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Scouts BSA Launches Two New Test Lab Badges

“Sewing and Needlework” and “Physics” now available for Scout feedback and exploration

Scouts BSA has two new badges coming to the Test Lab: the Sewing and Needlework badge and the Physics badge will be joining the Test Lab platform over the next few days for Scouts to test and share feedback.

These new Test Lab options came directly from requests we’ve received from Scouts and adult volunteers across the country. “We’re committed to listening to our Scouts and Scouters in the field and providing the best program opportunities possible,” said Scouts BSA communications representative Griffin Roblyer.

The Test Lab process is straightforward: Scouts can work on these experimental badges and tell us what they think. If enough Scouts participate and show interest, these options could become official merit badges down the road.

Our three original Test Lab badges are still going strong too. Auctioneering, Wildland Fire Management, and Life Skills are all available for Scouts to explore, and we haven’t made any decisions about their future yet. There’s still plenty of time for interested Scouts to jump in and help us figure out what works best.

The Test Lab gives Scouts a chance to try something new while helping shape the future of Scouting. If you have a Scout interested in developing basic hand and machine sewing skills or exploring the mysteries of motion, energy, and forces, now’s the time to get them involved!

Find all the Test Lab badges and get started at https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/test-lab/.

About the Scouts BSA Test Lab: The Test Lab is where we try out potential new merit badges with real Scouts before deciding whether to add them to the official program.

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Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.