The Cub Scouts of America have just unveiled a brand-new badge for their youngsters to earn and we think you’re going to like it.
The newest badge to come out of the Cub Scouts is none other than the aptly named “Video Game” badge. The badge comes in a triangular shape with what appears to be a mesh between a reversed PlayStation and Gamecube controller mash-up in the center, with the pin displaying the words “Video Games” beneath the logo. The requirements found below are actually quite comical.
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.
Belt Loop
Complete these three requirements:
- 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.
- 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.
- Learn to play a new video game that is approved by your parent, guardian, or teacher.
Academics Pin
Earn the Video Games belt loop and complete five of the following requirements:
- With your parents, create a plan to buy a video game that is right for your age group.
- 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.
- Play a video game with family members in a family tournament.
- Teach an adult or a friend how to play a video game.
- List at least five tips that would help someone who was learning how to play your favorite video game.
- Play an appropriate video game with a friend for one hour.
- Play a video game that will help you practice your math, spelling, or another skill that helps you in your schoolwork.
- 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.
- With an adult’s supervision, install a gaming system.
So there’s no badge for finding every shard in Infamous? C’mon! No word yet if any of these bad boys are made to order, but it is pretty cool to see the fastest growing entertainment medium getting some attention in the area of “life skills”, as simple as the requirements may be. Although it does make one wonder if we’ll ever see PSN trophies make their way into the Cub Scouts, because that could potentially be awesome. On a side note, I’ve heard that the PSP makes a nifty night light when camping and a properly propelled Wiimote will send a bear off screaming… just saying.
What do you think? Is the introduction of video games into the Cub Scouts a good idea, or is it a step in the wrong direction, perhaps straying away from the programs fundamentals? Let us know in the comments below!
[Via]
