Animation Merit Badge Draws on Scouts’ Interests
Look in the hands of nearly any kid today and you’ll see a mobile device lit up with the latest animated film or the must-have gaming app of that week. But animation isn’t just for entertainment, it’s everywhere you look. It’s used to explore the inner workings of the human heart, in classrooms to explain a lesson and to visualize the making of a skyscraper.
The BSA is always trying to give our Scouts skills and experiences they will need to succeed in life, and with our focus on STEM education and a keen ear to our Scouts’ interests, we’re proud to offer a new Animation Badge as part of our ever-expanding merit badge program.
We worked with animation industry experts along with the Savannah College of Art and Design to make sure our new badge program gives an accurate look into the potential career opportunities that exist in this field. It’s our goal to show Scouts that animation is more than just cartoons and movies; its computer simulations, weather forecasting and even graphics for video games. We hope to give a good flavor of what this career entails.
To earn this badge, Scouts will need to demonstrate their knowledge of animation and its rich history. To help make the learning process more engaging and fun, an animated short film called “Baxter” was developed to demonstrate animation. After learning the basics, Scouts will complete hands-on design projects, have opportunities to participate in virtual or in-person tours of animation studios and businesses, and meet with career professionals to explore future opportunities.
We’re also excited to announce that the Animation Badge is the first to be available to Scouts in digital as well as print form. This means Scouts can achieve this merit badge by using the tablets, smartphones and other digital devices they are most used to. It also allows us to make the content come alive with compelling 3-D graphics and interactive components. And BSA is one of the first to make an interactive book like this available to young people in this age group. You can bet we won’t be stopping here. Watch for this capability to roll out to other merit badges in the near future.
You can learn more about the new badge here and then share information and badge requirements with your Scouts so that they are aware of this unique opportunity.