As a Scout, I earned a merit badge for reading.
Until I saw it in Clayton and Magee, the Red Bank, NJ men's and boys' clothier that sold Scout uniforms and equipment, I didn't know that such a thing existed. Nor did my scoutmaster, or anyone else in the troop. To get the badge, I had to document that I'd read at least 12 books in a year--something I normally do--and write reports, reviews and critiques on them.
My English teacher, Mrs. McKenna, was also unaware of the badge until I mentioned it. She happily signed off on it and mentioned it to the rest of the class, which included a few other Scouts. To my knowledge, only one other kid pursued that opportunity.
I don't remember exactly how many books I read, but I know that I easily exceeded the requirements. I don't think I read 1000, though.
Ayan Geer and Kristopher Depaz did, however. For their achievement, the Riverhead, Long Island residents got a reward that I never could have dreamed of: new bicycles, presented to them the other night at their town's public library.
Not to take anything away from their achievements, I will mention that Ayan's favorite books were "Crocodile and Hen" and "Pete the Cat." Kristopher didn't specify a favorite, but mentioned that he loves playing soccer with his father and wants to be a professional player when he grows up.
One more thing I should mention: Ayan and Kristopher each read 1000 books before starting kindergarten.
Forget about a merit badge: They should get medals. Solid gold ones. And bicycles for life.
Until I saw it in Clayton and Magee, the Red Bank, NJ men's and boys' clothier that sold Scout uniforms and equipment, I didn't know that such a thing existed. Nor did my scoutmaster, or anyone else in the troop. To get the badge, I had to document that I'd read at least 12 books in a year--something I normally do--and write reports, reviews and critiques on them.
My English teacher, Mrs. McKenna, was also unaware of the badge until I mentioned it. She happily signed off on it and mentioned it to the rest of the class, which included a few other Scouts. To my knowledge, only one other kid pursued that opportunity.
I don't remember exactly how many books I read, but I know that I easily exceeded the requirements. I don't think I read 1000, though.
Ayan Geer and Kristopher Depaz did, however. For their achievement, the Riverhead, Long Island residents got a reward that I never could have dreamed of: new bicycles, presented to them the other night at their town's public library.
Not to take anything away from their achievements, I will mention that Ayan's favorite books were "Crocodile and Hen" and "Pete the Cat." Kristopher didn't specify a favorite, but mentioned that he loves playing soccer with his father and wants to be a professional player when he grows up.
One more thing I should mention: Ayan and Kristopher each read 1000 books before starting kindergarten.
Forget about a merit badge: They should get medals. Solid gold ones. And bicycles for life.
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