Pastfinders of South Lake Genealogy Society proudly recognized the 2019 “Graduation” class at its annual Genealogy Merit Badge Workshop. The Scout Genealogy Merit Badge is quite challenging. There are now 61 Scouts in the Clermont area wearing the Genealogy Badge. Each year since 2011, Pastfinders has offered a workshop for Scouts from throughout the south Lake area. The scouts spend 6-8 weeks completing all the tasks required to earn the Scout Genealogy Merit Badge while being introduced to best practices, and the meaning and richness of family history research.
Their final requirement is to provide a statement about what they have learned and accomplished during the course by making a formal presentation to the Pastfinders during a regular meeting. A surprise twist this year was provided by Miss Mendoza who, although she could not be present for the occasion due to her part in the Lake Minneola HS production of “Oklahoma”, sent in a self-produced video for her presentation.
Family approved adult partners (parent, grandparent, aunts or uncles) are integral members of the workshop experience. They assist with archival knowledge of the Scout’s family members and connections, help their Scout stay on target with his or her progress, and acquire a thorough grounding in introductory Genealogy research themselves. Each Scout graduate receives a certificate of achievement for completing the 13 tasks needed to meet the 9 Genealogy Merit Badge Requirements, and each Partner received a Certificate of Achievement for completing Genealogy 101.
About the Workshop: This workshop is a cross-community event in which Scouts from all troops in the south Lake area are welcomed. Weekly classes conducted at Cooper Memorial Library are generally limited to a maximum of 10 Scouts per year. The workshop is conducted by a certified Scout Merit Badge Counselor and official documentation is provided for receipt of the badge during the various troop Courts of Honor, their award and advancement ceremonies. Any Scout interested in the 2020 Scout Genealogy Merit Badge Workshop should contact the Pastfinders Scout Workshop Coordinator, through their website at www.pastfindersslc.org
