Cub Scouts Getting Video Game Pins and Belt Loops

by VGChartz Staff, posted on 28 April 2010 / 1,960 Views

Once all about nature, the Boy Scouts are either getting with the times, or accepting the inevitable, or selling out (one of those).  They have added video game pins and belt loops to their repertoire of awards, and games will now stand alongside other, more nature-y achievements like "geology" and "wildlife conservation."

I suppose it's not too far of a stretch for the Boy Scouts, however, as they have other games (chess) and other technological achievements (computers) in their program.  The funny part is that the video games belt loop and pin are in the "Academics" area with everything else, along with other non-academics like "good manners" and "collecting," which nonetheless inspire young boys to become complete individuals and do something more than just sit in their rooms and play video games all day.

From the Cub Scouts official website:

"The Cub Scouts Academics and Sports Program is one method of addressing the third aim of Scouting: the development of physical, mental and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and the emotions (self-control, courage, and self-respect). As in most activities in Cub Scouting, this is not meant to be a highly competitive program, instead, the boys are encouraged to DO THEIR BEST."

Check out the requirements to earn the coveted video games belt loop and pin:

"Cub Scout Guidelines: 
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:

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.


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."

Is this a good idea?  I'm glad that it's taking a more social and instructional approach to games (along with teaching responsible gaming habits), instead of demonizing them as destroying the minds and souls of our children, but isn't this sort of... anti-Cub Scout?  "Go outside!  Help your neighbors!  Collect pinecones!"  Not, "Play games and learn about rating systems!"

Maybe I'm just old-fashioned.

Source: Examiner via Kotaku


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7 Comments

moondeep
moondeep (on 28 April 2010)

This is probably a bit silly, but at least they're approaching gaming from a healthy perspective. Attempting to instill discipline and self-control into the boys' gaming habits isn't a bad thing. This reminds me of Isabella from Phineas and Ferb. The fictious Fireside Girls had badges for everything absurd, and is part of a running joke from P&F.

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Raistline
Raistline (on 28 April 2010)

@Tastalas' comment I wholly disagree with the grade 1 and grade 3 crap. Those things should be discussed between the child and parent when the child is curious enough to ask the parent and not before. I find no problem with starting with anatomy in the 6th grade, but not masturbation. That should wait at least till 7th and 8th grade. But I digress, back on subject. I think this badge is really stupid. It means that a child cannot get this badge/belt buckle unless their parents are willing to buy them the video game system and/or extra game. Also, having a club that is famous for outdoor activities and nature teachings support having a child play indoors for several hours, 1 with friends, a few with parents/adults via tournament, and then some more for teaching a parent and more hours for teaching a friend how to play. WTH!!! *shakes head in dismay at today's society* "What is wrong with the youth of today..."

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binary solo
binary solo (on 28 April 2010)

What if you're a PC gamer, do you get a KB+M pin and belt loop instead of that low class controller? The placement of the left analog stick is going to cause "issues", you know it.

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zgamer5
zgamer5 (on 28 April 2010)

what a retarted thing!

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Tanstalas
Tanstalas (on 28 April 2010)

@themizarkshow - We're definitely not avoiding sex ed in school in Ontario, Canada. I heard on the radio they are starting at age 6 (grade 1) "At issue was the fact Grade 1 students would be learning about body parts; Grade 3 students would be told about homosexuality; Grade 6 students would be taught about masturbation, and concepts of oral and anal sex would be discussed in Grade 7." Source: http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/801305--dalton-mcguinty-goes-weak-kneed-over-sex-ed-plans-critic

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kain_kusanagi
kain_kusanagi (on 28 April 2010)

Those are all tasks that could be applied to other things like choosing a knife to buy or a book to read. They should only get badges for being civil during online play and being a good sportsman when winning and losing. It better not warp into getting badges for sitting in their room raking up achievements. The whole point of The Boy Scouts is to have fun in the outdoors while learning useful skills and life lessons. I know becuase I was a Boyscout. Video Game badges are stupid.

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themizarkshow
themizarkshow (on 28 April 2010)

I think its addressing an issue that obviously isn't gonna go away. So instead of avoiding it, like public schools and sex education, they're at least taking a more direct approach.

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