) that an Eagle Scout Application Workcopy that a scout may request from the Council's Registrar will be an important item. Goal: To expand the participant s knowledge to improve his chances of successfully meeting the expectations of an Eagle Scout Board of Review. Approach: To impart knowledge to participants of the: Eagle Scout Requirements Steps in completion of the Eagle Scout requirements Essential elements of the Eagle Scout Application Approaches for Eagle Scout Service Project Selection Service Project Workbook and supporting materials Discussion will include the differences between prior advancement experience and advancement to Eagle Scout. Materials Required: Spiral notebook, and writing implement, Scout's personal Eagle Scout Application Workcopy obtained by requesting it from the Council's Registrar, Class Reference: "Guide to Advancement", BSA Supply Division No , 2013 Printing "Service Project Workbook" BSA Supply Division No , May 2014 Merit Badge Counselor Training Not a Merit Badge Class Periods AM Only Pre-Requisites Youth Protection Training Adult Leaders Only PURPOSE - The purpose of this training unit is to provide council- or district-approved and registered merit badge counselors with understanding of the methods of counseling and their role in the advancement program of Boy Scouts of America. The merit badge counselor s role is to bring about learning on the part of the Boy Scout. As a "coach" the counselor advises the Scout concerning steps he should take to fulfill the requirements for the merit badge. As a "counselor he evaluates the Scout s performance and determines whether or not the Scout has met the prescribed objectives in the requirements. OBJECTIVES - As a result of this unit of training, the merit badge counselor should be able to State the purpose of the merit badge program for Scouts. Explain the role of the merit badge counselor. List some methods of counseling and coaching. Use the buddy system for counseling. Participants will need to **bring** a printed copy of their Youth Protection Training certificate. If they are already registered as an adult leader, they should also bring their member ID # (on their BSA membership card). It would be helpful for participants to review the merit badge list in advance to aid in completing their merit badge counselor paperwork during the class. Personal Fitness* Pre-Requisites 1, 8 Personal fitness is an individual effort and desire to be the best one can be. Regardless of their current levels of personal fitness, in the twelve weeks it will take Scouts to complete the athletic requirements for this merit badge, they will be in better shape, feel better about themselves, have more energy, and gain self-confidence in their overall abilities. 4

5 Public Health Pre-Requisites - Familiarize with 2a, 2b, 8a, complete 5a The field of public health deals with maintaining and monitoring the health of communities, and with the detection, cure, and prevention of health risks and diseases. Although public health is generally seen as a community-oriented service, it actually starts with the individual. From a single individual to the family unit to the smallest isolated rural town to the worldwide global community, one person can influence the health of many. Class details: This merit badge provides a comprehensive overview of Public Health in the 21st century. Scouts attending should familiarize themselves with requirements 2a & b and 8a they should complete #5a if the scout does this, all other parts of the merit badge will be completed at the MBC, with the exception of requirement #7 (visiting a Public Health Agency). A one-hour visit to the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County is currently being scheduled and will occur in May, 2015 (exact date TBA). Robotics** Class Periods All Day Pre-Requisites - 1, 2, 3, 4a, b, c, 6 Earning the Robotics merit badge requires a Scout to understand how robots move (actuators), sense the environment (sensors), and understand what to do (programming); he should demonstrate robot design in building a robot. You should help ensure that the Scout has sufficiently explored the field of robotics to understand what it is about, and to discover whether this may be a field of interest for him as a career. Stamp Collecting Class Periods PM Only Pre-Requisites - Stamp Album with stamps mounted in it. Req #8 and either 7a, b, c, d, e, or f. The world's most popular hobby, stamp collecting is enjoyed by millions throughout the world. Through this hobby, you can experience history: postage stamps are like tiny windows that introduce the people of the world to the country's leaders, customs, history, products, and environment. Sustainability* Pre-Requisites - 1,2- Water-a&b, Food-a, Community-b, Energy-b&c, Stuff-a&b, 4c, 5a The new badge begins and ends with a family meeting in which family members discuss what they can do to live more sustainably. In between, the Scout undertakes projects, often alongside his family, to understand the big picture regarding topics such as water, food, energy, and transportation, as well as waste reduction, species decline, world population, and climate change. Sustainability merit badge debuted on July 15th, 2013, at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree which was held at The Summit Bechtel Reserve, West Virginia, USA from July 15th - 24th, Traffic Safety Pre-Requisites - None Staying safe in traffic wherever you live is getting more difficult all the time, as more and more people take to the road. Earning the Traffic Safety merit badge and will give Scouts some crucial tools to stay safer, when driving a car on a highway, riding a bike across town, or jogging across a busy street. Welding** Class Periods All Day Pre-Requisites - #7 Post-Requisites Practical Exercise to be scheduled by Scout at a later date with Mr. Wendt The Boy Scouts of America have launched a welding merit badge which will available to Scouts nationwide on February 24, Opportunities in the welding field are endless, and Scouts earning their welding merit badge can not only explore the fundamentals of welding, but also learn about the different career paths within the industry. Welding is the latest of a new group of career oriented merit badges. 5

6 MERIT BADGE REQUIREMENTS & MBC PRE-REQUISITE REQUIREMENTS Because many merit badges have requirements that involve time consuming activities, such as maintaining a record over a period of time, visiting some type of facility, writing a report, talking to a group of adults or Scouts, attending a city council meeting etc., it is obvious we could not accomplish completion of these merit badges in a single day at MBC. Therefore, achievement of any merit badge requires completion of some requirements, independently, outside of MBC. These requirements are identified as the prerequisite requirements. Prerequisite requirements consist primarily of requirements (selected by the MBC Committee) that cannot be completed in a single day at MBC. By completing these requirements for your selected merit badges, prior to attendance at MBC, a Scout ensures full completion of the merit badge during the MBC program. You will note that most of the merit badges are focused on those types of activities that Scouts do not obtain at Summer Camp. (The badges largely pertain to a great extent outdoor activity.) The goal of MBC is to provide a means for you to assist your Scouts in their advancement activities throughout the year, as opposed to principally during the summer at Summer Camp. It is emphasized, however, that the achievement of a merit badge by a Scout is a measure of the Scout s own initiative in advancing towards the rank of Eagle. It is part of his character development. At MBC we recognize this and so, merit badges are not just arbitrarily awarded because a Scout attends MBC. Every Scout must earn his merit badges by completing all of the specified requirements. Scouts failing to complete all of the requirements have not earned the merit badge and at MBC are given partial completions. Under these circumstances, it is up to the Scout, on his own initiative, to complete what he has started. Although past MBC events have experienced excellent completion rates, we are still experiencing too many "partial badges. The reason for this is primarily the failure of the Scout to complete the prerequisite work. You as the Scoutmaster can help your Scouts by establishing an activities program in your troop,, along with Standard Scouting activities, that promotes the opportunity for Scouts to work towards their advancement. Depending on the nature of the requirements, Scouts are required to bring documentation with them to MBC that demonstrates that they have satisfactorily preformed the requirement. For example: if the requirement specifies they prepare a scrapbook of newspaper clippings, then they should bring the notebook with them to MBC. The completion of these types of requirements should be initialed and dated by the Scoutmaster on the merit badge blue card. Although not specifically a requirement, the manual entitled Boy Scout Requirements states: You should read the merit badge pamphlet. The MBC Committee strongly concurs with this statement and recommends that All Scouts read the merit badge pamphlet for each merit badge attempted prior to attending MBC. Please help your Scouts receive the maximum benefit from MBC. Encourage them to read the pamphlets for the courses that they attempt. LIMITATIONS ON CLASS SPACE REGISTRATION FIRST COME FIRST SERVE MBC 2015 is featuring 15 merit badges plus Adult Merit Badge Counselor Training. Because we do have liability and safety limitations placed on us, we are forced to set limits on the number of Scouts that can be accepted into a classroom. Due to the large attendance at MBC, we continue to set strict limits on class sizes. For this reason, troops are urged to submit pre-registration forms and payment as soon as possible. Scouts will be logged into the requested classes on a first come first served basis. Troops who register late may find that the desired courses have already been filled and that few or no alternate courses are available. BE PREPARED PRE-REGISTER EARLY! The MBC Committee will make every effort to accept all Scouts and to accommodate everyone However, WHEN A CLASS IS FULL, REGISTRATION FOR THAT CLASS WILL BE CLOSED. NO EXCEPTIONS! MAXIMUM CAPACITY WILL BE 334 Scouts & Adults with All Classes Filled. 6

7 Tuition The cost for this MBC will be $4.00 for one merit badge course and $6.00 for two or an all day course. This fee covers that cost of the merit badge course(s) and a New MBC Patch for each registered Scout. The determination of the total troop fee is calculated using the enclosed pre-registration form. Pre-Registration In order to pre-register you Scouts, you must complete the enclosed form. Instructions for Completing the Pre-Registration Form. 1. Please fill in the name of the Scoutmaster, Troop number, Scoutmaster mailing address (For mailing blue cards), Scoutmaster Telephone number including area code and address. 2. Arrange registered scouts in Alphabetical order. Please use complete names, last name first of each scout attending MBC. 3. To accommodate course choice please have each scout choose at least 4 merit badges and indicate each choice in order of preference: 1, 2, 3 & 4 1 being the first choice and 4 being the last choice of merit badge. 4. In the Amount Due column insert either $4.00 or $6.00 for each Scout based on the number of badges selected. Fees are $4.00 for one merit badge, $6.00 for two badges and $6.00 for all day classes. 5. Once you have entered the fee for each Scout, the Amount Due Column should be totaled at the bottom of the page. Important: Please make a copy of the registration sheet if you have more Scouts than available spaces on the sheet and carry the totals to the next page. Be sure all Troop information is filled out on each sheet. 6. After completing the form, please make two copies for your records. Send the original along with your check to: West Central Florida Council - MBC 2015 Boy Scouts of America Johnson Blvd Seminole, FL Make all checks payable to WCFC BSA for the total amount due as determined from your pre-registration form. Closing Date (Deadline for Pre-Registration) The Closing Date for receipt of pre-registration forms and payments is April 17th. Course Changes In the past, Scouts who are pre-registered have been permitted to change courses on the day of MBC. Due to the large number of Scouts that now attend the event, CHANGES ARE NOT PERMITTED AT MBC. Because of the number of Scouts being registered and the limited number of classroom spaces available for each course, it is required that each Scout pre-register for this event. ONCE A SCOUT PRE-REGISTERS, NO CHANGES CAN BE MADE TO THE COURSE CHOICES. Scoutmasters are requested to instruct their Scouts that the merit badges they select through pre-registration will be the merit badges that they will be assigned by the MBC Committee. The merit badge assignments for each Troop will be ed to the Scoutmasters soon after pre-registration so that those Scouts will know which merit badge course they will be attempting at MBC. Refunds Because of the strict class size limitations, tuition for Scouts who are pre-registered but fail to attend will not be refunded. Refunds will only be given if the selected courses were closed at the time pre-registration was received and no alternatives were available. Under this circumstance, the paid tuition will be refunded to the troop by credit to the troop s account. Final Registration Final registration will take place on the day of the event. On the day of the event (April 25th, 2015), you are requested to bring one copy of your registration form that you submitted for pre-registration. Scoutmasters 7

8 are instructed to present that copy of their form. In return they will get their packet that will include: Scout nametags with course and classroom assignments and MBC Patches for each scout. All Scouts need to be pre-registered and tuition needs to be pre-paid. WALK UP REGISTRATION will be accepted on a space available basis! Merit Badge Blue Cards At registration, Scoutmasters should present filled out blue cards for each course for his Scouts who are registered. The cards should be completely filled out with Scout s name, address, city, and troop number, district, council and merit badge information. Do not fill in any requirement information unless to verify a completed prerequisite. Please make sure that you have enough blue cards for all your Scouts as only a limited amount will be available at the registration desk for emergencies only at a cost of $1 per card. Important MBC Changes for Lunches All Scouts are to bring their own lunch and drink and each troop will need to provide coolers for their own troop lunches. In the past we have provided coolers for storage and drinks for the scouts DUE TO RESOURCE ISSUES WE ARE UNABLE TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE COOLERS AND DRINKS. Water coolers and cups will be available but not the flavored drinks as in the past. Please make sure your troop leadership has cooler space for all your scouts and adults lunches. Uniforms All Scouts are to be in a Class A (full dress) uniform for attendance at MBC. Program Times A draft copy of the planned program is attached. It is subject to revision as necessary prior to MBC. Registration will begin promptly at 7:00am and last until approximately 8:00am. The MBC event will conclude with closing ceremonies at 4:30pm. Blue cards for merit badges will be returned in a few weeks after MBC to the Scoutmasters in the mail. ALL SCOUTS AND SCOUTMASTERS ARE REQUESTED TO REMAIN UNTIL AFTER THE CLOSING CEREMONY PROGRAM IS COMPLETE. Scouts are required to police/clean the area following closing ceremony and may depart for home once clean-up is complete. Youth Protection All Scoutmasters are advised that all rules governing Scout Youth Protection will be observed during MBC. Scouts coming together as a troop must have adequate adult leadership to comply with the Youth Protection Guidelines. Adult Volunteers As always, during this event we will be in need of adult volunteers to assist with various tasks, including Merit Badge Clerks. We will need a minimum of 30 adult volunteers for clerks and other functions. Scoutmasters are asked to instruct any adult volunteers willing to serve as merit badges clerks, assistant counselors, or as classroom chaperones to contact either Todd Kennedy (727) or Mary With your help and cooperation this will be a very successful MBC 2015! Yours in Scouting, Todd Kennedy, Mary Luther Co-Chairpersons, MBC 8

9 Time WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA COUNCIL BOY SCOUT MERIT BADGE COLLEGE MOUNT ZION PROGRESSIVE BAPTIST CHURCH April 25th, 2015 PROGRAM SCHEDULE Activity and Location 7:00 7:50AM Registration at Mt. Zion Auditorium 7:50 8:00AM Scouts seated in auditorium according to AM merit badge schedule 8:00 8:20AM Opening Ceremony Call to Attention Presentation of Colors Troop 261 Invocation and Welcomes Introduction of MBC Staff Announcements 8:20 8:30AM Scouts walk with Counselors to designated classrooms 8:30 11:45AM AM Merit Badges Sessions 11:45 12:45PM Lunch for all Scouts and Adults 12:45 1:00PM Scouts assemble in auditorium according to PM Merit Badge schedule. 1:00 1:15PM Scouts walk with Counselors to designated classrooms 1:15 4:15PM PM Merit Badge Sessions 4:15 4:30PM Scouts assemble in Auditorium for Closing Ceremony 4:30 4:45PM Review of MBC, Closing Ceremony 4:45 5:00PM Clean up Facility* * Scouts are required to police/clean the area following closing ceremony and may depart for home once clean-up is complete. 9

10 LNAME FNAME Citizenship in the Nation - 2, 3, 6 & 8 Family Life - Blue card, Read MB book & bring to class, Print Pg 7 for Req #3 First Aid - 1, 2a, 2b, 2d, 6a-c, 7 Robotics - 1,2,3,4a,b,c,6 Welding - Practical Later American Heritage - 3C and 5 American Labor - #2, #4, and #5 Citizenship in the Community - 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 Communications - 2, 3-Speech prepared + Bring Paper & Pen/Pencil Digital Technology - Cyberchip, 1,5b, 5c, 6, 9 Energy - 1a, 1b, 2b, 4, 5, 6 Golf - 8 & Bring Clubs* Personal Fitness - 1, 8 Public Health - Familiarize with 2a, 2b, 8a, complete 5a Sustainability - 1,2a&b, 4c, 5a Traffic Safety - None Geneology - 3 and 4B Stamp Collecting - Album with stamps mtdt.req #8 and either 7a, b, c, d, e, or f. Citizenship in the Community - 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 Communications - 2, 3-Speech prepared + Bring Paper & Pen/Pencil Digital Technology - Cyberchip, 1,5b, 5c, 6, 9 Electricity - 2, 8, 9 Chess - 6 Personal Fitness - 1, 8 Public Health - Familiarize with 2a, 2b, 8a, complete 5a Sustainability - 1,2a&b, 4c, 5a Traffic Safety None Den Chief - None Life to Eagle - See Catalog MBC Training - YPT Telephone #: Scoutmaster: MERIT BADGE COLLEGE April 25th, 2015 PRE-REGISTRATION FORM TROOP#: ALL DAY AM PM OTHER NOTE: Address listed is where we will send your blue cards. NOTE: Please have Scouts make alternate numbered selections in case their first choices are filled up, paricularly if you sign up late! Troop Mailing Address: #Full Day x $6 # 1/2 Day x $4 Total Enclosed: