
What Counts as Service Hours?
Tina asked this question:
What do you guys consider as service hours? Would you consider these?
- Working on flowerbed at school Operation Christmas Child
- volunteering Relay for Life
- volunteering Greeting vets at Veteran’s day program and handing out “thank you for your service” cards (in uniform) – business cards printed with Troop info
It Depends on the Service Requirement
Thanks for the question Tina. It depends on who is doing this and which requirement for service the Scout is trying to fulfill. Some of the service requirements have specific aspects. And service for the Citizenship in the Community merit badge, for example, must be approved by the merit badge counselor. Or the project might have to be a conservation project.
Consider the Scout’s Age
It also depends on the age of the Scouts. What is appropriate service for an 8 year old might be different than what is appropriate for a 13 year old. Service projects are a good opportunity for Scouts to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zone. It is not necessarily a requirement, but it is a chance to ask if they are capable of a little more.
So it is always good to (1) read the requirement carefully and (2) if it needs to be signed off by somebody, check with them before starting.
Related Resources
Service Project Ideas for Cub Scouts
See some service ideas for younger Scouts. Add your own suggestions also.
Service Project Ideas for Scouts BSA
See some service project suggestions for older Scouts. What has your troop done for service hours?
Tips for Success
See resources for planning a service project, ideas for parent involvement, and resources for follow-up and reflection.
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