Hello
In this time of school closings, many scouts are stuck at home without productive options. For many, classes are suspended, and most do not have troop meetings or other extracurricular activities. As such, NCAC would like to offer a new program called Merit Badges @ Home. The goal is to help scouts continue their scouting journey and stay connected.
In this time of school closings, many scouts are stuck at home without productive options. For many, classes are suspended, and most do not have troop meetings or other extracurricular activities. As such, NCAC would like to offer a new program called Merit Badges @ Home. The goal is to help scouts continue their scouting journey and stay connected.
WHAT
A series of online classes and meetings designed to help scouts advance. Scouts work with counselors through Zoom meetings and a Basecamp project.
WHY
To help the scouts of NCAC stay engaged with scouting during this period when all council and district activities have shut down (and most units have as well).
WHEN
We’re already underway. But before you promote to scouts, we need you to help us find counselors. All badges have been selling out in just hours. Yes, less than a day. DEMAND FAR EXCEEDS SUPPLY
WHO
We need merit badge counselors.
- They need to be registered as merit badge counselors already
- Those who have experience working at camps, merit badge days, or with larger groups helpful, but we’ll take everyone who’s qualified
- Badges should be able to be completed by scouts who are homebound or that can be completed in their yard or areas with appropriate social distancing.
- We’re looking for these badges in particular (see list) but open to any topics.
- We also need a second adult to be present at sessions. So additional volunteers welcome.
TOOLS:
- Classes will be taught using the Zoom videoconferencing platform. Council has accounts and support ready to go.
- A Basecamp project for each badge will be set up to allow for scouts to submit their work
- We will teach you how to use these tools and will provide support on the back end for all systems.
- Council is paying for all the technology used to host the sessions
NEXT STEPS:
If you are able to host a merit badge (or even 2 or 3) please let us know.
- Please fill out this form as a counselor – https://www.ncacbsa.org/merit-badges-at-home/
- Let us know which badge(s) you’d like to offer
- Join the Online Merit Badge Counselor Basecamp Project – https://bit.ly/ncacmbc
- We will be in touch shortly for onboarding. We have detailed training and support for you.
Thank you for all that you do and for your consideration in helping our Scouts.
Yours in Scouting,
Richard Harrington
NCAC VP of Marketing & Communications
Yours in Scouting,
Richard Harrington
NCAC VP of Marketing & Communications