Boy Scouts Announce Animation Merit Badge

The Boy Scouts of America have announced that as part of its commitment to incorporate STEM experiences to help kids prepare for possible future careers, it has officially added “animation” as its 136th merit badge. This is also the first merit badge to be delivered to Scouts in print and digital forms, allowing them to achieve the merit badge using their wireless devices and providing a new level of convenience and interactivity.

The BSA merit badge committee developed the animation program with the help of several industry experts, including the Savannah College of Art and Design. Per the official BSA release:

To earn this merit badge, Scouts will be asked to demonstrate their knowledge of animation and its rich history. They will learn the principles of animation, complete hands-on design projects, have opportunities to participate in virtual or in-person tours of animation studios and businesses to see how animation is used and meet with career professionals to explore future opportunities. Scouts will learn how animation is not only used in their video games and movies, but also for practical business purposes – factory simulations, satellite tracking, medical procedures and even predicting the weather.

Introductory sessions to the new curriculum begin being hosted this month. The animation merit badge is available to youth members, ages 11-18, who participate in the Boy Scouts program.