Boy Scouts, Deployed NSW Sailors Connect through Internet Technology

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique M. Lasco, Naval Special Warfare Public Affairs

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Members of Boy Scout Troop 806 completed their final task for a merit badge March 7, by webcam-enabled chatting with SEALs and Sailors currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of responsibility.

Capt. Duncan Smith, Lt. Jared Ogden and Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW) Rob Forrester worked with Scouts of Troop 806, facilitating their quest for the "Citizenship in the World" merit badge. The Sailors taught the Scouts about the culture, customs and challenges of the nations in the Middle East, through a number of web conference sessions during a five month period.

Smith and Forrester, who have sons in the troop, suggested using the technology as a teaching tool for the Scouts.

"Capt. Smith suggested the idea of using Skype as a means to continue 'face-to-face' Citizenship in the World merit badge counseling with troop 806 Scouts," said Matt Pittner, Troop 806 scoutmaster. "We attempt to keep our deployed parents informed and involved with the troop as much as possible, so the idea seemed to be a perfect way to keep the parents engaged while offering the Scouts firsthand experience with international cultures and affairs for their Citizenship in the World merit badge work."

Some Scouts thought that using Internet technology to talk to Smith and other mentors more than 8,000 miles away, was helpful and fun.

"It's really cool because he's on the other side of the world, and we are talking to him on the computer," said Sam Hopson, a 2nd Class Scout in the troop. "It's pretty cool because it's almost instant when talking to him."

The education and experience the Sailor-mentors was beneficial to the Scouts working toward earning the badge.

"I think it definitely enhances the whole experience of learning about the world, because we are learning about it from a Navy SEAL somewhere in a country that has opposite rights, rules and laws," said Evan Arnold, a 1st Class Scout in the troop. "I think it really helps give the Scouts a different picture of what citizenship of the world is really like."

The merit badge is one of the requirements to advance to Eagle Scout, the pinnacle rank of Scouting, which is achieved by only 4 percent of all members. Scouts must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, including the Citizenship in the World qualification and complete a service project.

Once these requirements are completed, the Scout must complete an Eagle Board of Review with adult leaders from the Scout's area council who endorses the nomination to the National Council. The National Council is the final authority to confer the rank of Eagle Scout.