Working in partnership with the council, UPMC Health Plan has created the MyHealth Wellness Badge program to help Scouts learn how to lead a healthier lifestyle by improving their eating habits, reducing sedentary time, and increasing physical activity. The program also promotes a tobacco-free life and includes a family health history profile. While Scouts can earn badges for personal fitness, cooking, and athletics, the Wellness Badge is a special recognition that combines all three elements to further instill positive lifelong habits in Boy Scouts.

Wellness Badge Scout Handbooks and Parent Guides were distributed to Scoutmasters last year and additional handbooks are available for newly registered Boy Scouts by contacting district executives.  These free handbooks can encourage your Scouts to begin working on their Wellness Badge immediately.  Handbooks will become effective when Scouts complete the Wellness contract with their parents and begin daily routines that promote wellness activities at home, at play and during regular Scouting activities. 

Wellness Award certificates and Wellness Award patches will be mailed to unit leaders who turn in the completed Wellness Award applications at Flag Plaza. 

Greater Pittsburgh Council and UPMC Health Plan are concerned that the percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate. On the whole, kids spend less time exercising and more time in front of the television, computer, or video-game console and fast food is a quick fix far too often for many busy parents and families.    

Scouting volunteers play an important role in guiding Scout’s lives. Help them learn healthy habits they can follow for the rest of their lives.

The council invites feedback on this Good Turn for America initiative program. Please contact Bruce McDowell at 412-325-7925 or at bmcdowel@bsamail.org if you would like to share your thoughts on the program