The rankings shown at the link below are troubling.... Rifle, Shotgun, and Archery dropped 67-70% from the prior year, Backpacking dropped 60%, fishing 42%, fly fishing 51%, etc. Many merit badges that Scouts used to earn at Scout camp have dropped precipitously in the rankings due to COVID. That does not bode well for us as for many Scouts summer camp is where they were introduced to firearms, bows, fishing, boats, etc. Keep in mind the many single-parent female-led households, and urban households, where outdoor sports are not part of the youth's socialization within the family.
If this pandemic continues to keep Scout camps shut down we're going to lose many future gun owners and sportsmen. Not only do we lose those Scouts who are working on Merit badges but we lose the others who participate for the experience. This suggests to me that perhaps the sportsmen can fill a role... Regarding firearms for example, NRA certified instructors (shotgun and/or rifle--no handguns allowed) can sign up as merit badge councilors. Club's could host small Scout related events within the bounds of COVID protocols.
Give it some thought... It takes an up front commitment as you would need to take the youth protection training, apply and be approved as a councilor, and have to learn all the rules and requirements for teaching Scouts as well as those for the Merit badge. Help preserve our heritage.
https://t.email.scouting.org/r/?id=h1f6392cb%2Cd39c7d6%2Cd4238e4&utm_source=scoutingwire&utm_campaign=swvolunteer332021&utm_medium=email&utm_content=&s=OQRood5OyVl7ZoRRSZHbOxammljNfhDlo3-KFcZFC8IBelow is a sample from the report:
Top 10 Drops
Merit Badge 2019 2020 Percent Change
Metalwork 12,586 4,273 -66%
Pottery 8,566 2,842 -67%
Wood Carving 28,599 9,430 -67%
Archery 31,934 10,487 -67%
Rifle Shooting 34,049 11,081 -67%
Motor Boating 8,298 2,638 -68%
Shotgun Shooting 18,576 5,631 -70%
Lifesaving 19,444 5,842 -70%
Rowing 7,189 2,118 -71%
Small Boat Sailing 13,202 3,142 -76%
