VIRTUAL MERIT BADGE EXTRAVAGANZA
June 15 - August 15, 2022
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Mount St. Helens evolved from a pristine mountain to an active volcano on May 18, 1980. Today, it continues to impact the world through scientific research and recreation. Join us as we explore the geologic, ecologic, and preservation significance of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument through virtual merit badge courses. Youth scout participants will engage in both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (passive) virtual instruction filled with at-home projects, short films, interactive models, and more!
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The following merit badges will be offered independently, however, only one registration is required.
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Geology: June 15-July 15
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Citizenship in the Nation: July 1-31
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Environmental Science: July 15-August 15
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
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Registered youth members of the Scouts, BSA program
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Reside within the United States
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Meet all technology requirements
REGISTRATION DATES
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Opens: 12:00 AM PDT, Wednesday, May 18
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Closes: 9:00 PM PDT, Friday, June 10
REGISTRATION COST
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$15.00/scout + third-party processing fee
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
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Access to consistent internet
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Access to a desktop or laptop computer (preferred) or smartphone with a microphone and camera
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Access to word-processing software (Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, etc.) and ability to export documents as PDF files.
PARTICIPATION GIFTS
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Patch
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Sticker
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Discount on 2023 In-Person Programming
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Programming
SUPPORT MOUNT ST. HELENS
This year, our team is continuing a charitable donation option at the time of registration to help raise funds for conservation and eco-tourism initiatives at Mount St. Helens. We understand these are difficult times for everyone, but consider making a tax-deductible donation to a worthy charitable organization when you register your scout for this year's event.
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This Year's Benefiting Organization:
ABOUT OUR CURRICULUM
Volcano Scouting utilizes a plethora of open-source curriculum from trusted government agencies, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and the Boy Scouts of America for its programming. Content is arranged by merit badge to support individual learning and group facilitation, but merit badge requirement certification is conducted in accordance with the BSA's Guide to Advancement through virtual quizzes and submitted assignments.
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We will again utilize Instructure's Canvas learning management system (LMS) to deliver our instruction to scouts regardless of where they live. Each merit badge module includes a pre-assessment, interactive virtual field trips, at-home science projects, supplemental reading and videos, lab experiments over Zoom, and a post-assessment for merit badge certification. This year, our merit badge counselors will be utilizing ScoutBook to certify merit badge completions and partial completions.
ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTORS
Volcano Scouting was established by a group of scouts, adult leaders, and land managers in 2016 who continue to serve our program today! Check out who will be engaging with scouts this year:
QUENTIN COMUS
Instructor / Merit Badge Counselor / Curriculum Developer
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Quentin is a Senior at OSU-Cascades in Bend, Oregon majoring in Natural Resources Education. An Eagle Scout and Hornaday Silver Medal recipient, he has several years of experience advocating for and teaching environmental conservation in the Scouting program. He is also the President of Volcano Scouting. You can contact him at quentincomus@gmail.com
RONALD COMUS
Instructor / Merit Badge Counselor
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Ron is the Scoutmaster of Troop 7520 in Newberg, Oregon. He grew up in Indiana where he was awarded his Eagle Scout rank in 1983. After moving to Oregon in 2005, he was reintroduced to scouting as a leader, when his son, Quentin, joined Cub Scout Pack 196 in Newberg. He became Scoutmaster for Troop 7520 in 2013. Being active in scouting has given him several years of learning and teaching experience in the outdoors. You can contact him at roncomus66@gmail.com