Virtual Citizenship in the World Merit Badge

What:  The Citizenship in the World Merit Badge class is only for Scouts who take the badge requirements seriously. Participants working on the Citizenship in the World Merit Badge will explore what citizenship in the United States and the world mean; how to be a good world citizen; the rights, duties, and obligations of a U.S. citizen, and how to become a citizen; and the differences and similarities between the rights, duties, and obligations of U.S. citizenship and those of other countries in the world.  

 Meet your Counselor - Barbara Jean is a retired educator for Fall River Public Schools. She is currently the pastor of the Somerset Baptist Church. Barbara is a longtime Scouter and proud mother of two Eagle Scout sons from Troop 303 Swansea.

WHO: Open to all Scouts BSA members.

HOW:  This Merit Badge will be taught in a virtual classroom. The class has a capacity of 18 Scouts. Small classroom size provides all students with the opportunity to share and interact with the counselors and other Scouts. Scouts should be prepared to be challenged and to join the conversation! Participants who do not engage with the class may not receive credit for the badge. Scouts must be prompt for all badge sessions. Late participants may not receive credit for all requirements. Scouts must use a device with video to access this class.

Before beginning work on any merit badge, scouts are to have a discussion with their unit leader regarding the specific badge and counselor.

WHEN: This class will be held virtually over two sessions:

September 15, 2020 3:00PM-:430PM

September 22, 2020 3:00PM-4:30PM

Scouts must attend both sessions to complete the offered requirements.

After registering, login instructions will be sent the day of scheduled class to the email of whom created the registration. Council staff will connect on behalf of the counselor and provide credit for completed requirements. A valid BSA ID number is required. This assures that completed requirements are easily recorded.

PREREQUISITES:  Participants must have parental approval for necessary web searches.  Since physical visits to historical and cultural events and sites are not currently possible, scouts must be prepared to gather information online, or in various printed formats (newspapers, magazines, books, etc.).  

Suggested supplies/prep-work for students: The Citizenship in the World Merit Badge class is Eagle required, and one of our most academic badges.  Scouts need to take the necessary work seriously and be prepared to discuss the information that they have gathered.  Having a copy of the Citizenship in the World Merit Badge is highly recommended and having a merit badge workbook for this badge (available online) is an essential organizational tool.  Remember that discussion is an integral part of these badge classes!  

Homework:

Between classes, participants will be asked to research world events, as well as the geography, culture, history, and government of other countries.  They must be prepared to compare these events and attributes with other countries, and with the United States.