Boy Scouts Give Up Entirely, Offer Video Game Badge

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by AGDee

I read the requirements and they are pretty similar to the other academic belt loop requirements. I will say that academic belt loops are just "candy" basically. They aren't required to move up in rank and they aren't anything like a merit badge. They have them for sports and academics and, honestly, I think this one should have been a sports one. If you look at the requirements though, they include: budgeting, spending time with the family, evaluating the ratings programs and what's age appropriate, and managing time to LIMIT video gaming to make sure that homework and chores are done too.

Exactly. Here are the requirements:

Requirements for the Video Games 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.

There's also a Pin for Webelos Scouts:

Requirements for the Video Games Pin
Earn the Video Games belt loop, and complete five of the following requirements:

1. With your parents, create a plan to buy a video game that is right for your age group.
2. 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.
3. Play a video game with family members in a family tournament.
4. Teach an adult or a friend how to play a video game.
5. List at least five tips that would help someone who was learning how to play your favorite video game.
6. Play an appropriate video game with a friend for one hour.
7. Play a video game that will help you practice your math, spelling, or another skill that helps you in your schoolwork.
8. 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.
9. With an adult’s supervision, install a gaming system.

The requirements for the pin do focus more on playing, but still I see broader value in a lot of the requirements.