american heritage
Learn about this great country, and earn a badge at the same time. It may seem that the requirements are many, but they’re interesting and none of them is too difficult. This is a good one to do in conjunction with a school (or homeschool) class.
While you’re at it, with just a little extra effort, you can earn the US Heritage Award or the Youth Patriotism Award. They overlap quite a bit, so you might want to work on both of them! The James M. Stewart Good Citizenship Award has some similarity, too, and Jimmy Stewart is a good person to use for requirement 2a.
Requirement 2a – Individual Contributions
The American Heroes page is one Scout’s resources for the American Cultures badge. It’s a good place to start to find the political leader and private citizen needed to fulfill this requirement.
Requirement 2c – Veterans
We’re blessed to be in an area with a very strong military presence. If your troop or family does not include veterans, why not take a trip to the Retsil Veteran’s Home in Port Orchard? Not only will you get great information and first-hand accounts, you’ll make someone’s day! Call ahead and offer to help in some capacity, and you’ll be able to earn some community service hours at the same time.
Donald R. Green is the Washington State Chairman for the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. He is available to speak to Scout groups or individuals. Email: GreenBean3@msn.com or phone 360.275.7275.
Requirement 3c – Genealogy
This badge requires researching your family’s history. With just a little extra effort, you can complete the requirements for Genealogy at the same time. Plus, what you learn about Genealogy will help you to better complete this requirement. Save what you find – the Scouting Heritage badge is coming in 2nd quarter 2010, and there is a component about your family’s Scouting history.
Requirement 4 – National Register of Historical Places
Here’s the map and list for Seattle: http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/seattle/index.htm.
You can use NPHP’s search function for a more localized response.
Requirement 4b – Historical Events
The Kitsap Historical Society & Museum is your best bet for this requirement. You can read about several sites online, or visit them to get an expert’s perspective.
Requirement 4e – Historic Trails
The wording here is open to the interpretation of your merit badge counselor. According to the listing at Scouting.org, we have only two approved historical trails, both on the Seattle side — that is, trails which count for the Historic Trails award. Your counselor’s interpretation may not be so narrow. Ask first!
Requirement 5a – Movies
There are literally thousands of movies that will fulfill this requirement. Clear yours with your parents and counselor first. Here are a few suggestions that you can probably get from your library, Blockbuster, or Netflix.
Follow Me Boys, Tora, Tora, Tora, Grease, Apollo 13, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Little Women, Sounder, and one of the top ten movies ever made: It’s a Wonderful Life!
Requirement 5b – Biographies
Again, refer to the American Heroes page.
December 5th, 2009 at 9:51 am
[...] – A really interesting one. Time ranges depending upon your choices. Requires visits. American Heritage – A lot of requirements that are best done one at a time. Get an award at the same time by [...]
December 5th, 2009 at 11:44 am
[...] post: american heritage | Boy Scouts on the Kitsap Peninsula By admin | category: american boy | tags: great-country, may-seem, requirements, the-same [...]