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I suspect that the time for Wood Badge has run its course in the BSA. The fraternal format of the program acts more as a social program than productive training.

Let's pull the valuable and effective leadership materials that are in the course, and infuse it into a new format. Or, at the least, redesign Wood Badge to be less fraternal, self-existing, and a drain on resources (Centennial Wood Badge?).

We need to keep the enthusiasm, energy, and material that Wood Badge graduates have, and do so in a way that does not create an adult fraternity atmosphere.
Moderator Comments
12/2/08
From: Gary Butler, Council Solutions Group Director

The Council Solutions Group has already had dialogue with the key volunteer founders of the 21st Century Woodbadge Course regarding the next evolution of the course. Preparations are being put into place to evaluate the strengths and challenges of the current course and determining what the next generation of Woodbadge might look like. As a strong proponent of the power of Woodbadge and its leadership methodolgy when administered correctly, I am personnally involved in supporting the efforts of the the volunteers and staff entrusted with this challenge.
In response to the numerous postings about adding various merit badges to the current program, how about creating one new badge known as "design your own'? A Scout could work with an adult leader or counselor to show proficiency in a field of interest that is outside of the merit badge curriculum.
Moderator Comments
This idea has been assigned to the Innovation Team. We will include this suggestion in one of our upcoming team meetings and will keep you posted on the results.
In response to the numerous postings about adding various merit badges to the current program, how about creating one new badge known as "design your own'? A Scout could work with an adult leader or counselor to show proficiency in a field of interest that is outside of the merit badge curriculum.
Moderator Comments
This idea has been assigned to the Innovation Team. We will include this suggestion in one of our upcoming team meetings and will keep you posted on the results.
Idea from: James Kirby Jr., Kirby Welding Company
A merit badge for welding will help expose many of the young men to an opportunity to learn a skill trade that can last a lifetime.
Moderator Comments
This idea has been assigned to the Innovation Team. We will include this suggestion in one of our upcoming team meetings and will keep you posted on the results.
Andrew Burns emailed this request to the 100th Anniversary mailbox

"Is there anyway we could make new meritbadges because i would like to have a dirt bike merit badge or a motor bike merit badge because those are really fun activities"
Moderator Comments
From: Bob Scott, Innovation Team Coordinator

The process for evaluating and developing new merit badges, belt loops and activity badges is now being managed by the Innovation Team. The process to be used going forward has been finalized and includes evaluation of all new ideas against four classes of criteria: Fit with Scouting, Practicality, Fun & Engagement and Resource Requirements. Initial investigation will be conducted by the Innovation Team in consultation with volunteers and staff on the Program Content Committee and then submitted to the Innovation Committee for their final decision.
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Have a Martial Arts merit badge added to the merit badge lists for Boy Scouts.
Moderator Comments
8/10/09

From: Bob Scott, Innovation Team Coordinator

After due consideration by volunteers and staff, and consultating the Guide to Safe Scouting, the decision has been made to not move forward with this proposal.
 
I think the insignia guide should be updated to allow Boy Scouts to wear their merit badge sash over their belts.

Wearing it over the shoulder feels too awkward to the boys, and it is too cumbersome to keep in place.

I feel that the boys intend for, and show no, disrespect to the sash by wearing it folded and hung from their belt.

The existing policy is a legacy idea and needs to move forward. No harm will come to program, and the number of boys who actually wear the sash will increase.
Moderator Comments
1/29/09
From: Erin Feola, Production Manager for Apparel

We reviewed the suggestions in regards to securing the merit badge sash to the uniform. We initially were planning to add a button hole to the sash to secure it on the epaulet of the uniform shirt. However, considering the varied body types of our members, I further investigated where the button hole should be designated and how it would fit the body.
I evaluated all shirt sizes and the button placement on the epaulet varies amongst sizes from 1.75" - 3" from shoulder seam, thus, there isn't a universal placement for the button hole to accommodate. This was a great idea but won't implement.

Here is an exciting alternative solution that can solve the issue.
We plan to introduce a uniform approved, optional pin to secure the merit badge sash (We will work to get approval by National).
This product is in conceptual stage only but preliminary thoughts are rectangular in shape with long bar closure and support our centennial anniversary.
It could be worn on the shoulder and pinned into the epaulet. BJ Ryon is the Product Manager that will be developing this product.