“Hacking” the Boy Scouts

Ever had a big idea, but you just weren’t sure how to make it a reality? Hacker Scouts is giving kids a chance to build their dream project, and a road map for getting there from here.

English: Sewing machine (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It’s all about the STEM–science, technology, engineering, and math–education. Now Hacker Scouts are putting a little “A” in the mix… and while that “A” might be for attitude (just take a gander at the video below for some attitude of the good ol’ fashioned kind), it actually stands for “art.”

And suddenly “stem” turns into “STEAM” … quite appropriate.

Here’s how it works:  Folks from different backgrounds and skills volunteer their expertise and guidance to the scouts through the hands-on creative process.  From soldering irons to sewing machines and everything in between, the scouts earn merit badges for each.  Eventually, they put all those skills together to “build something.”

Here’s what the Hacker Scouts are all about, from their website:

Hacker Scouts is a national non-profit organization, founded in the Fall of 2012 in Oakland CA, that focuses on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) education, skill building and community engagement with the aspiration to help our children develop skills in the areas they are truly interested in, abilities that would allow them to dream big and create big. A variety of experts and mentors from the community ensure a well-rounded and high level of attention and skill building for all ages through accessible programs that meet the different needs of our young makers.  Hacker Scouts provides open source material and a support program for Hacker Scout programs globally.

Watch the video here to get a better perspective:

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