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In addition to learning about Scouting America’s new Competitive Gaming and Wildland Fire Management merit badges, National Jamboree attendees also provided their thoughts about the value of digital resource guides. And they had a lot to say!
Scouting America launched digital resource guides last year to enhance flexibility and quality and make educational materials easier to reach for all Scouts. Additionally, merit badges can be more up-to-date and create a more engaging Scouting experience.
Of the 760 Scouts, leaders, staff and visitors that completed the survey, 83% said they would recommend the digital resource guides to another Scout. Users loved the ability to access the guides from anywhere and the convenience of having the resources they needed all in one place.
The survey showed that the guides not only help users build new skills but also support character development. About two-thirds of users reported that the guides helped them assist another Scout or their community, and more than 60% said the resources influenced how they approach safety and leadership.
Most Scouts were accessing digital resources guides on their smartphones, showing the importance of providing resources in a relative way for today’s youth.
The merit badge digital resource guides are one of the top initiatives established by the Lilly Endowment grant that was awarded to Scouting America in 2024. This grant was designed to help Scouting America extend the reach of its character and leadership development programs. The digital resource guides are a way to present advancement information in a dynamic, digital-first format built for the way today’s youth consume information and learn new skills.
Moving forward, all new merit badges will be supported by digital resource guides, with no printed companion pamphlets.
For more information, visit the digital resource guides webpage to check out the multiple guides now available for merit badges.
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