Everyone is good at something, but no one is good at everything.
When a young person is interested in earning a badge on their own, the uniformed leaders of the different sections are asked to review the requirements to ensure that they have been satisifactorily completed. However, we uniformed leaders aren’t always prepared to judge whether the Beaver/Cub/Scout/Explorer has adequately finished the badge’s requirements.
We’re looking for adults to help review badge requirements in areas where they already have experience due to their work or a personal hobby. Sharing your knowledge with an individual Beaver/Cub/Scout/Explorer or a small group could really develop a passion for young people.
Simple examples could be:
1. You enjoy photography and own an SLR camera rather than a simple point-and-shoot camera. Your experience and passion can be used to help the young people fulfill their requirements to understand how a camera works, the different types of photos to be taken and how to edit them using software (or even develop film).
2. You’re a “gearhead” and you love taking care of your car (or restoring old cars). You can explain how do simple things like how to change a spark plug, fluids, wiper blades or a headlamp to fulfill the Mechanic activity badge.
3. You work in marketing or journalism and you know how to use media to tell a story or deliver messages. The requirements for the Public Relations activity badge include learning how to create a static display, prepare a report (video or audio), manage content on a website or or conduct an interview with a public figure.
Requirements of Activity Badges may be found here as an example, with similar versions for younger Cubs and Beavers: https://members.scouts.org.uk/supportresources/search/?cat=7,64,172
You don’t have to be an actual chef to volunteer to help with the Chef Activity Badge. A “foodie” who loves being in the kitchen is enough to help the young people develop their own interests. The same is true for all of the Activity Badges listed below.
Your volunteerism to introduce these topics to young people could spark a lifelong interest or perhaps even a career. The 1st Waterloo community is lucky to have many talented adults that could positively influence a young person for life!