The Boy Scouts of America have a lot of merit badges. Over the years, there have been several that have come and gone. I would love to see some of these badges make a comeback. Here are 8 badges that I think deserve a second chance at life.
1. Cement Work (1927-1952)
Imagine a young scout out there learning how to work with and lay cement. This boy would learn a useful skill and potentially find his future career. Plus if his parents are getting some cement work done, he could help. Everybody wins!
2. Bee Keeping (1915-1995)
With the honeybee population in trouble, the world needs bee keepers now more than ever! A scout who takes this badge may be inspired to go out and save the honeybees. Additionally, many young boys love to take care of bugs. This badge would be fun, save the bees, and offer a look at a really unique career choice.
3. Master-At-Arms (1910-1911)
One of the original badges, this would give scouts who were also involved in fencing, wrestling, boxing, etc. something they could work on in scouts to show off their other interests. Plus this has to be one of the coolest names for a merit badge.
4. Pathfinding (1911-1952, Reintroduced for 2010 only)
This badge basically expands on what orienteering does not cover. It has scouts truly understand the lay of the land in the area that he is from. It also allows scouts to learn how to give directions and have a basic understanding of the area where he lives. These are all very important skills to have.
5. Pigeon Raising (1933-1980, Merged into Bird Study in 1980)
Sure this is now part of the Bird Study merit badge. However, knowing how to raise pigeons will probably prove to be useful at some point in a scout’s life. Plus it just sounds like a fun concept to learn about and participate in.
6. Rabbit Raising (1943-1993)
This sounds like one of the most fun and adorable merit badges that could be offered. This could offered at summer camps where the nature areas have a rabbit farm set up. Scouts could een be inspired to raise rabbits themselves!
7. Wood Turning (1930-1952)
This badge would be an advanced wood carving or wood working. It would give scouts the opportunity to make new projects that they never thought were possible and inspire a great new hobby. The only downside is if scouts cut themselves up during wood carving, just imagine what would come from this!
8. Ambulance (1910-1911, Replaced by First Aid in 1911)
Yes this badge was originally just the modern First Aid Merit badge, but think of the possibilities of an ambulance badge. It could be an advanced First Aid, teaching scouts advanced medical techniques and what it takes to be an EMT. This could inspire scouts to go into the medical field.
I know we have a lot of merit badges already, but I think it’s time to give those few scouts who earn them all a bigger challenge. It is time to bring back some of these classic merit badges!
