Scouts Introduce New Merit Badges in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity

Scouting America is stepping into the future with two new merit badges designed for the digital generation — artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

The organization announced that the new badges are part of a broader effort to stay relevant as technology continues to shape nearly every part of daily life. Scouts can now earn recognition for mastering 21st-century skills alongside traditional ones like fishing, camping, and fingerprinting.

The new programs aim to help young scouts sharpen their understanding of how artificial intelligence works and how to protect digital information from cyber threats. It’s all part of Scouting America’s mission to combine hands-on learning with emerging technology, ensuring the next generation is prepared for the challenges ahead.

Leaders say the initiative encourages scouts to explore subjects that will be essential in future careers — all while continuing the organization’s legacy of curiosity, leadership, and service.

And while today’s scouts are learning about coding and encryption, some adults may be reminiscing about earning badges the old-fashioned way — from tying knots to selling cookies.

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