Boy Scouts introduce videogame badge, other badges ask 'Really?'
By Tim Stevens 
posted April 28th 2010 8:27AM
posted April 28th 2010 8:27AM
Yes, really. The Boy Scouts of America have finally recognized that most important of modern children's pastimes with the creation of a "Video Games" belt loop and pin. However, our initial excitement on this momentous day is drastically lessened after reading how one goes about earning them. Here are the belt loop's three requirements:- Explain why it is important to have a rating system for video games. Check your video games to be sure they are right for your age.
- With an adult, create a schedule for you to do things that includes your chores, homework, and video gaming. Do your best to follow this schedule.
- Learn to play a new video game that is approved by your parent, guardian, or teacher.
Update: We're getting a number of e-mails upset that this post does not explicitly point out that these awards are for the Cub Scouts, not for the Boy Scouts. Mind you, the Cub Scouts are most definitely a part of the greater Boy Scouts of America organization, and anyone who knows anything about the BSA in the first place knows that pins and belt loops are exclusively for Cub Scouts. So, chill, yeah? Also, we're still waiting on that Trials HD advice -- we can't get 10 feet on those new Extreme levels without repeated faceplants.
It's not the Boy Scouts. It's the Cubscouts who are getting this badge. And yes I know the Cubscouts are an affiliate of the BSA as I am a boyscout myself. (GulfStream Council Troop 822 FTW!)
Maybe I'm just old school, but you were supposed to learn a skill or create something to earn a badge. Games are fun and all, but as playing video games is replacing all kinds of activities and hobbies kids would otherwise have, it doesn't really seem like the kind of thing scouts should allow. Of course, neither does homophobia nor allowing known pedophiles to be scout masters, and the scouts have a well documented history of both of those. I learned lots of cool stuff about knot tying, nature and building things with the scouts...growing up and learning about the negative aspects of their organization sure ruins my memories.
This article is incorrect. That pin/belt loop is for the CUB Scouts not the boy scouts. The BOY scouts do not receive pin/belt loops they get merit badges.
Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts to cult for my kids to join.
When I was in Boy Scouts over 20 years ago, belt loops were for skill awards, merit badges were patches sewn to a sash, and rank insignia was a pocket patch. There were pins for special recognition, but these were rare.
When I was in the Cub Scouts 17 years ago, we didn't have no stinkin' videogame badge - we had to learn how to read a map, learn first aid, and build bridges (ok, so I may have mixed up boy scouts from cub scouts - but that's only because I'm supressing my cub scout master for molesting his son and going to jail and ruining all of our lives by not being there)
On my honor... I will do my duty...
Oh wait... ehhhhhhhhhhh ahhhhhhhhhhhh....
OK, just did doody....
They`d better introduce "My name is John and I`m a gameoholik. Ive been gamesober for 3 days now."