Communication Class Preparation
Read and review ALL requirements prior to the class.
Even though a requirement may be identified as one to be done in class, Scouts are still expected to familiarize, review, and prepare for the requirement – BE PREPARED!
Active interaction/participation is expected and mandatory.
Share in your own words – avoid reading your answers.
Pay attention to the action verbs in the requirements.
Bring proof of completion, even partially completed work.
Requirement Insights
| Requirements | Expectations |
|---|---|
Note: This merit badge requires a lot of explanation and discussion in order to complete most requirements. This class is structured to offer explanation and discussion time for Scouts in a small group setting to offer both learning and earning opportunity. Scouts MUST come to the class with preparation work in order to successfully complete these requirements. It will be nearly impossible for Scouts who do not have preparation work done to successfully partake in the group discussions or provide acceptable explanation if they do not have prior knowledge of the requirements and answers prior to the class. | |
| 1 | Choose one of the 4 requirement components and be ready to share prepared work during the class. Requirement 1c and 1d are ideal if time is limited to prepare. |
| 2 | Scouts should choose one of the two options for requirement 2 and be prepared to share during the class. Don't forget to bring presentation materials. |
| 3 | Be prepared to share your 5-minute speech or bring proof of having done your speech for another group. Remember that giving a 5-minute speech to another group is accepted at the discretion and satisfaction of the class merit badge counselor. |
| 4 | Scouts will be able to successfully complete this requirement during the class when they have prepared ahead of time by completing the interview and preparing an introduction. Time will be alloted to share your interview work, those who were not able to interview someone, MAY have the opportunity to do so during the class. |
| 5 | Scouts will need to choose a public meeting to attend, practice listening skills, and take good notes to prepare for their presentation which will take place during the class. Scouts will be given an opportunity to present their work durinig the class |
| 6 | While the selected subject for this requirement can be anything, please remember it must be Scout appropriate. Scout's may want to consider choosing a Scouting skill that they have found interesting or useful as their subject matter for this requirement. Scouts should prepare for presenting this (with teaching aids - presentation size will be to no more than 10 people) on the day of the class. Be Prepared. |
| 7 | This requirement will NOT be covered during the class. HOWEVER, Scouts who have selected one of these options to complete for this requirement, will have an opportunity to share their work during the class for consideration by the counselor for sign off. Please remember that any and all requirements, for any merit badge, are signed off ONLY at the discretion and satisfaction of the merit badge counselor that the requirement has met THEIR interpretation of the requirement. |
| 8 | This requirement will NOT be covered in the class, however Scouts having completed this requirement prior to the class may bring their proof for review by the counselor. In order to receive credit, Scouts must bring a signed sheet (there is one available in the Scoutmaster Bucky Communications Merit Badge Workbook) by the Troop's Senior Patrol Leader verifying approval of the Scout to plan one of the specified Troop activities by the PLC. A signed note from the Scoutmaster is not usually acceptable to most counselors as the requirement needs to be approved by the PLC which headed by the Senior Patrol Leader, not the Scoutmaster. If the event has already happened there should also be some sort of confirmation showing that the Scouts served as Master of Ceremony for the event |
| 9 | Scouts will be able to successfully complete these requirements during the class when they have prepared ahead of time. Time will be allotted for those Scouts who have prepared to share their work for sign off consideration. |
Things to Remember to Bring
- Your BSA ID# and / or your Merit Badge Blue Card properly filled out and signed off by your Scout Leader.
- Notes and questions from reading the Communication Merit Badge Pamphlet.
- Wear your Scout Uniform.
- Supporting documentation or project work pertinent to this merit badge, which may also include a Merit Badge Workbook for reference with notes.
- A positive Scouting focus and attitude.
