An eight-hour flight to Paris? Even in pre-pandemic times, that seems like a lot of work for a single merit badge requirement.

But with the Louvre Museum just a click away, the Art merit badge is within reach during COVID-19.

Museums with virtual tours, coupled with new temporary guidelines from the BSA that make virtual museum visits an acceptable option, mean your Scouts don’t have to put merit badge work on hold.

That’s right in line with the spirit of Scouting, where Scouts learn to find a way around any problem. (I’ve been so inspired to see all the examples of Scouting continuing at home.)

The best options for Scouts are museums that let virtual visitors explore at their own pace — instead of watching a video, for example. Self-guided virtual tours more closely replicate the in-person museum experience and allow visitors to dive more deeply when they find something that interests them.

So which are worth checking out? Below, we’ve scouted out eight excellent museums offering virtual visits — no ticket (or plane fare) required.

Click here for the entire article.

Here are 31 days of fun and exciting activities you can enjoy alone, with your family, and with friends virtually or through social distancing. Explore as many as you like, in any order. You may even learn a new thing or two! Have fun and stay safe!

Click here for the entire list.

Want to work on Merit Badges over the summer, you may want to try a virtual summer camp. With so many typical summer activities on hold or canceled, families are looking for ways to keep their Scouts engaged in fun, rewarding and even educational experiences all summer long.

For more information about virtual Merit Badge opportunities click on this link to see what Mr. Etheridge was able to find.  

To all Scouts,

The safety and security of our Scouting Families has always been a top priority of our troop.  With guidance from local health officials, our charter organization and Scouting BSA, we are canceling all May meetings and activities.  Our first opportunity for a normal scout meeting at White's Chapel will be after summer. Patrols may have meetings at someones house as long as CDC guidelines are met for social distancing. 

Scouts working on Merit Badges can pickup and drop off Blue Cards at Mr. Stages house using the exchange box by his front door.

Yours in Scouting,

Michael Sidener

March 18, 2020

Dear Longhorn Council Scouting Family,

The Longhorn Council cares deeply about the health and safety of all our Scouts and every member of their families. Based on guidance from our public health leaders, the Council is updating our calendars and recommendations to units.

Through the end of April all district and council events and camporees, trainings, meetings and weekend camping are cancelled or postponed, with the exception of meetings that can be conducted electronically by conference call or online meeting or other means following accepted public health guidelines.

Also, through April 30, units should postpone or cancel all in-person meetings that will not follow the CDC guidelines for social distancing or cannot be held remotely using technology. While this public health measure presents challenges, Scouting can continue. Advancement can still happen. Small den or patrol meetings might be possible (in person or via remote communication). We all have to be creative.

Please know that Scouting does not need to stop during this time. Encourage your Scouts to work on their advancements at home or virtually with their merit badge counselor. Leaders may go online and take a training course. Find a way to conduct a virtual Roundtable.

Did you know that your Scouting accomplishments are detailed in a personal progress report? Your report provides a list of completed merit badges, your current rank, plus a list of the requirements you've completed toward your next rank. Check out your progress now: 

• Click on Troop Roster in the Menu down the lefthand side of the page.
• Then click on Scouts.
• Find your name and click on it.
• Click on the rank next to your name. (Your rank will be in parenthesis.)