This Idea has Merit

One of the best practices in today’s professional learning space is what has come to be known as "micro-credentialing”. This is the concept of being recognized for showing proficiency in a defined set of skills within one’s trade. The skills are developed over a relatively short period of time and then verified through an assessment. A micro-credential is usually awarded to a learner by their organization or an industry group. ?It’s a wonderful way to promote continuous learning without the extended time and resource commitment of a full certification or degree program. This may seem like a newer trend, but the scouting movement has known the value of this concept since its very beginning back in 1907. We call it the merit badge program.

Merit badge is a term that is commonly associated with scouting in the United States and other countries. Scouting America?, The Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA), and other scout-like organizations utilize badges as tokens of recognition on the uniform. Sometimes they are referred to as proficiency badges. Regardless of the term used, the badge is a visible symbol of achievement and learning. It says, “I have learned, practiced, and been tested against a set of standards.”

In Scouting America?, the merit badge program has a specific purpose. It allows the scout to explore potential careers and learn skills that can prove useful as they grow. An added benefit of the program is that a scout is partnered with a merit badge counselor. This is an adult (18+) that is registered with the local council and is well-versed in the skills that the scout is wanting to develop. These volunteers are trained in youth protection and must agree to a criminal background check. Although there are likely counselors in the scout’s home troop, there is real benefit in having the scout work with adults they may not yet know. This pushes the youth out of their comfort zone and helps them build relationship skills. Scouts may work with any counselor who is registered in their council for that particular merit badge.

Earning these recognitions allows Scouts to explore many fields, helps them round out their skills, and perhaps introduces them to subjects that will become lifelong interests or rewarding careers

?As scouting becomes more tech enabled, much of the merit badge process can now be completed online. However, the well-defined steps for earning a merit badge remain the same. First, a scout decides they want to work on a specific merit badge and has their unit leader “sign-off” on their merit badge application, often referred to as the “blue card”. This is not the scout asking permission but rather an awareness conversation. It allows the unit leader to discuss the scout’s plans and help connect them to an appropriate counselor.? Once the application is signed, the scout can begin work and schedule meetings with the counselor. When the scout is ready, they (not their parents or unit leader) ask to be assessed by the counselor. This helps the scouts build confidence and personal agency.

?During the process, the counselor serves as both a teacher and a mentor for the scout. They help the scout work through the requirements and share any knowledge of the subject that might enhance the scout’s experience. Scouts and their counselors are required to follow the requirements exactly as written. Specific action words are used to provide clarity on what must be done for a requirement to be met. If a requirement states that a scout must DO something, they must DO it, not simply talk about it. If a scout is unable to meet a requirement due to a disability, there is an accommodation process for merit badges that are required to achieve the Eagle Scout rank.

If it says "show or demonstrate", that is what must be done. Just telling about it isn't enough. The same holds true for such words as "make", "list", "in the field", and "collect, identify, and label"

?Once the scout has completed all the requirements, the counselor signs the merit badge application. The scout then presents the complete application to their unit leader so they can be recognized and receive their badge. Each of the 139 merit badges has a unique patch which the scout is entitled to wear on their uniform as a token of their achievement. Eighteen of these badges have a silver border indicating that they are required for the Eagle Scout rank. To attain the rank of Eagle Scout, a youth must earn a minimum of 21 total badges including 14 that are required. These 14 prepare the scout for life by teaching them how to take care of themselves, be helpful to those around them, and show them the importance of a strong character.

As a merit badge counselor and scout dad, I have seen the incredible results of the Scouting America? merit badge program many times. I’ve partnered with my own Eagle Scout so they could learn how to service a transmission and check other fluid levels as part of the Automotive Maintenance merit badge. At summer camp, I’ve watched scouts construct a natural shelter and then spend a night in the woods to earn the Wilderness Survival merit badge. Even though the Moviemaking merit badge (originally named Cinematography) did not exist until 1990, The Fabelmans portrays a young Steven Spielberg fueling his passion by creating his first feature film (The Last Gunfight) as part of earning the Photography merit badge.

Every day, thousands of young scouts are working on these micro-credentials designed to provide them autonomy, exploration, and real-life experience. They engage with volunteer mentors, build their skillsets, and take pride in their accomplishments.? Perhaps more organizations should look at this framework for influence in their L&D departments? Everyone has skills and experience to offer to the next generation of leaders, be that at work, at home, or in scouting. Consider sharing yours.

Yours in scouting.

The above article reflects my personal perspective and is not affiliated, endorsed, or representative of Scouting America?