Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge!

• This is a drop-off class. Drive in through the outer gate and drop-off at the main brick building.
• Parents/leaders are welcome to wait onsite in our breakroom with free Wi-Fi ,or in one of several outdoor seating areas. Our property is adjacent to Norvin Green State Forest, which has many hiking trails.
• Pre-requisites MUST be completed prior to the in-person class: #5, #6, #7 (choose 2), #8 (Pre-requisite details shown below*)
• Scouts MUST bring physical proof of pre-requisite completion to class.
• Scouts MUST bring a signed Blue Card to class for our counselors to sign.
• Scouts MUST wear their uniform & closed-toe shoes.
• Cell phones will be collected at the beginning of each class, to ensure Scouts give their undivided attention to the badge Counselor.

Cancellations requested 2 or more weeks in advance will be refunded at the full price, minus Evenbrite fees. Refunds are not available with less than 2 weeks notice.

Instructors: Badges are taught by our certified Counselors who are experienced educators, have completed the Youth Protection Training, and are Wilderness First Aid certified. They are certified through the Northern NJ, BSA Council. Our current Counselors are: Lauren Lynch, Nicole Vaccaro, Peter Lundell, Chris Campbell

Requirement 5: Watch the national evening news for five days in a row or read the main stories in a national media organization (e.g., a newspaper or news website) for five days in a row. Discuss the national issues that you learned about with your counselor during class. Choose one issue and explain how it affects you, your family, and community.

Requirement 6: Choose a speech of national historical importance. Explain:

a. Who the author was

b. What the historical context was

c. What difficulties the nation faced that the author wished to discuss

d. What the author said

e. Why the speech is important to the nation’s history.

• Choose a sentence or two from the speech that has significant meaning to you, and be prepared to tell your counselor why during class.

Requirement 7: Do TWO of the following:

a. Visit a place that is listed as a National Historic Landmark or that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Tell your counselor what you learned about the landmark or site and what you found interesting about it. Here is a list of NJ sites; similar lists can be found for other states:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28951-Activities-c47-t17-New_Jersey.html

b. Tour your state capitol building or the US Capitol. Tell your counselor during class what you learned about the capitol, its function, and history.

c. Tour a federal facility. Explain to your counselor during class what you saw there and what you learned about its function in the local community and how it serves this nation.

d. Choose a national monument that interests you. Using books, brochures, the internet (with your parent’s permission), and other resources, find out more about the monument. Tell your counselor during class what you learned, and explain why the monument is important to this country’s citizens. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28951-Activities-c47-t26-New_Jersey.html

Requirement 8: Name your representatives in the US Congress. Write a letter to your representative in Congress explaining your views on a national issue. Show your letter, along with any response you might receive, to your counselor. If you submit the letter online, take a screenshot of it before sending, and print and bring it to class.

Host or Publisher The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation