“Have a general knowledge of the district within a three-mile radius of the local scout headquarters,” reads one of the badge requirements, “so as to be able to guide people at any time, by day or by night.”
“If in the country,” another requirement begins, “know in a two mile radius, the approximate number of horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs owned on the five neighboring farms…”
The requirement continues, “in a town, know, in a half-mile radius, the location of livery stables, garages and blacksmith shops.”
Scouts today have powerful new tools for exploring their surroundings. Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers bounce signals off satellites to pinpoint any location on Earth to within a few yards. Some GPS units can be programmed to plot the quickest route to Town Hall, the closest farm, and perhaps even those livery stables and blacksmith shops.
Keep your GPS functioning in the field with a Foldable Charger that can channel the power of sunlight into the energy boost your electronic gear needs.
Boy Scouts have until December 31, 2010, to complete the Pathfinding merit badge requirements. Earn it and you’ll see how the times have changed…and how much they’ve stayed the same.
BSA® Historic Merit Badges
These four limited-edition, vintage-design Merit Badges give Boy Scouts a hands-on opportunity to experience an exciting part of BSA® history. To celebrate Scouting’s 100 years in the U.S., badges are an exclusive offering, available during 2010 only.
Merit Badges feature original designs and requirements from the early years of scouting. Modified for safety, the requirements may be found online at www.scouting.org/100years (no Merit Badge Pamphlets will be printed).
Completion of requirements must take place between January 1 and December 31, 2010. All Merit Badges are restricted.
