The 'Program Area of the Future'
When you think of Boy Scout Summer Camps there are many similarities, Aquatics, Rifle Shooting, Handicrafts, Nature Center, Rock Climbing/C.O.P.E., High Adventure. All traditional 'summer camp' program area.
Today we are working on the 'Program Area of the Future' where we teach Scouts Merit Badges that will prepare them in the areas of Science and Technology.
Today we are working on the 'Program Area of the Future' where we teach Scouts Merit Badges that will prepare them in the areas of Science and Technology.
The Challenges
When we first considered a Science and Technology Program Area we considered three specific areas:
1. Curriculum
We wanted to develop a Curriculum that would demonstrate to the Scout how exciting the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) fields can be. To take it out of the classroom and bring it out to field where you can apply the scientific principles to solve field issues through experimentation.
2. Facility & Equipment
You need equipment, and a place to teach. For the last five years the Forest Lawn Scout Reservation has been developing a first-class Astronomy Center, however during the day the building was being unused. So in the last couple of years we have started to expand the merit badges to include Space Exploration and Radio both taught inside the Esten Grubb Planetarium. In 2014 we want to expand the merit badges being taught, and establish a new Program Area.
We plan on using donated equipment in the program area. To make this possible we need to develop a network of Adult leaders & Supporters. Please look on the 'Support Us' page for items we are looking for.
3. Staffing
We anticipate heavy adult participation to help mentor, and maintain, each subject offered. We vision each merit badge would consist of a committee of several adults that would help prepare the curriculum, build & maintain any supporting equipment, and mentor the Summer Camp staff member working at the ScouTECH center. Adults could also volunteer to teach during Summer Camp.
1. Curriculum
We wanted to develop a Curriculum that would demonstrate to the Scout how exciting the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) fields can be. To take it out of the classroom and bring it out to field where you can apply the scientific principles to solve field issues through experimentation.
2. Facility & Equipment
You need equipment, and a place to teach. For the last five years the Forest Lawn Scout Reservation has been developing a first-class Astronomy Center, however during the day the building was being unused. So in the last couple of years we have started to expand the merit badges to include Space Exploration and Radio both taught inside the Esten Grubb Planetarium. In 2014 we want to expand the merit badges being taught, and establish a new Program Area.
We plan on using donated equipment in the program area. To make this possible we need to develop a network of Adult leaders & Supporters. Please look on the 'Support Us' page for items we are looking for.
3. Staffing
We anticipate heavy adult participation to help mentor, and maintain, each subject offered. We vision each merit badge would consist of a committee of several adults that would help prepare the curriculum, build & maintain any supporting equipment, and mentor the Summer Camp staff member working at the ScouTECH center. Adults could also volunteer to teach during Summer Camp.
Here are some ideas....
Astronomy - Teach the real science to inspire our youth at the vastness if the universe, and their connection to it. Use modern astronomical tools to maximize the Scouts observations of our Solar System, the Milky Way Galaxy, and the Universe beyond...
Aviation - Teach the concepts of flight and have the Scouts build a simple glider to put the concepts to practical use. Also introduce the use of Composite Materials in construction of aircraft.
Composite Materials - Uses of composites in today's technology, with an emphasis in aerospace manufacturing.
Digital Technology - Many Scouts have a computer, PC or Mac, a tablet, or smartphone. So what are you going show a Scout? Why not try a Linux based distro to extend the life of that old PC in the corner?
Radio - Radio elective requirements include Amateur Radio, and Broadcast Radio requirements.
Amateur Radio - We would like to build out an all-band, all-mode amateur radio station with capabilities from 80 meters to 70 cm. We would like to also form the FLSR-ARC to promote amateur radio in Scouting.
Broadcast Radio - We have a low-power camp radio station so that Scouts can record, and broadcast, their own radio shows.
Aviation - Teach the concepts of flight and have the Scouts build a simple glider to put the concepts to practical use. Also introduce the use of Composite Materials in construction of aircraft.
Composite Materials - Uses of composites in today's technology, with an emphasis in aerospace manufacturing.
Digital Technology - Many Scouts have a computer, PC or Mac, a tablet, or smartphone. So what are you going show a Scout? Why not try a Linux based distro to extend the life of that old PC in the corner?
Radio - Radio elective requirements include Amateur Radio, and Broadcast Radio requirements.
Amateur Radio - We would like to build out an all-band, all-mode amateur radio station with capabilities from 80 meters to 70 cm. We would like to also form the FLSR-ARC to promote amateur radio in Scouting.
Broadcast Radio - We have a low-power camp radio station so that Scouts can record, and broadcast, their own radio shows.
Thank You,
The ScouTECH Center Staff
The ScouTECH Center Staff