Scout Communicator Badge

Choose 1 of the following options:

• Radio communication
  • You automatically gain this activity badge if you already hold, or go for, any of these qualifications:
    • Radio Amateur Licence (Foundation, Intermediate or Full)
    • Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competence and Authority to Operate
    • Flight Radio Telephone Operator’s Licence.
  • If not, complete all of these:
    • Log 25 different amateur radio stations. Note the date, time, call sign, frequency, readability and location. You may include some broadcast stations.
    • Show how to tune a simple communications receiver.
    • Give an example of a typical greetings message.
    • Explain in simple terms how radio waves travel around the world.
    • Learn the more commonly used HF and VHF amateur frequency bands.
    • Learn the phonetic alphabet and define at least eight international Q code signals.
    • Show that you can recognise call signs from the UK and near continent.
    • Visit an amateur radio station.
    • Learn the regulations governing the use of amateur radio equipment.
• Communication codes
  • Send and receive a short message by Morse code or semaphore at a rate of five words per minute.
  • Show that you know the proper procedure for sending and receiving a message.
  • Learn the international phonetic alphabet and define at least eight international Q code signals.
  • Construct a simple Morse code oscillator and send a short message.
• Mobile and internet communication
  • Show you know how to use your mobile safely and how to keep it safe.
  • Learn the meaning of these terms: SMS, MMS, 3G, 4G, WAP and Bluetooth.
  • Send a creative text, multimedia or video message to invite a friend to a Scouts event.
  • Manage a mobile phone address book and set up groups of contacts.
  • Show you can text accurately at a rate of 50 characters per minute.
  • Show you know the meaning of some popular chat abbreviations.
  • Share photos and videos of a Scouting activity you’ve been involved with, using available technology.
  • Manage an email address book and set up groups of contacts.
• Foreign languages
  • Complete these tasks in any foreign language:
  • Carry on a simple conversation for about 10 minutes.
  • Write a letter of around 150 words.
  • After a few minutes of study, translate a paragraph of basic text.
  • Act as an interpreter for a visitor who does not speak your native language.
  • Communicate with a person who does not speak your native language.
• Translator
  • Complete these tasks in a recognised sign language, such as Makaton or BSL:
  • Carry out a simple conversation for about 10 minutes.
  • Use sign language to describe a Scouting experience to another person.
  • Act as a translator for a short conversation between a sign language user and someone with no sign language experience.
  • Invite a sign language user to talk to your Troop about what it’s like to have impaired hearing or speech.
  • Help by translating for them during their visit.