Mr. Granger is going to start the Personal Fitness merit badge on Saturday March 26, so please put that on your calendar.

On Saturday, March 26, 9:00 a.m. sharp, Mr. Granger will start the first phase of the Personal Fitness Merit Badge with the initial fitness test at the JFK Middle School track.  The plan is the boys get some orientation, warm up, and then they take some physical tests.  Then they practice and exercise for 90 days and meet up again to re-take the physical tests.  And they need to show improvement on the results.

Boy’s should bring the following:

• Personal Fitness Merit Badge Workbook, with name on the front
• Pencil
• Parent or adult assistant
• Comfortable, warm clothing for physical activity
• Sneakers/Running Shoes
• Gym towel
• Tape measure or yard stick (if available)
• Drinking water

The test will consist of push-ups (1 min.), sit-ups (1 min.), 1 mile run for time or walk for timed distance, and flexibility. Descriptions are in the handbook for the merit badge.  Mr. Granger will need adult assistance for the testing.  The boys need to bring someone with them.

Mr. Granger will lead the boys in warm-ups and stretching prior to physical activity. Any boy who may have a medical condition limiting or preventing physical activity or exertion should tell Mr. Granger before the test.  This is the beginning of a 12 week merit badge. Scouts will need to complete the workbook correctly and completely, and then show improvement in fitness over the course of the 12 weeks, culminating with a final test.

The final fitness test will be given on Saturday, June 18, at JFK track at 9:00 a.m. sharp. Please contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns.  This is a rain or shine event, but will be cancelled and then rescheduled if there is thunder, lightning, a downpour or snow.  Typically, younger boys are not as well-suited for the Personal Fitness Merit Badge as older boys, as it requires good organization, follow through skills, independence, and maturity. Scouts must maintain a DAILY record of their personal fitness. My recommendation is that boys in 7th grade and above should consider coming out for the badge.