The Badge Archive

Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Cadette Netiquette badge requirements.

Items Needed:

• Pens or pencils
• Ruled or plain paper (one per scout)
• Wi-Fi or cable-connected laptops, tablets, or phones (for research)

Instructions:

1. Explain:
   • Online communication is different from face-to-face or phone conversations because you can’t see or hear emotions.
   • Posts or messages don’t fully disappear and can be saved or shared by others.
2. Ask scouts: “Why is netiquette important?” Discuss their answers briefly, touching on points like misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
3. Define an “oops” moment (a negative online interaction) and a “wow” moment (a positive online interaction).
4. Provide internet-connected devices for scouts to use during their research. Divide scouts into small groups and assign them to research examples of “oops” or “wow” moments. Groups should find one story that all members agree on.
5. Once each group has found a story, have them share it with everyone. There must be a minimum of 2 “oops” and 2 “wow” stories total.
6. Scouts write “Netiquette Tips” at the top of their paper.
7. Discuss: What do the “oops” moments have in common? Guide scouts to consolidate their observations into simple tips (e.g., “Don’t send messages while angry” or “Re-read before sending”).
8. Repeat the process for “wow” moments, identifying positive behaviors and turning them into tips (e.g., “Write kind and thoughtful messages”).
9. Scouts write all the tips on their paper.