Aurora Sportsmen’s Club Merit Badge Completion

The Aurora Sportsmen’s Club offers youth programs in shooting sports on the first Saturday of the month through October (September 7 and October 5). Scouts who have incompletes in Archery, Rifle Shooting, or Shotgun Shooting can use this opportunity to complete the marksmanship requirements for these merit badges. Scouts need to bring the incomplete blue card to the range. Scouts who are interested should contact the Club directly. More information is available here: http://www.aurorasc.org/disciplines/youth

Pav YMCA: Swimming & Lifesaving Merit Badges

The Pav YMCA in Berwyn will be offering programs for both Swimming and Lifesaving Merit Badges. Usually the only easy way to get these merit badges is to go to summer camp. For any scouts who have not earned these badges, this is a great opportunity, as both are Eagle-required badges*

Swimming – September 15 & 22: noon to 3:00 p.m. $20
Lifesaving – November 17 & 24: noon to 3:00 p.m. $20

For more information, contact the PAV YMCA, or sign up in-person at 2947 Oak Park Avenue, Berwyn.

*Eagle requirements:
Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling
Lifesaving OR Emergency Preparedness

Cooking Merit Badge to be Eagle Requirement

The Cooking merit badge will be required for the Eagle Scout rank starting on January 1, 2014. All Scouts who did not earn Eagle by the end of 2013 must complete the Cooking merit badge for Eagle, no matter when they started working on that rank.

Family Life Merit Badge

Mr. Andersen will be meeting with scouts who have started the Family Life Merit Badge at the Thursday meeting.

Citizenship Merit Badges

Mrs. Lulich will be returning on May 2, for completion of the Citizenship in the Community merit badge and Citizenship in the World. We will be meeting at 6:30 p.m. Please either e-mail or bring your completed requirements for Citizenship in the Community to Mrs. Lulich on or before May 2 or send by e-mail to ingridlulich14@gmail.com.

You are expected to complete the requirements in italics prior to May 2 for the Citizenship in the World merit badge. If you do not complete the prerequisites, you cannot attend the scheduled session for May 2. Please complete highlighted requirements below for Citizenship in the World. We will begin and complete the merit badge on the 2nd, so be prepared, as scouts should be.

    1. 1. Explain what citizenship in the world means to you and what you think it takes to be a good world citizen.
      2. Explain how one becomes a citizen in the United States, and explain the rights, duties, and obligations of U.S. citizenship. Discuss the similarities and differences between the rights, duties, and obligations of U.S. citizens and the citizens of two other countries.
      3. Do the following:

        a. Pick a current world event. In relation to this current event, discuss with your counselor how a country’s national interest and its relationship with other countries might affect areas such as” its security, its economy, its values, and the health of its citizens.
        b. Select a foreign country and discuss with your counselor how its geography, natural resources, and climate influence its economy and its global partnerships with other countries.
      4. Do TWO of the following:

        a. Explain international law and how it differs from national law. Explain the role of international law and how international law can be used as a tool for conflict resolution.

        b. Using resources such as major daily newspapers, the Internet (with your parent’s permission), and news magazines, observe a current issue that involves international trade, foreign exchange, balance of payments, tariffs, and free trade. Explain what you have learned. Include in your discussion an explanation of why countries must cooperate in order for world trade and global competition to thrive.
        c. Select TWO of the following organizations and describe their role in the world.

          1. The United Nations
          2. The World Court
          3. World Organization of the Scout Movement
          4. The World Health Organization
          5. Amnesty International
          6. The International Committee of the Red Cross
          7. CARE

      5. Do the following:

        a. Discuss the differences between constitutional and nonconstitutional governments.

        b. Name at least five different types of governments currently in power in the world.
        c. Show on a world map countries that use each of these five different forms of government.

      6. Do the following:

        a. Explain how a government is represented abroad and how the United States government is accredited to international organizations.
        b. Describe the roles of the following in the conduct of foreign relations.

          1. Ambassador
          2. Consul
          3. Bureau of International Information Programs
          4. Agency for International Development
          5. United States and Foreign Commercial Service

        c. Explain the purpose of a passport and visa for international travel.

      7. Do TWO of the following (with your parent’s permission) and share with your counselor what you have learned:

        a. Visit the Web site of the U.S. State Department. Learn more about an issue you find interesting that is discussed on this Web site.
        b. Visit the Web site of an international news organization or foreign government, OR examine a foreign newspaper available at your local library, bookstore, or newsstand. Find a news story about a human right realized in the United States that is not recognized in another country.
        c. Visit with a student or Scout from another country and discuss the typical values, holidays, ethnic foods, and traditions practiced or enjoyed there.
        d. Attend a world Scout jamboree.
        e. Participate in or attend an international event in your area, such as an ethnic festival, concert, or play.

  • Merit Badges at Troop Meetings in February-March

    Our scouts will have the opportunity to work on several merit badges (all Eagle-required) at our Troop meetings in February and March.

    Scouts will attend one of these three merit badge sessions: First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Family Life. All scouts taking one of these merit badge classes will need to read the appropriate merit badge book. We have many in the Troop Library (see our Librarian, Jack Lu.). Scouts can also borrow a book from another scout who has completed the merit badge, or purchase a book at the Scout Store in LaGrange.

    Scouts currently in sixth grade, as well as scouts who have not yet earned the First Aid Merit Badge, will be working with Dr. Stephanie on First Aid, as well as completing 2nd Class and 1st Class requirements relating to first aid.

    Scouts who have already completed First Aid, and are 1st Class and above, will have the opportunity to work on Citizenship in the Community with Mrs. Lulich.

    Scouts who have already earned both the First Aid AND Citizenship in the Community merit badges will be working with Mr. Andersen on Family Life. Generally, Family Life is recommended for 8th graders or older.

    If you have any question about which class is appropriate for your situation, please discuss it with Mr. Hartwig.

    For Citizenship and Family Life, there will be work requirements beyond the time spent at the meetings. (For Family Life, help from the “family” is needed as well). Specifically, for Citizenship in the Community:

    Prior to 2/7:

    Review Requirement 7:
    a. Choose a charitable organization outside of Scouting that interests you and brings people in your community together to work for the good of your community.
    b. Using a variety of resources (including newspapers, fliers and other literature, the Internet, volunteers, and employees of the organization), find out more about this organization.
    c. With your counselor’s and your parent’s approval, contact the organization and find out what young people can do to help. While working on this merit badge, volunteer at least eight hours of your time for the organization. After your volunteer experience is over, discuss what you have learned with your counselor.

    On 2/7:
    We will discuss and complete Requirements 1 and 2.
    We will discuss Requirement 3. You will pick a meeting to attend.
    We will discuss Requirement 7. You are to choose your charitable organization and begin your service hours.
    You will begin working on Requirement 8 to be completed at home.

    On 2/14:
    Please bring completed Requirements 4 and 5 (done at home).
    We will complete Requirement 6.
    We will discuss Requirement 3, if completed.

    Requirements to be done outside of the meetings:
    Requirement 3, attending a meeting
    Requirement 4, 5 to be done at home
    Requirement 8 to be completed at home
    Service hours (Requirement 7)

    January Troop Meetings

    Scouts will be working on rank advancement requirements at tonight’s meeting. This includes some of our higher ranking scouts who need to teach something using the EDGE method, as well as younger scouts working toward the lower ranks. We will also be working in the attic taking inventory for the Pancake Breakfast, and checking out our Klondike Derby sleds.

    Next week (January 24) we will hold Boards of Review. Please let Nancy Hopkins know of scouts who are ready for a Board.

    Also next week, Mrs. Lulich will be available to assist scouts in completing the requirements for the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge. Please be aware that your scout may believe he has completed all the requirements, but some of these had to be done outside of class and have not been turned in.

    Requirements 8 is: Name your two senators and the member of Congress from your congressional district. Write a letter about a national issue and send it to one of these elected officials, sharing your view with him or her. Show your letter and any response you receive to your counselor. The letter MUST be brought to this meeting.

    Also, Requirement 6 MUST be completed, which requires the scout to prepare IN ADVANCE. With your counselor’s approval, choose a speech of national historical importance. Find out about the author, and tell your counselor about the person who gave the speech. Explain the importance of the speech at the time it was given, and tell how it applies to American citizens today. Choose a sentence or two from the speech that has significant meaning to you, and tell your counselor why.

    Citizenship on December 6

    Scout who have started the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge with Mrs. Lulich will meet this Thursday, December 6. All scouts to bring with them completed writings and letters for Requirements 2,6, and 8. This will be our final session for this scouting year.

    http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Citizenship_in_the_Nation

    Engineering Merit Badge at the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee

    Scouts will have the opportunity to earn the Engineering Merit Badge at the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee on December 1. Scouts will spend the day in Milwaukee and return to Riverside the same day.

    Date:  Saturday, December 1, 2012

    Agenda

    • Depart from RPC at 9:45 a.m.
    • 12:00 Noon – 12:15 p.m.  Observe the Calatrava “wings” open/close @ the Milwaukee Art Museum   (this may not happen if it’s too windy or snowy)
    • 12:15 – 1:00 p.m. Milwaukee Public Market – indoor food court for lunch  – Scouts & adults should bring approximately $10 for their lunch.
    • 1:00 – ~3:30 p.m.  Harley Davidson Museum
      • Merit Badge workbook
      • Enjoy interactive Museum exhibits
    • Arrive back at RPC ~ 5:30 p.m.

    Cost is $8 per scout

    The Scouts should have read and reviewed the Engineering Merit Badge work before outing.  There may be some requirements that can be worked before arriving at the museum.  The scouts will work through the Merit Badge Activity book that Harley Davidson Museum has prepared (link), which helps them achieve the requirements through the Museum.  Scouts should print this activity book and bring it with them on the outing.  Scouts will also need to bring a scoutmaster-signed blue card.

    Scouts register here by Wednesday, November 28

    We will need chaperones to help with the driving and to assist the boys in working through the Merit Badge Activity at the museum.  We will want to divide the boys in small groups of 3-4 and have a chaperone help them stay on task while in the museum.  There will be plenty of time for you to explore the museum and all its exhibits.

    Adults and leaders register here by Wednesday, November 28

    For questions contact Susan Lynch.

    Citizenship in Nation to be Continued on 12/6/12

    Twelve of our scouts attended one or both of the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge sessions with Mrs. Lulich. There will be a third session at the Troop meeting on December 6.

    « Previous PageNext Page »