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Merit Badge Chit Chat:  Merit Badge Suggestions 2016 & 2017  |
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Pixiedustdevil
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Temperate Rainforest
Oregon
USA
68 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 20 2016 : 10:43:19 PM
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I was browsing through the list of merit badges, and was surprised that there weren't badges for these:
•Good/ bad garden bugs:
I would have thought that with an organic garden; identifying you friends and foes would be important? I was turning the soil in my garden (by hand x_x) and notice bugs I've never seen before. One of these bugs was still in its cocoon, and after researching it, found out they were a pest! So, having this kind of knowledge would be important. Maybe consider a badge for that? Maybe a badge with a ladybug on a leaf or flower? ;)
•Emergency preparedness:
I'm not really talking about 'Doomsday prepers' but normal emergency preparedness. Like putting together an emergency bag with flashlights/ candles, storing water, long term food storage.... You get the idea?
Anyway, I thought these would make great merit badges.
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Sisterhood #6941
Jack of all trades, master of none,
though oftentimes better than master of one. |
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KristiW
Moderator/Farmgirl True
639 Posts
Kristine
MaryJanesFarm
USA
639 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2016 : 07:02:25 AM
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Those are great ideas for badges and important skills as well. A water main broke in our town earlier this week and my neighborhood has been without clean water for a few days. It really made me stop and consider how unprepared I am for a real emergency.
Kristi
Farmgirl Sister #6
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Red Tractor Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
6663 Posts
Winnie
Gainesville
Fl
USA
6663 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2016 : 11:13:30 AM
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Yes, Emergency preparedness would be a great badge option. Like you say, Krisit, you never know when something is going to happen and you are suddenly scrambling for emergency things to make due in the interim.
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015 |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7231 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7231 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2016 : 4:04:06 PM
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I like the emergency preparedness badge idea. That is something I could really use and a badge would make it fun to accomplish.
Krista |
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Pixiedustdevil
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Temperate Rainforest
Oregon
USA
68 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2016 : 11:59:31 PM
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By the way; here is a link to printing out your own 'Emergency go-kit Passport'. What it is is a booklet containing your Name, address, family, emergency contacts, medication, allergies, ect. Let me tell you; when you are too sick (or injured) to speak for yourself, this is a nice thing to have around. I went to the E.R. Last year and kept slipping in and out of consciousness. Luckily, I gave the EMTs my Emergency booklet. When I woke up the next day, I was in a room and my Dad was there. They never figured out what was wrong, but the local hospital is useless.
You can order actual mini booklets, sent to your door for free, but I think it's only for Oregonians. But you can still use the link to print out your own.
https://www.oregon.gov/OMD/OEM/plans_train/Earthquake/go-kit_passport.pdf
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Sisterhood #6941
Jack of all trades, master of none,
though oftentimes better than master of one. |
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debbieklann
Sharpshooter/Schoolmarm
784 Posts
Debbie
Madras
OR
USA
784 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2016 : 09:02:36 AM
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| Does anyone know when the new badges will be posted? |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13664 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13664 Posts |
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debbieklann
Sharpshooter/Schoolmarm
784 Posts
Debbie
Madras
OR
USA
784 Posts |
Posted - Aug 28 2016 : 11:47:09 AM
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| For some reason, I thought they were posted in January AND July. I guess I will just wait until January, then...probably a good thing since I am still working on the new ones from January! |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13664 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13664 Posts |
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Madelena
True Blue Farmgirl
1919 Posts
Mary
Central
TX
USA
1919 Posts |
Posted - Oct 09 2016 : 03:21:20 AM
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I definitely agree We Need an Emergency Preparedness Badge... something that will help our Farm Sisters to really prepare for the unexpected.
We just saw Hurricane Matthew rake the East Coastline. Weather emergencies are something everyone should be prepared for.
We live within a mile of a major highway and railroad track... an accident involving a chemical spill could force an quick evacuation.
When Texas had wildfires years ago, they devastate the small community of Bastrop. Some people were sitting in a restaurant when the police came in and told them to get in their cars and leave town-- they couldn't even return to their homes.
Oh, and in Texas with highway construction, people speeding, and so much traffic, a good accident on the road could shut down traffic for hours and hours. How many of us have a food/water/activity bag in our vehicles to entertain you and the kiddos-- in a small small space ? Now that's scary to me.
Seriously. Every municipality, the Red Cross , our insurance companies tell us that (like every good Boy and Girl Scout), we should
"Be Prepared".
"There is no unbelief: Whoever plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see it push away the clod, he trusts in God." (Kate Douglas Wiggin) |
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Brian
Honorary Farmgirl
521 Posts
Brian
Moscow
ID
USA
521 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2016 : 4:32:06 PM
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Hi Mary,
That's a great idea. We'll see about getting something like that written for the next round of badges. Keep the great ideas coming!
Thanks,
~Brian |
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Pixiedustdevil
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Temperate Rainforest
Oregon
USA
68 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2017 : 7:17:32 PM
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I looked for a Merit Badge suggestions 2017 but there isn't one, and I didn't want to start a new thread... so I'll just post it here?
I recommend a book reading merit badge based on how many books you read?
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Sisterhood #6941
Jack of all trades, master of none,
though oftentimes better than master of one. |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7231 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7231 Posts |
Posted - May 01 2017 : 11:32:50 AM
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That would be a fun merit badge, but would be hard for me since I struggle to find time for books. Hopefully it would allow me to read those books over a course of a few years!
Krista |
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Pixiedustdevil
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Temperate Rainforest
Oregon
USA
68 Posts |
Posted - Jun 22 2017 : 11:00:46 PM
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Maybe it would be easier if the books weren't limited to novels, but any book?
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Sisterhood #6941
Jack of all trades, master of none,
though oftentimes better than master of one. |
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Madelena
True Blue Farmgirl
1919 Posts
Mary
Central
TX
USA
1919 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2017 : 03:17:25 AM
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A Book Merit Badge would be great.
I think I would enjoy reading books from at least 3 different types: Biography, Novel, Non-Fiction ( self help, healthy living, learning a new skill), and
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A minimum of 1 book a month for ? month. Make the number progressively higher for each level.
Write a short Book Review on each book you read AND
Pick a favorite book from each Catagory and tell about it on the Merit Badge Chat forum
Pat your self on the back if you post a positive review on line for a favorite book.
Have a Great Farm Girl kind of day!
Mary
"There is no unbelief: Whoever plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see it push away the clod, he trusts in God." (Kate Douglas Wiggin) |
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Madelena
True Blue Farmgirl
1919 Posts
Mary
Central
TX
USA
1919 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2017 : 03:58:59 AM
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Hi Brian!! And Ladies.....
HAND GUN BADGE------
I don't know anyone around me that hunt, so this Badge is closed to me....BUT, I love to go to the range with my hand gun and target shoot.
I only shot a handgun one time before ( I mean literally ONE bullet) in my life .
Now I am comfortable with a revolver and automatic, and can consistently shoot out the center of my target after a year and a half of shooting.
( I screamed and grabbed the female police officer next to me, my first time at an indoor range when someone shot a gun. The sound scared me!!!! Ha Ha!!
Since is should be sooo much easier for MJF sisters to have access to handguns, ranges, and safe target shooting area.... I think a Hand Gun Badge would be welcomed.
I would like to see the following:
A. Research your State's Gun Owners Laws. Are they very strict?
B. Does it have Concealed Carry laws and registration? Does your State have open carry ?
C. Some States have very strict laws about carrying guns in vehicles. If you decide to carry a gun when traveling, make sure you understand these laws.
1. Take a gun safety course at a gun range, from a police officer or experienced gun owner.
2. Learn about loading, using the safety, bullet calibers, and handling a gun safely
3. Be able to load and unload your gun safety.
4. Learn How to safely store your weapon and ammunition at home or when you are traveling. Even if you don't own your own gun.
5. Go to a Gun Range (indoor or outdoor), and learn the Safety Practices for the type of range you go to.
6. Have an experience shooter show you how to to aim at the target and practice hitting the target.
7. Continue practicing to improve these skills you are learning, Keep your targets to mark your progress.
8. Learn to clean your gun. A revolver is easy to clean.
If you have an automatic, you may not be able to "break the gun down" to clean it if you have arthritis in your hands. Know a person or Gun range/store where you can have your gun cleaned. (A clean gun is a safe gun).
9. Finally Learn about Liability Insurance for a gun Owners that would provide legal assistance.if you shot someone, accidentally or in self defense. Although I don't know anyone who this has ever happened too -- I plan to get this soon.
Most gun owners don't carry this.. If you own a gun, you should consider this .
"There is no unbelief: Whoever plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see it push away the clod, he trusts in God." (Kate Douglas Wiggin) |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7231 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7231 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2017 : 11:31:05 AM
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Mary, I like the idea of learning all the safety of the gun as well as all the laws. Both of them are very important when having a gun. I'm curious to see how many others would be interested.
Krista |
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Madelena
True Blue Farmgirl
1919 Posts
Mary
Central
TX
USA
1919 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2017 : 03:25:40 AM
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Thanks.
"There is no unbelief: Whoever plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see it push away the clod, he trusts in God." (Kate Douglas Wiggin) |
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hudsonsinaf
True Blue Farmgirl
3162 Posts
Shannon
Rozet
Wyoming
USA
3162 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2017 : 07:09:58 AM
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I posted somewhere else, but here are some more ideas.... (By the way Mary, I LOVE the hand gun badge idea!)
- Chocolate working, including tempering chocolate
- Pasta making
- Candlewicking
- Crafting with felt
- Plastic canvas
This is all I can think of this morning. I'll see what else I can come up with... Oh the other one I think I posted about was cooking foods from different cuisines.
~ Shannon, Sister # 5349
Farmgirl of the Month - January 2016
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
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Madelena
True Blue Farmgirl
1919 Posts
Mary
Central
TX
USA
1919 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2017 : 7:04:56 PM
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Shannon,
The chocolate and pasta sound yummy!!
Candle wicking is so lovely ,
Mary
"There is no unbelief: Whoever plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see it push away the clod, he trusts in God." (Kate Douglas Wiggin) |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7231 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7231 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2017 : 12:28:31 PM
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I would be very interested in chocolate working! Who doesn't love chocolate? I would love to learn some fancy chocolate techniques for when I have parties.
Krista |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13664 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13664 Posts |
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Madelena
True Blue Farmgirl
1919 Posts
Mary
Central
TX
USA
1919 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2017 : 1:04:43 PM
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I know CeeJay... But I felt Women at Arms badge focused on Hunting,: Hunting Safety course and Hunting game.
It would have to be rewritten anyway, to include both Long guns and Handguns Skills , or offer a second badge. I'll defer to our leaders on this. If they are interested.
Mart
"There is no unbelief: Whoever plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see it push away the clod, he trusts in God." (Kate Douglas Wiggin) |
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Wormie
Farmgirl in Training
10 Posts
Ellen
Harpers Ferry
WV
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - Jul 11 2017 : 10:59:30 AM
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Hello Farmgirl Sisters! Returning Farmgirl here.
I have two suggestions for new badges...
How about a Chainsaw Use and Safety badge? I did not see one in the list although I may easily have missed it. I have a lovely little Stihl but I wish I had more confidence in using it.
How about a Preserve our Pollinators Badge? I'm a beekeeper and I'm acutely aware of the sad state of affairs when it comes to supporting our pollinators, be they honeybees or the myriad of wild pollinators that exist. Not everyone wants to keep an apiary, of course, but there are many ways to provide a welcoming place for wild pollinators. Examples would be to making a mason bee house or nurturing the dandelions in one's grass rather than removing them (in many areas they are the first food available for bees in the early Spring).
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Edited by - Wormie on Jul 11 2017 12:36:53 PM |
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2017 : 11:29:11 AM
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Hi Ladies,
Great ideas! Keep them coming!
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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Wormie
Farmgirl in Training
10 Posts
Ellen
Harpers Ferry
WV
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2017 : 11:52:55 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Wormie
Hello Farmgirl Sisters! Returning Farmgirl here.
I have two suggestions for new badges...
How about a Chainsaw Use and Safety badge? I did not see one in the list although I may easily have missed it. I have a lovely little Stihl but I wish I had more confidence in using it.
How about a Preserve our Pollinators Badge? I'm a beekeeper and I'm acutely aware of the sad state of affairs when it comes to supporting our pollinators, be they honeybees or the myriad of wild pollinators that exist. Not everyone wants to keep an apiary, of course, but there are many ways to provide a welcoming place for wild pollinators. Examples would be making a mason bee house or nurturing the dandelions in one's lawn rather than removing them (in many areas they are the first food available for bees in the early Spring).
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Merit Badge Chit Chat: Merit Badge Suggestions 2016 & 2017 |
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Merit Badge Suggestions 2016 & 2017
