Boy Scouts of America seems to have come to terms with just how important video games are to some of today's young men.
The Scouts have added a "Video Games" belt loop and pin to the organization's list of awards.
Only Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts are eligible for the "Video Games" award, which they can earn if they "teach an adult or a friend how to play a video game" and play a video game for an hour, among other tasks.
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To receive a "Video Games belt loop," they must do the following:
1. Explain why it is important to have a rating system for video games. Check your video games to be sure they are right for your age. 2. With an adult, create a schedule for you to do things that includes your chores, homework, and video gaming. Do your best to follow this schedule. 3. Learn to play a new video game that is approved by your parent, guardian, or teacher.
Earning the "Academics Pin" takes a bit more. Scouts need to have acquired the "belt loop," as well as completed the following:
1. With your parents, create a plan to buy a video game that is right for your age group. 2. Compare two game systems (for example, Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo Wii, and so on). Explain some of the differences between the two. List good reasons to purchase or use a game system. 3. Play a video game with family members in a family tournament. 4. Teach an adult or a friend how to play a video game. 5. List at least five tips that would help someone who was learning how to play your favorite video game. 6. Play an appropriate video game with a friend for one hour. 7. Play a video game that will help you practice your math, spelling, or another skill that helps you in your schoolwork. 8. Choose a game you might like to purchase. Compare the price for this game at three different stores. Decide which store has the best deal. In your decision, be sure to consider things like the store return policy and manufacturer's warranty. 9. With an adult's supervision, install a gaming system.
Check out the full list of requirements for obtaining the "Video Games" award below (from the Boy Scouts website).