Family Life Online Classroom

The online classroom doesn't auto-save. You need to hit the SAVE button to save a draft.

Saved Drafts are auto-deleted after two months, so save your work in your own Word or Google Docs and copy and paste them into the online classroom when you're ready to submit to the merit badge counselor.

This form contains the entirety of your prework. You must complete this form before you attend class. Please ensure that it is completed and submitted at least 24 hours before you attend your scheduled class.

Requirement #1: Prepare an outline on what a family is and discuss this with your counselor. Tell why families are important to individuals and to society. Discuss how the actions of one member can affect other members.

INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the questions below. You should have a copy of this response with you during your scheduled class and be prepared to discuss it with your counselor and other scouts. The rest of this requirement will be completed during the online session.

Requirement #2: List several reasons why you are important to your family and discuss this with your parents or guardians and with your counselor.

This will be completed during the online session.

Requirement #3: Prepare a list of your regular home duties or chores (at least five) and do them for 90 days. Keep a record of how often you do each of them. Discuss with your counselor the effect your chores had on your family.

INSTRUCTIONS: Before you come to class prepare a list of at least 5 regular home duties or chores and do them for 90 days. Keep a record of how often you do each of them. Below, write in your 5 home duties/chores and how often you did each of them. You should have a copy of this response with you during your scheduled class and be prepared to discuss it with your counselor and other scouts. The rest of this requirement will be completed during the online session.

Requirement #4: With the approval of your parent or guardian and your counselor, decide on and carry out an individual project that you would do around the home that would benefit your family. After completion, discuss the objective or goal and the results of the project with your family and then your counselor.

INSTRUCTIONS: Before you come to class decide on and carry out your individual project that you can do around the home that would benefit your family. Then answer the questions below about your project (image upload is mandatory). You should have a copy of your responses with you during your scheduled class and be prepared to discuss it with your counselor and other scouts.

Individual Project Ideas:

• preparing an entire family meal on your own and cleaning up afterwards
• doing the laundry (wash, dry, and fold) for the entire family
• cleaning and organizing kitchen cupboards/pantry

Requirement #5: Plan and carry out a project that involves the participation of your family. After completing the project, discuss the following with your counselor:
(a) The objective or goal of the project
(b) How individual members of your family participated
(c) The results of the project

INSTRUCTIONS: Before you come to class plan and carry out your family project. Then answer the questions below about your project (image upload is mandatory). You should have a copy of your responses with you during your scheduled class and be prepared to discuss it with your counselor and other scouts.

Family Project Ideas:

• Paint your room or another room in the house
• Genealogy Project
• Can, preserve, or freeze fruits & vegetables
• Prepare a week's worth of meals together to freeze for future use.
• Plan, prepare, and conduct a family reunion or party for a special event
• Plan and conduct a garage sale
• Clean the garage, attic, or basement

Requirement #6: Do the following (discussion of each of these subjects may carry over to more than one family meeting):

(a) Discuss with your counselor how to plan and carry out a family meeting.
(b) Prepare a meeting agenda that includes the following topics, review it with your parents or guardians, and then carry out one or more family meetings:

1. How living the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law contributes to your family life
2. The greatest dangers and addictions facing youth in today's society (examples include mental health challenges, use of tobacco products, alcohol, or drugs and other items such as debts, social media, etc.)
3. The growing-up process and how the body changes, and making responsible decisions dealing with sex. This conversation may take place with only one parent or guardian.
4. Personal and family finances
5. A crisis situation within your family and who you can turn to for support during these situations.
6. The effect of technology on your family
7. Good etiquette and manners

INSTRUCTIONS: A family meeting is a structured discussion where family members share feelings, solve problems, and make decisions. Family meetings can help improve communication, build trust, and strengthen family bonds.

Before you come to class complete requirement 6b by preparing and carrying out one or more family meetings. During the family meeting you should discuss the topics listed above and any other topics that may be relevant to your family. Then answer the questions below about your family meeting. You should have a copy of your responses with you during your scheduled class and be prepared to discuss it with your counselor and other scouts.

Requirement #7: Discuss with your counselor your understanding of what makes an effective parent or guardian and why, and your thoughts on the parent or guardian's role and responsibilities in the family.

This will be completed during the online session.