Boy Scouts can earn a video gaming pin

CNN's Cody McCloy blogs on finding out that the Boy Scouts are now offering a video gaming pin.

If you're thinking that the Boy Scouts have gone nuts, that's a reaction not entirely without reason as he outlines that it could simply be an attempt by the Scouts to remain relevant in today's world. There's no doubt that since the days of earning badges for campfires, being technically savvy has become as important a skill - especially in today's workplace - and games are a big part of today's social experience. But a badge for gaming?

Looking at the requirements for the actual pin on the official Boy Scouting page, it actually does sound like a positive move by the organization to promote an understanding of games with the help of family and friends. This isn't something thrown together after seeing how big Modern Warfare 2 had become.

Doing things such as explaining why a rating system is important, teaching an adult or a friend how to play a game appropriate to their age group, or creating a schedule balancing homework and gaming are only a few of the ways that Scouts can earn it. One or two other requirements are a little iffy such as doing comparison shopping between game stores, but it doesn't sound like the Scouts that want to earn this pin will simply "play games" to get it.

With as much flak as games sometimes receive, it's refreshing to find efforts like these - especially from an organization that works with kids - that at least try to promote understanding as opposed to chasing blame. And that's a win for everybody.