Troop 23 among first to earn badge
“To help other people at all times.” These words have been part of the Scout Oath for over 100 years. The Boy Scouts of America recently launched a new merit badge, Citizenship in Society, designed to reaffirm this time-honored principle through the lenses of diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership.
When the Scouts of Troop 23 (West Point and Town of Highlands) heard about this new badge, which is required for the rank of Eagle Scout, they knew they wanted to be among the first in the country to earn it.
Through the month of December 2021, over 40 Scouts worked on the requirements for Citizenship in Society.
The merit badge required Scouts to think deeply about how they can embody the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (collectively known as DEI) through ethical leadership in action.
In small groups, Scouts grappled with scenarios that presented them with real-world cases of discrimination and inequitable treatment. They interviewed members of the local community who work in DEI fields, learning more about what inspired their DEI work and the challenges they face.
On their own, Scouts were required to do extensive research and reflection to complete the badge. Each Scout had to describe an individual who demonstrated positive leadership while making ethical decisions and talk about a time where society made a group of people more welcome.
Scouts also had to describe how they better understood someone with a different identity and how they can practice ethical leadership in their everyday lives outside of Scouting.
The merit badge counselor who structured and oversaw the session, Dr. Ray Kimball of West Point, voiced his admiration for the Scouts’ hard work:
“The Patrol Leaders Council made it clear that they wanted to be among the first Scouts in the country to earn this award. They were grappling with subjects that people twice their age and older are struggling with in current discourse. And they did so in a way that was consistent with the Scout Oath and Law.”
Scouts BSA Troop 23 meets on Wednesday nights at 7 pm on West Point. For more information about Troop 23, see their website: westpoint23.mytroop.us.
