Which Scout Are You?

Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates have been awarded the Silver Buffalo, the highest Boy Scout honors in the US, for his services to youth.

The accolade is for Mr. Gates’ work both at Microsoft and for his humanitarian work through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Mr. Gates was a member of the scouts in the 1960s and 1970s in Seattle.

Let’s see where you fall. 

Requirements –Both the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the United States mark achievements by issuing badges. There’s actually a great deal of overlap among the different badge skills, including camping, car maintenance, first aid, fitness, budgeting, and even robotics. However, the Boy Scouts have some badges that focus on broader themes such as communication, which includes elements of writing, speaking and blogging among others. Alternatively, the Girls Scouts offer specific badges for things like screenwriting and novel writing.

Silver Buffalo Award –The Silver Buffalo award was created in 1925. Awarded for: Noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth on a national basis. 

Famous recipients–Charles Lindbergh, Colin Powell, Walt Disney, and 14 US presidents.

Eagle Scout -is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America. 

Notable recipients – Gary L. Ackerman – U.S. Representative from NY, Bill Alexander – U.S. Representative from Arkansas, Lamar Alexander – Lawyer, Governor of Tennessee, Secretary of Education, presidential candidate, Neil Armstrong – astronaut, first man on the moon, from Wapakoneta, OH. 

Fun fact –Just over 2 million boys have reached Eagle in 100 years (15,000 a year, roughly). Currently, around 4 of every 100 boys that join Scouts make Eagle—that’s less than 1% of the male population.

The purpose that it serves–Merit badges are awards earned by youth members of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), based on activities within the area of study by completing a list of periodically updated requirements. The purpose of the merit badge program is to allow Scouts to examine subjects to determine if they would like to further pursue them as a career or vocation. 

Scouts must meet up with their Scoutmaster to receive a signed blue card in order to begin working on a merit badge. 

If a Scout wants to advance in rank toward Eagle Scout, how will the troop support his or her journey?

This will tell you something, but not everything. Advancement is an important part of Scouting, but advancement alone doesn’t determine the success of a troop.

-Andrew Frank (Cincinnati Ohio)