Also known as Double-Dipping, stacking is the process of using work done for one badge for the requirements of another. There are some badges that specifically prohibit this (Sports/Athletics, Dog Care/Pet Care, a few others). Most, however, remain silent on the subject, leaving it up to the discretion of the merit badge counselor. Don’t try to use them retroactively, since the badges assume that you’re learning, then doing. IOW, your photography photos require using the skills you’ve learned by working on that badge. Pictures from three years ago won’t (or shouldn’t!) cut it.

A lot of merit badges are similar in nature, and many have identical or near identical requirements. It seems a waste to do the same things over again when it could be spent working on something new. So, at the request of some Scouts who work diligently, but don’t want to repeat things, listed below are some ways to stack. This is not meant as a way to circumvent requirements. On the contrary, if you can use an activity more than once, it’s reasonable for a MBC to expect it to be done with even greater excellence. Knowing beforehand what will stack helps to use the most of your time. Check out both requirements before you go. For instance, both Journalism and Graphics Arts require a visit to a newspaper, but their focus is different. You want to make sure you’re completely fulfilling the requirements of each. More will be added as we have time to come up with them.

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Stacking Eagle-required Badges

While you definitely don’t want to skimp on any of the Citizenship requirements, there are ways to do more than one badge at the same time while still maintaining the integrity of each.

Citizenship in the Community Req 5 requires watching a movie. If you’re careful in choosing, the same movie could count for one of American Heritage’s req 5a. If you choose a community organization that works with the disabled in your community for Req 7, those 8 hours of volunteering can count for your Disabilities Awareness Req 5b. Scouts who are working on their Photography badges can use Req 4b (a photo display) as their photo display for Cit Comm Req 8.

Citizenship in the Nation Req 4 is essentially the same as American Heritage Req 1. Req 3 is close enough to Journalism 2b1 that a little extra effort will fulfill both.

Communications – The interview for Req 4 is vague enough that you could choose someone who will fit American Cultures 1c, or the upcoming Scouting Heritage badge. The meeting in Req 5 can also be used for Cit Comm Req 3. Req 7b is very similar to Computers Req 7d.

Depending upon the choices you make for Environmental Science, Soil & Water or Fish & Wildlife become almost subsets to ES.

First Aid – Earn this badge as soon as you can. Many counselors will simply accept that you’ve done the requirements for other badges because you’ve satisfied the First Aid requirements (and can prove it). Otherwise, you’ll get to demonstrate over and over again (which may not be a bad thing, after all). Badges that require First Aid components include: Athletics, Camping, Canoeing, Climbing, Cycling, Emergency Preparedness, Hiking, Orienteering, Pioneering, Skating, Small-Boat Sailing, Snow Sports, Sports, Swimming, Waterskiing, Whitewater, and Wilderness Surivival.

Lifesaving and Swimming both require CPR. Swimming only requires 100 yards, while Lifesaving needs 400. But they are the same strokes.

I’m sure there are others for the Eagle-requireds. How have you stacked these?

Click here for information on stacking elective badges.

]]> http://kitsapscouts.com/everything-else/stacking-badges/feed/ 3 http://kitsapscouts.com/merit-badges/environmentalscience/ http://kitsapscouts.com/merit-badges/environmentalscience/#comments Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:47:40 +0000 admin http://kitsapscouts.com/?p=649 Yes, you can do this at camp. But it’s an EAGLE-required badge and, as such, should get the attention it truly deserves.

Boy Scouts has a long history of environmental education. Scouting teaches boys to be good stewards of the earth, using its resources wisely, and balancing the present and future needs of mankind. Rather than an alarmist approach that we sometimes see in the media, Scouting presents young men with an active, rational approach to resource use and conservation.

Though the merit badge booklets are recommended for every badge, Environmental Science is one that can’t really be completed without it. The requirements state: Do ONE activity in EACH of the following categories (using the activities in this {the merit badge} pamphlet as the basis for planning and carrying out your projects). It’s one of the better-written pamphlets, and is well worth the $4.

While most of these experiments and observations can be done at any area park (or even your backyard), the following venues offer more complete instruction:

Kitsap County

Looking for someone to help with environmental experiments? Kitsap County’s Solid Waste Division has an educational outreach division. Former Science Teacher Jo Meints can set up a class for your group, tailored to the experiments you are interested in.

Stillwaters Environmental Center (Kingston)

Stillwaters offers a place for Scouts to explore and conduct experiments in both wet and dry areas. Facility use is $3pp. However, they are happy to tailor classes and outings for Scout groups. Let a Stillwaters expert lead your group exploration and discussion of all things environmental. Cost is $8pp.
Also a valuable resource for Soil & Water and Fish & Wildlife badges.

Some merit badges can be just for fun. Swimming might well someday save your life or the life of another. Don’t do the bare minimum of requirements. Make sure you have really earned this. Someone’s future could depend upon it.

Bainbridge Island

Ray Williamson Pool, Madison & High School Roads, (260) 842-2302

Bremerton

Glenn Jarstad Aquatic Center, 50 Magnuson Way, (360) 478-5376. Very large pool, birthday party area, slides. Available for private rental.
Olympic High School, 7070 Stampede Blvd. NW, (360) 662-2886. 25 yard long pool. $55/hr for up to 30 people.
NAVSTA Bremerton Concourse West, (360) 476-9476. Military ID required.
Olympic Aquatic Center, 7070 Stampede Blvd, (360) 692-3192

Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor High School. 5101 Rosedale St. NW. (253) 530-1575. Available for Scout rental for $50/hr.
Peninsula High School Pool. 14105 Purdy Dr. (253) 530-4575. Available for Scout rental for $40/hr.

Port Orchard

South Kitsap (High School) Pool, 425 Mitchell, (360) 876-7385. $50/hr for up to 30 (prices rise from there).

Silverdale

SUBASE Bangor, (360) 535-5941. Must have valid military ID, plus picture ID for all occupants of vehicle. Separate high dive pool. Larger pool than PSNS. Now with a family dressing room for modesty.