Cub Scouts can’t earn merit badges, so he will have to wait until he crosses over to a Scouts BSA troop to earn the badge. But your local council might have other activities. I recommend you call them and see if they have a STEM program or STEM coordinator. For example, our council has a STEM van which includes some age appropriate robotics activities. We rented it for a pack meeting. And I know there are cooperative programs between our council STEM program and local businesses. So I think your council, or maybe even your district, would be a good place to ask questions.

1. I ask an interested scout or group of Scouts if they have a ROBOTICS CLUB or ROBOTICS CLASS at their School and can they join. The MBC is permitted to have Teachers or Professionals assist with a MB. Some Teachers may also be reluctant, thinking they may be assuming the Responsibility or Authority for the MB and I like to send them a letter or Email explaining the MB, and that working with Scouts can enhance their recruitment of students to join… and that is MY Responsibility for the MB.

2. “DESIGN” and “PROGRAM” for the Robot is debated in the MB Blogs between the “Purists” who think the Scout should Design it from SCRATCH and write the Program themselves… and the “Pragmatists” who find the commercial Robot Kits very acceptable… and can be easy with good instructions…but perhaps for some Scouts even the instructions may be difficult. MOST GOOD ROBOT COMPANIES WILL HAVE A WEBSITE and a CHAT FUNCTION to ASK QUESTIONS as well as a 1-800 number.

3. Most Merit Badges have associated COSTS depending on their Requirements… Parents / Scouts must take ito consideration the SKILL of their Scout before purchasing one that meets the Requirements of SENSING and PROGRAMMING (#4a) and 2 DEGREES OF FREEDOM / MOVEMENT (4b). Programmable Robots for children from 8-12 years can be found for $50-$80 … running as high as $150-$350 !! I have found that most Scouts who have some experience with LEGO-type products do well…

4. RE-USE? Some “Robot Camps” will use higher-end expensive Robot Kits… BUT have the Student or Team COMPLETELY DISASSEMBLE the KIT and place back in its box for future use! –> MIGHT A TROOP CONSIDER BUYING A ROBOT for re-use by other Troop Scouts?

5. Most Programmable Robots are coded / programmed VIA an APP… usually on a smartphone or tablet or a program for a PC or Mac… parents / scouts should be aware of that !

I hope I have not made this Merit Badge sound too complicated !!

And these comments are from only ONE MBC… I’m sure some may take exceptions to my comments… and I WELCOME Comments and Constructive Criticism !

Good luck facilitating your Scouts, Patrols, and Troops with this “modern” Merit Badge !!
Charlie Daschbach MBC