At first glance, it seems like every young Boy Scout’s dream come true: a merit badge for video games. The Boy Scouts of America have finally recognized the vital importance of the pastime that occupies so much of modern children's attention with the creation of a "video games" belt loop and pin, writes Engadget. But before anyone goes scurrying off to embark on a marathon gaming session, here's the rub. The awards aren't earned by beating a high score or rescuing the princess. Instead Boy Scouts have to fulfill several dull requirements in order to get the belt loop, including:
Explain why it is important to have a rating system for video games. Check your video games to be sure they are right for your age.
With an adult, create a schedule for you to do things that includes your chores, homework, and video gaming. Do your best to follow this schedule.
Learn to play a new video game that is approved by your parent, guardian, or teacher.
To get the pin, the scout also needs to create a plan with his parents to buy a video game that is right for his age group, play the game with a family member, and play a video game that will help practice his math, spelling, or another skill that will help with his schoolwork. Wow, with all that family time, we wonder if this is a ploy by the Scouts to drive the kids to earn other badges for outdoorsy activities (read: fleeing family, climbing tree badge). Related Content: Discoblog: New Video Game Teaches Soldiers How to Make Nice With the Locals 80beats: Play Tetris, Get a More Efficient & Thicker Brain 80beats: Generation iPod: Young’Uns Spend 53 Hours a Week Consuming Media DISCOVER: Oldsters' New Fountain of Youth: Video Games DISCOVER: This is Your Brain on Video Games Image: Boy Scouts of America
