New Merit Badges for Modern Skills

Scouting America, the nation’s largest youth organization, announced the addition of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity merit badges to its extensive program. The AI badge is designed to introduce Scouts to the fundamentals of AI and automation through hands‑on activities and real‑world examples. The cybersecurity badge equips Scouts with essential knowledge and skills to navigate and protect the digital world.

Emphasis on Real‑World Practice

Both badges focus on practical experience rather than solely reading about technology. According to the organization, the AI badge encourages Scouts to think about responsible technology use, while the cybersecurity badge teaches actual security skills and safe online habits. This approach aligns with the traditional scouting emphasis on experiential learning, adapting it to contemporary technological contexts.

Scoutly: An AI Chatbot Companion

To support Scouts in earning these new badges, Scouting America introduced an AI chatbot named Scoutly. Scoutly can share the requirements for the various merit badges and assist with other tasks, providing an interactive tool that reinforces the learning objectives of the AI and cybersecurity programs.

Organization Overview and Reach

Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, has evolved to become a more inclusive organization, now welcoming both boys and girls. The group serves over a million youth, including nearly 200,000 female participants, and offers more than 130 different merit badges across a wide range of subjects. By incorporating AI and cybersecurity into its curriculum, Scouting America aims to ensure that its members gain relevant skills for the digital age while maintaining the core values of scouting.

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