Well things have certainly changed in Boy Scouting since i donned shorts and a woggle. I remember the satisfaction of getting my washing up and way-finding badges. The knots badge always escaped me though, as I could never get that damned rabbit to run around the tree and get down the hole. How envious was I when I read reports that our North American scouting cousins, The Boy Scouts of America, are changing that by adding new gaming awards for Tiger, Cub, and Webelos Scouts. These awards will be given for specific video game-related tasks.

My mind immediately went into overdrive and I experienced a twinge of jealousy, as at first I thought I would be missing out on badges for dragon slaying, zombie survival and planning virtual airstrikes. But not so it seems. The awards will be less virtual and more related to real life skills associated with gaming. I can breath a sigh of relief that no one will be getting that elusive ‘best dressed mage’ badge before me.

Scouts can earn a belt loop award for succeeding in the following three tasks- explaining the importance of a video game rating system while checking the ratings of your games; creating a schedule that balances chores, schoolwork, and gaming; and learning to play an adult-approved game. It doesn’t stop there. An academic pin ‘in gaming’ can be earned by completing five of the following nine tasks: creating a plan to purchase an age appropriate game; comparing gaming systems and determining reasons for purchase; playing a tournament with family members; teaching an adult or friend to play a game; list five tips to help someone learn how to play your favorite game; play an appropriate game with a friend for an hour; play an educational game; compare prices and return policies for a game at three different stores; and install a game system while supervised by an adult.

Hurrah! I have done at least seven of these and if I was to re-enroll in the scouting association I would gain a pin. The drawbacks would be that I’d have to wear shorts again exposing my legs (lovely as there are), and risk winning all other manner of awards that I never had intended! Should the new Scouting association motto be ‘Red button, yellow button, green button, blue – we are gaming scouts who can outfrag you?’