The Badge Archive

Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Cadette Netiquette badge requirements.

Items Needed:

• Pens or pencils
• Ruled or plain paper (one per scout)
• Laptop or tablet (optional, for scouts who prefer to use them)

Instructions:

1. Pass out pens or pencils and paper.
2. Start by asking scouts: “Why do you think netiquette (online etiquette) is important?” Briefly discuss their answers.
3. Explain that online communication is different from face-to-face or phone conversations because:
   • You can’t see or hear how someone feels.
   • Once something is posted online, it doesn’t completely go away, even if deleted.
4. Ask scouts to think of one “oops” moment (when a post or message hurt someone or caused a problem) and one “wow” moment (when a post or message had a positive impact). Share an example of your own.
5. Scouts take turns sharing their moments with the group. Remind them personal stories are optional and names should not be mentioned for second-hand stories.
6. At the top of their paper, have scouts write “Netiquette Tips.”
7. Guide scouts to identify common themes in the “oops” moments and write simple tips, such as “Don’t post when angry” or “Always re-read messages before sending.”
8. Do the same for “wow” moments, creating tips like “Write kind and encouraging messages.”
9. Once finished, scouts will have a list of netiquette tips to follow for positive and effective online communication.