Who can participate?
This program is open to every Scout across the country! We encourage Scouts to sign up with members of their patrols and troops, but they can sign up as individuals as well!
How will you ensure Youth Protection standards?
All sessions will be lead by two adult staff members. Any Scout initiated interactions must include another registered leader or parent.
How will the merit badge classes work?
Scouts will sign up in advance for which merit badges they want to take. They will receive an email with a Google Classroom code for each badge on the Sunday before their week at camp. Scouts will join the classroom, then receive directions from their counselor, a link to the Monday Zoom Session and guidance for the week. Scouts will participate in discussions, complete tasks with other badge participants, and also work independently on some requirements. Counselors will evaluate requirements through out the week, providing suggestions and comments based on individual needs.
Will Scouts be able to earn every merit badge?
Yes and No. We have always had high standards for our classes at NoBe, and we intend to continue that. We have chosen the badges we are offering because we feel Scouts can complete these in the virtual environment. Scouts who satisfactorily complete all of the requirements, will be given completed blue cards. We will work with Scouts to make sure they are completing the badges at the appropriate level.
Some badges are listed as PARTIAL ONLY, these require hands on demonstrations of skills, which can’t be completed remotely. We will issue a partial, which will be accepted in future summers. We also hope to be able to offer weekend opportunities in the fall or spring to finish these badges, depending on state regulations.
Completed blue cards and partials will be mailed after their week at camp, along with the camp patch, and any awards they may hav earned!
How do they get the blue cards?
We encourage you to reach out to your Scoutmaster and discuss this opportunity. While we feel it is important they are involved in the process, we are not requiring their approval before signing up. They can offer guidance on what merit badges you may want to take. Remember a merit badge isn’t formally completed without the Scoutmaster’s signature on the blue card afterwards.
Do I have to talk to my Scoutmaster about this?
All Scouts will receive the camp patch for the summer. Along with that, if they complete a series of requirements, they will be able to earn the “Everywhere Pin” for the patch. Scouts can also work on the NoBe Achievement Award to earn the next year. If there are 5 or more Scouts from the same Troop, they can work together to earn the Honor Troop or Honor Patrol awards for the summer of 2020.