Virtual Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

What: Scouts learn how to be active members of their local community while working on the Citizenship in the Community merit badge. They learn about local government and do service work in their region. They also research the history, culture, and demographics in their area.

 Meet your Counselor - I am an Eagle Scout who has been involved with Scouting for over 30 years.  The last couple of years I have been involved as a merit badge counselor for my troop but have recently, decided to teach to Scouts outside of my troop.  Currently, I’m the Committee Chairman for Troop 11 Acushnet and have held various other positions such as Assistant Scoutmaster, Advancement Coordinator, and Community/Activities Chair.  Outside of Scouting, I enjoy volunteering my time with food pantries and other community service.  Spending time with the family is the greatest thing in the world!

WHO: Open to all Scouts BSA members.

HOW:  This Merit Badge will be taught in a virtual classroom. The class has a capacity of 12 Scouts. Small classroom size provides all students with the opportunity to share and interact with the counselors and other Scouts. Scouts should be prepared to be challenged and to join the conversation! Participants who do not engage with the class may not receive credit for the badge. Scouts must be prompt for all badge sessions. Late participants may not receive credit for all requirements. Scouts must use a device with video to access this class.

Before beginning work on any merit badge, scouts are to have a discussion with their unit leader regarding the specific badge and counselor.

WHEN: This class will be held virtually over two sessions:

May 26, 2020 7:00PM-9:00PM 

May 28, 2020 7:00PM-9:00PM 

Scouts must attend both sessions to complete the offered requirements.

After registering, Scouts will receive a link and login information via email the day of scheduled class. Scouts will also receive instructor details that can be used to connect to the counselor on Scoutbook. This assures that completed requirements are easily recorded. 

PREREQUISITES: Requirements #3, #5 and #8

Due to social distancing on requirement #3, one can google a local city/town meeting.

Suggested supplies/prep-work for students:

Pen, paper or some way to take notes and jot down homework.

Complete and prepare requirement #3 and #5 ahead of the first session and be prepared to discuss during session 1. Here’s a list of movies to watch for Req. #5. 

PDF of suggested movies attached.

Prepare a presentation as outlined in requirement #8.  We will start during the first session.