Sometimes, Scouts are awarded badges that aren't merit badges, and don't go on the uniform. What happens if you don't fulfill the criteria for one of those?
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Ken, Colin, and Ted discuss those other badges, the ones that get handed out to Scouts (and Cubs, and Beavers) that don't get put on the uniform. These badges aren't merit badges, but rather serve to commemorate different events that the Scouts have participated in (e.g. archery lessons, camps, or even fundraising activities like bottle drives or popcorn sales). The impetus for the discussion comes from an exchange that Ken witness on Twitter, between Scouts Canada and a mother who was upset how her son had, to her mind, been singled out in his troop because he wasn't able to sell any popcorn despite trying.
Of course, the discussion ranges from there, and turns into a broader analysis of the philosophy of badge earning.Shout-Outs
Another shout-out forAlex, who sent in a letter from abroad:
I just listened to your episode on badge trading. As your conversation evolved into the international aspect of scouting, I began to reminisce about a trip I took as a scout in 2001. One of our leaders was born and raised in Denmark, so as a high adventure trip we visited his parents in Copenhagen. Although we didn't hike our way through the country (we rented a couple cars that the leaders drove), we camped out almost every night. We stayed in a couple hostels too. We met up with a Danish scout troop and spent a couple days together. It was very interesting learning about their customs and traditions, as well as teaching them about ours. I realize that a trip to Denmark is a unique experience, but I truly believe unique experiences is what scouting is all about.
Similarly, I am currently on vacation in Costa Rica. Yesterday (Sunday) morning, I made my way into the city of Quepos and happened upon a group of Costa Rican scouts getting on a bus. Unfortunately I did not have a chance to talk to them, but it was nice to see the international aspect of scouting. It really drives your point about scouting around the world home.Music
Galizur, by John Zorn The Dreamers