[Mldxcc] Boy Scouts revived their Signalling merit badge on it's 100th anneversary--but only for 2010. No ARRL support?

[Richard Hill]

Bob and Jim, good afternoon.  I just heard that Boy Scouts have revived their Signalling merit badge on it's 100th anneversary, but only for 2010.  It was dropped in 1992.  With all the discussions I've heard about how hard it is to get kids interested in ham radio and morse code, it seems a golden opportunity has been dropped into our laps, but I don't see any ARRL connection except for a buried link to ARRL morse code references.

If we are not involved, why not?  Their requirements include sending and receiving 35 words at a rate of 35 letters per minute.  That sounds like 7 words per minute which would have been more than enough for a 5 wpm code test.  It also includes wig wag and semaphore.  It would seem that we have some Elmers out there that could at least provide encouragement if not real help.  Boy Scout focused on air practice sessions might be good PR for us and helpful to some troops.  Boy Scout Field Day events might be in demand this year.  A competition or local award for the troop with the most Signalling Merit Badges or for 10 or more or some such might be interesting.  

We have many creative souls out there, we ought to be able to get some excitement going.  

Did I miss something?

http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/Home/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/MeritBadges/2010_mb_signaling.aspx