Scouts Can Now Earn AI and Cybersecurity Badges

Scouts aren't just out there tying knots and building fires anymore. Scouting America has added two merit badges to its lineup, and it looks like the 115-year-old organization's awards are catching up with modern technology. Scouts can now earn badges in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Scouting America is the youth organization that was known as Boy Scouts before 2019, when it changed its name to Scouts BSA and allowed girls to join all-girl troops. In February, Scouts BSA changed its name again, this time to Scouting America.

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The AI merit badge "will introduce scouts to the fundamentals of AI and automation through hands-on activities and real-world examples," according to Scouting America's website, while the cybersecurity merit badge "equips Scouts with essential knowledge and skills to navigate and protect the digital world." 

While many of the merit badges seen on individual Scouts' recognizable sashes focus on hands-on experience, often in the outdoors, such as fire safety and insect study, Scouting America says the new additions are relevant to modern life.

"Both badges focus on real-world practice, not just reading about technology," Scouting America said in a statement. "The AI badge gets Scouts thinking about how to use technology responsibly. The cybersecurity badge teaches actual security skills along with safe online habits." 

Scouting America added another modern twist. The organization recently released an AI chatbot named Scoutly that can share the requirements for the various merit badges, among other tasks. Scouts can earn more than 130 badges in different subjects.