Scouts are doing more than tying knots, building fires and learning first aid. Scouting America has added artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to its lineup of merit badges, keeping the 115-year-old organization in step with modern technology.
Scouting America is the youth organization that was known as Boy Scouts of America before 2019, when it changed its name to Scouts BSA and allowed girls to join all-girl troops. In February, the organization changed its name to Scouting America to reflect a more-inclusive philosophy.
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The AI merit badge “will introduce scouts to the fundamentals of AI and automation through hands-on activities and real-world examples,” according to Scouting America’s website, while the cybersecurity merit badge “equips Scouts with essential knowledge and skills to navigate and protect the digital world.”
While many of the merit badges seen on individual Scouts’ iconic sashes focus on hands-on experiences, often in the outdoors — such as fire safety and insect study — Scouting America says the new additions are relevant to modern life.
“Both badges focus on real-world practice, not just reading about technology,” Scouting America said in a statement. “The AI badge gets Scouts thinking about how to use technology responsibly. The cybersecurity badge teaches actual security skills along with safe online habits.”
Scouting America added another modern twist. The organization recently released an AI chatbot named Scoutly that can share the requirements for the various merit badges, among other tasks. Scouts can earn more than 130 badges in different subjects.
Scouting America is the largest scouting organization and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 1 million youth, including nearly 200,000 female participants.
