AHAP

[tug]

I am floating around an idea and would like some feedback concerning a merit badge program similar to the BSA. I know nothing about how they run their organization or even how regional clubs, say through the AGA, might benefit.

Part of the problem is proving its value as a revenue source. But, something like this could benefit regional clubs like GWAPA in other ways. I can look at a model like the BSA for an answer to that. What I like about this adea, a merit badge program through a national organization provides regional members, national recognition for excelling, in a particular chosen area. This is especially helpful to younger and/or first time members by providing goals with a vetting process in place.

It would also provide the clubs leadership a better idea of how the members are doing and what goals have and have not been met.

[Cristy Keister]

I don't approve of their bigoted policies.

[tug]

Oh dear. Though the OP sounds a little like it, I am not trying to turn us into the Boy Scouts of America or attempting to turn GWAPA into a club that might be considered intolerant towards the different opinions of others. I just think merit badges encourage competition and a level of competency healthy for the hobby.

We can devise our own merit badge program that has no other accreditation other then what GWAPA decides is appropriate. I just thought having AGA behind it (not the Boy Scouts) would give it some validity and national recognition.

Believe you, me. The idea is very easily demised but the question is if and how this has worked for the Boy Scouts and would there be any benefit to our members? Would offering merit badges be worth the time and effort. The idea is worth exploring if members of the GWAPA leadership are willing to support the idea and it offers something the membership would like to have? We certainly wouldn't want to encourage intolerance or bigotry.

For an example here are the over 130 merit badges offered through the BSA, http://www.boyscouttrail.com/boy-scouts ... badges.asp
Imagine the possibilities if AGA or GWAPA offered the same opportunity for advancement in this hobby.

[DonkeyFish]

There are other clubs that have the plant equivalent to a Breeder's Award Program (BAP)... to save you some time reinventing the wheel... of course I can't remember which club(s) at the moment. Maybe someone else can chime in?

[krisw]

Here's the Pittsburgh club's HAP rules

http://www.gpasi.org/index.php/2011-09- ... ahaprules1

[turfboss]

I have extensive experience with the BSA merit badge program having been a Scout leader for years and having both taught many merit badge programs as well as having had two boys go through the program (one completed his Eagle Scout the other - due to peer pressure from other 17 year olds outside the program - decided to quit with only one merit badge left to complete - he had already completed hiw Eagle project but decided the pressure was not worth completing - I can tell you he regrets that decision now as a 30 year old) - all that notwithstanding - I think the Breeders Award Programs with CCA and PVAS are far more likely to be better models for a "program" which wuld apply to GWAPA than individual merit badge completion within the BSA organization -- however, that being said - both the BSA and BAP programs have a national control organization which rewards participants and provides recognition at the National level. Are there no existing programs in the "plant world" similar to the BAP programs in the fish world??

[turfboss]

I have extensive experience with the BSA merit badge program having been a Scout leader for years and having both taught many merit badge programs as well as having had two boys go through the program (one completed his Eagle Scout the other - due to peer pressure from other 17 year olds outside the program - decided to quit with only one merit badge left to complete - he had already completed hiw Eagle project but decided the pressure was not worth completing - I can tell you he regrets that decision now as a 30 year old) - all that notwithstanding - I think the Breeders Award Programs with CCA and PVAS are far more likely to be better models for a "program" which wuld apply to GWAPA than individual merit badge completion within the BSA organization -- however, that being said - both the BSA and BAP programs have a national control organization which rewards participants and provides recognition at the National level. Are there no existing programs in the "plant world" similar to the BAP programs in the fish world??