Req 3 — Choose a Storytelling Challenge
This requirement has two parts before you make your choice:
- understand the difference between a hard news story and a feature story
- explain the five W’s and H: who, what, when, where, why, and how
Hard News vs. Feature Stories
A hard news story tells readers what happened and why it matters right now. It usually covers something timely: an election result, accident, weather emergency, meeting decision, or major announcement. Hard news tends to get to the point fast.
A feature story still reports facts, but it slows down and explores people, scenes, emotions, or background in more depth. A feature might profile a volunteer, explain a tradition, or show how an event affected people over time.
Think of it this way: hard news answers, “What happened today?” A feature answers, “What does this mean, and what is it like?”
The Five W’s and H
These questions help you gather enough information for a trustworthy story:
- Who was involved?
- What happened?
- When did it happen?
- Where did it happen?
- Why did it happen or matter?
- How did it happen?
If you cannot answer several of these clearly, your reporting probably needs more work.
Your Four Choices
Req 3a — Write the Story: Write either a hard news or feature article about a current or unusual event.
Req 3b — Interview an Influential Person: Interview someone important in your community and report what you learned.
Req 3c — Profile a Journalist: Read a journalist’s autobiography and write about that person’s life and contributions.
Req 3d — Cover a Scouting Event: Attend a Scouting event, write a 200-word article, and submit it for consideration.
Choosing Your Storytelling Challenge
Pick the option that best fits your interests and access
- Want to cover something happening now? Choose 3a.
- Enjoy asking questions face to face? Choose 3b.
- Like reading about interesting careers and history? Choose 3c.
- Already have a troop, district, or council event coming up? Choose 3d.
- What you will gain: 3a builds reporting structure, 3b strengthens interviewing, 3c teaches research and biography writing, and 3d adds real submission experience.
Next, start with the first choice: writing a news or feature story from a current or unusual event.