Scholarship Merit Badge Activity Planner

"Parents who value learning for themselves have children who stay in school longer, have lower rates of crime, and aspire to higher paying jobs. People who seek adult learning opportunities are more socially connected, more involved in their communities and more likely to be politically active." (People First Blog) Help your fellow scouts understand the importance of getting a quality education.

Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide for the Scholarship Merit Badge

*** Activities for the Youth Lead Patrol ***

Exploring Scholarship can be a fascinating youth adventure when done right. Here are a few tips to help the patrol leader get started.

• Scouts may never add or subtract from the actual merit badge requirements
• This Planner is only a suggestion of different ideas to make working this Merit Badge both fun and easy.
• While doing the Worksheet is not a requirement for earning this badge, in many cases it can help you learn key concepts and track your progress.

A. Make Your Plan

1. Merit Badge Activity Planning Tips - 14 tips for a successful patrol activity. Read carefully before you start your plan!
2. Share Your Plan - Meet ahead of time with your patrol, scout leaders, parents and especially with the Merit Badge Counselor. Make changes to the plan as needed.
3. Prepare Activity Flyer - Keep your fellow scouts informed - events, activities, pre-requisites and more.

Patrol Activity	GREAT	All scouts goto school / Max Size 12 scouts
Virtual Field Trip	GREAT	Interview two professionals for Req #2.
Family Activity	GREAT	Requires access to Scholarship Transmitter
Service Activity	POOR	n/a
S.T.E.M. Activity	GREAT	Scholarship is key to learning Technology
Field Trip	GREAT	Visit "Educational Center"
Duty-to-God	GREAT	Many scouts participate in religious learning in their faiths.
MB Day	GREAT	Bring two professionals to interview!
Overnighter	GREAT	Take two professional to the campfire
Summer Camp MB	FAIR	Pre-requisites: Req #1, #3, & #5.

Online Resources

• Scholarship Merit Badge Requirements: BoyScoutTrial.com lists all requirements, additional resources, activity worksheet, etc.
• Scholarship Merit Badge File Store: Online resources
• Scholarship Merit Badge Worksheets: Worksheets are optional - but highly preferred by many MBC. When you find that many requirements say "discuss" - the worksheet can help you gather your thoughts beforehand.
• Scholarship Merit Badge Booklet: Everything thing you need to know about Genealogy is right here. Get this study guide from either Amazon or your Troop Library, Merit Badge Counselor or Scoutmaster to Learn More About this Subject.
• Scholarship @ Simple-Wikipedia: Get the basics quickly.

B. Introduction Meeting

Most merit badge activities do best to have a "introduction" meeting where the patrol can discuss how to get started and to plan out their field trips.

C. Homework / Prerequisites

File:Scholarship Scout.png

Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home:

• Required Reading:
  • Scholarship @ Simple-Wikipedia: Get the basics quickly.

• See Req #1: Bring School Report Cards.
• See Req #3: Note from Principal
• See Req #4: Participate in a Extracurricular Program or Project at your School
• See Req #5: Make a Report on Education.

D. Study Hall Patrol Night

While some scouts may be adept at self-study, others may do better in a small group setting and taking notes on worksheets. Make an agenda. You can facilitate discussion by asking them why each of the principles introduced here would be relevant. Schedule one or more patrol meetings to work this merit badge.

• Do a Patrol Discussion for help on Req #5 - How to write a report about the value of Scholarship.

E. Field Trip

A related field trip with the MBC will be a great time to do the second half of this merit badge activity: Meaningful Field Trips will add much to the adventure here. Consider including one or more of the following:

Option 1 : Educational Center Tour

Req #2: Do TWO of the following:
2a. Make a list of educational places located where you live (other than schools). Visit one, and report on how you used the place for self-education.
2b. With your counselor's and your parent's approval, interview two professionals (other than teachers or other professionals at your school) with established careers. Find out where they were educated, what training they received, and how their education and training have helped prepare them for the career they have chosen. Find out how they continue to educate themselves. Discuss what you find out with your counselor.

Possible Locations:

• Many communities have a family history center (genealogical libraries) that help people learn about their family history. (See Genealogy Merit Badge Activity Planner)
• Many communities have a historical societies and museums that help educate about the history of the community or a special topic.

Option 2 : Virtual Educational Tour

Using a Virtual Tour setting - interview two professionals and discuss with them Req #2b & #2d:

Req #2: Do TWO of the following:
2b. With your counselor's and your parent's approval, interview two professionals (other than teachers or other professionals at your school) with established careers. Find out where they were educated, what training they received, and how their education and training have helped prepare them for the career they have chosen. Find out how they continue to educate themselves. Discuss what you find out with your counselor.
2d. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods of research available to you for school assignments, such as the library, books and periodicals, and the Internet.

Option 3 : Scholarship Campout

Invite two professionals (somebody's parents?) to join your next campfire to discuss Req 2b & 2d.

Option 4 : Scholarship Campout

Successful scholarship relies heavily on good study habits:

1. Req 2c: "Using a daily planner, show your counselor how you keep track of assignments and activities, and discuss how you manage your time." Doesn't this sound a lot like the Personal Management Merit Badge?

F. Extra Credit

While none of these are actual requirements for this merit badge - they are terrific opportunities to show Scout Spirit, Do A Good Turn Daily and to have FUN!

1. Activity Reflection: Use this meeting for scouts to ask questions and to reflect on what they gained personally from this adventure. You can also have a discussion on what future opportunities are here.
2. Court of Honor Exhibit: Pictures, handiwork and other memorabilia from this adventure will make for a great presentation at the next Scout Troop Court of Honor.

Related Merit Badges

Sometimes it is easier by doing two or more merit badges together as a joint activity:

• Genealogy
• Reading

G. See Also

• 9 Things to Know about Merit Badges - BoysLife.org - There are more than 135 merit badges. By earning them, you can learn about Scholarship, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. Here’s how to get the most out of your merit badge experience.