Boy Scouts Create Merit Pin—for Video Games

Because nothing screams “scout” like beating Ratchet & Clank, the rugged outdoorsmen in the Boy Scouts of America are now offering video game merit awards. Scouts can win a merit belt loop (yes, belt loop), by learning to play an age-appropriate, parent-approved video game—and doing some other goody two-shoes stuff, like explaining why the video game rating system is important and making a schedule with time for chores, homework, and games.

Truly advanced scouts can also earn a video game pin, for completing other taxing tasks like playing a video game with a friend for an hour, or deciding where to buy a new game. Joe Peacock of AOL News isn't really sure how this promotes “developing character, citizenship and personal fitness,” but whatever. At least the kids will have a belt loop, to help “hold their pants over the enormous gut they earned sitting around playing video games.” (More Boy Scouts stories.)