— Family Life —

Counselors: Ben Bigelow, bigelowben@hotmail.com

Because this merit badge takes 3 months to complete, it is one of the badges most scouts procrastinate getting done. Don't avoid coming to this class just because you don't have these items done-you can do them after Jan 21st--it will just take you longer to get the merit badge completed. You may report back to me or to your local merit badge counselor/ scout master when you have everything completed. If you complete this list before Feb 2nd, you can get this badge very soon after the fair. Be sure to check the list of what to bring with you that documents the completion of these prerequisites.

LIST OF ITEMS TO BRING TO THE MERIT BADGE FAIR

* Keep each of these items in a folder or manila envelope so they do not get lost. See the Prerequisites Page for details on each item.

1. List of reasons you and your guardian feel you are important to the family

2. Record of chores, with room for showing 90 days progress (does not have to have entire 90 days completed to attend class)

3. One paragraph report on the project you did to benefit the family

4. One paragraph report on the project the family did together

5. Agenda(s) from completed family meeting(s)

PREREQUISITES

1. Discuss with your parent / guardian why you are important to your family. Make a list of reasons and bring this to the merit badge fair.

2. With your parent / guardian, prepare a list of at least 5 chores that are or will be your responsibility. Print the outline of the merit badge requirements at this website. Keep your record of the chores as shown on page 7. Bring the entire all pages to the merit badge fair. The items not listed on the prerequisites page will be completed at the merit badge fair in our class. You are required to keep this record for 90 days. If you start now, it will take less time to complete this requirement after the merit badge fair is over. If you have a record you have already been keeping, you may use that instead of the attached form. It must show what the chore was, when you were to do it, and if you actually did it. Bring this record with you.

3. With your parents / guardian, decide on a project you yourself will do around your home to benefit your family. Complete the project. Write a one paragraph report (at least 5 sentences) describing how this project benefited your family. Bring this report to the merit badge fair. The project should be on a level your guardian decides is worthy of your age and capability. Some ideas might be: detail cleaning the family car, cataloging family videos, weeding the garden, organizing a closet or desk, inventorying family food storage or other supplies.

4. With your guardian, plan a 2nd project, this time involving the whole family. Write a one paragraph report (at least 5 sentences) that includes:

a. The goal of the project (ie: Clean the yard of leaves to make it safe)

b. Tell how each individual participated. (ie: Dad and I raked leaves, Little Brother helped fill the bags, mom bought the bags and helped little sister take the bags to the curb.)

c. Results of the project (ie: The yard is safer from fires. Dangerous things found under the piles of leaves were removed. The yard looks clean and neat.)

5. Do the following: