Building Interests In New Programs

The Boy Scouts of America launched two new merit badges in 2014 focused on the careers, hobbies, and activities Scouts enjoy: Mining in Society and Digital Technology, the latest in a series of merit badges covering science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics.

Digital Technology covers the Internet, smartphones, content creation on digital devices, and much more. So much more, in fact, that it replaced the Computers merit badge, which was discontinued at yearend.

Cooking Merit Badge also was added to the list of badges required for Eagle Scout, and completely revamped to sharpen its focus on the importance of nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

The BSA also released the fifth edition of its iconic Fieldbook–Scouting’s Manual of Basic and Advanced Skills for Outdoor Adventure. Marking the first new edition of the book in more than 10 years, and the first new edition available in a digital format, the Fieldbook is the go-to manual for everyone who seeks to explore, experience adventure, and appreciate nature.