Consider a possible return to making the Merit Badge options broader, similar to how they were in the fitites and sixties with choosing from groups.

[skeptic]

One of the things that has I have often felt as a leader is that the concept of breadth in merit badge options should be reinstated.  IN the fifties and sixties we had the required badges of the time, but also a "selection" from a number of categories  which broadened the picture.  It was similar to the once required college breadth for graduation that included classes from the less common areas, including art and music.  That, in my opinion, leads to a bit more depth of knowledge and the world in general.  What might be the thoughts on this being reinstated in a more modern manner?  

[DuctTape]

Good idea. Currently there are more options within the required list than when I was a scout, but not like before. Apparently these always fluctuate. Sadly what is not fluctuating is the continued erosion of the mB part of the program by summer camps, "universities" and troop only counselors. Scouts are less and less benefiting from the mB process by having the badge be the sole aim.

[Eagle94-A1]

Sadly I do not think it matters. The focus has been on MBs and Eagle, no one focuses on fun, adventure, and personal growth. Besides,  a lot of places are giving MBs away.

[skeptic]

This old guy feels as if it does matter and we should stop accepting these types of things and putting some honesty back into our units and setting a better example.  Probably, and sadly, you are likely to be more correct than I am, and we seem to have lost sight of much of the best Character examples we have tried to exemplify over time.  But, maybe not??

[DuctTape]

It does matter, but the train left the station long ago.