New Boy Scout Handbook Will Come With iPhone App
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have come to realize that times change and so do the needs of the boys in the organization. The Scouts have already begun to embrace new technology such as social networking and websites. As a result, the Centennial version of the scouting handbook will be more internet friendly and even feature a brand new iPhone app.
Several new features will be added to this version of the handbook, including a website with expanded content and videos demonstrating different requirements.
While no in-depth information can be found about the iPhone app itself, my guess is that it will be very similar to the website. I’d like to see:
- The entire handbook on the app
- Videos from the site as well as BSA’s YouTube channel
- It should be free
- A parents section
- Listing of requirements to advance up
- Access to every merit badge booklet with requirements
- Personal progress section to measure what needs to be done next
- Information on local troops (maps included?) with contact info
Frankly I doubt most of those will take place, but I’d love to see the BSA make the most out of this opportunity to change with the times.
The app will be making it into the App Store in September.
More information to come when updates come out.