That’s a great insight. I think that one of the best things youth can learn from Scouting is that things don’t always go as planned, but that is OK.

You should always follow your council’s directions over the workbooks. The workbooks are not official materials and are not necessarily current.

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.

Hello all,

Due to several recent emails I received, I just wanted to update this to say that the effort ended some time in 2024. All told, I was able to provide 18 pounds of grommets to be used to make the bell. Thank you to all who participated!

You can sign up for weekly updates at http://eepurl.com/jQTw5

My solution is simple: before beginning the counseling session, I tell the Scout that, while I MAY NOT add to or subtract from the requirements as written, I will feel that I am cheating the Scout if I don’t show them how to perform basic coin grading, acquaint them with the location of mintmarks, show them how to use catalogs, and look through a numismatic periodical. If they decline all this, I make sure to tell the Scout and their parent(s) that their Scout is setting themselves up to be cheated as they get deeper into the hobby. I will supply them with Indian Head, Wheat and Steel cents, a Buffalo nickel, and as many as 50 different foreign coins. I will then give them enough cardboard 2x2s or Whitman coin folders to mount and display their collection. I will also show them how I do all of these things, and will bring some of my nicest examples to show them.

I also allow them to select two envelopes from my “GRAB BAG.” I have all sorts of treasures in there, including a tiny replica of a gold coin, many silver coins, and some interesting currency (at my last session, a Scout left with a well worn but still recognizable Large Size $1 silver certificate, Series of 1923.

I them to become true coin collectors, and not just Scouts seeking a merit-badge-in-a-day.

It comes from a variety of sources, including the Scouting America website. Many of the US Scouts workbooks are not up to date after the 2025 updates. The links are the ones they use for their most recent versions. They might still be working on them, so eventually the links should show the latest. Scouts should always start with the official requirements though and not a workbook.

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