The Boy Scouts of America just released its first wave of interactive digital merit badge pamphlets, and they’re insanely cool.

Starting now, Boy Scouts (and troop leaders and merit badge counselors) can download digital versions of the pamphlets for Cooking, First Aid, Animation and Robotics merit badges. More are coming soon (see the list below).

These digital pamphlets are the same price as their print siblings ($4.99), but you get so much more for your money. In addition to everything in the paper versions, Scouts who use the digital versions get:

• Videos, including “how-to” clips, career bios, virtual tours and multimedia experiences
• Search, so you can find what you need quickly
• Simulations, animations, photo slideshows and graphics
• Interactive Q&A’s

Which merit badges are becoming digital?

These are the first four, out now:

• Animation
• Cooking
• First Aid
• Robotics

The next wave of four should be out in July:

• Communications
• Digital Technology
• Family Life
• Personal Fitness

Then the next wave should debut in September:

• Camping
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Swimming

And another wave is expected in December.

Where can I learn more?
You can consider Boys’ Life to be your hub for all things related to these interactive digital merit badges pamphlets. Bookmark this page to find FAQs, links to buy the interactive digital merit badge pamphlets, sample videos and more great content than our old buddy Pedro could shake his tail at.