The most recent issue of the Scouting magazine has a short, but good, article called "Climb the Family Tree" about the Boy Scouts of America Genealogy Merit Badge. As a Scout leader and a genealogist, I have had many opportunities to teach the Genealogy Merit Badge to different Scout troops. If you have wondered what the requirements are, here is a link to MeritBadge.org. Teaching Scouts about genealogy is a valuable way to spark interest in family history in teenagers.
Boy Scout Merit Badges are designed to be a do-able challenge. In every case there is a BSA published merit badge pamphlet that teaches all of the requirements in concise format. Each Scout is required to present evidence of having accomplished all of the requirements to a Merit Badge Counselor, an adult with experience in the subject of the merit badge.
Unfortunately, the Genealogy Merit Badge is one of the least obtained merit badges, only a very small percentage of the Scouts fulfill the requirements and obtain the badge. If you have any influence with a local Scout Troop, you might qualify as a merit badge counselor for Genealogy and offer to help the entire troop pass the merit badge.
is there anyone in illinois that does this merit badge for interested scouts? please email me at ject@ameritech.net
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