What are badges?
Badges are a new addition to our Ignite program this year, so I'm sure many are wondering, "What are badges?"
Badges are a reward that students can earn by completing Ignite requirements and other activities. They will help students track what they have completed and what they still have left to do.
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Now, you might be wondering, "Why badges? What do they do for students?"
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I like to compare it to my own confirmation experience. When we successfully memorized Bible verse or books of the Bible, we would receive a pin to put on our Bible bags. My classmates and I loved to compare pins and a friendly competition was formed. Not only were we able to track what we had accomplished, but we were motivated to collect more pins than the other students.
By using badges to reward accomplishments, we are "gamifying" our confirmation program. In other words, we are applying game thinking in a non-game context. While the name might seem unfamiliar, the gamifying concept is not at all new. A few examples include scouts earning patches for completing tasks, a watch sending badges for exercising, businesses using a reward system to build customer loyalty, and of course, there's video games themselves!
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As an avid gamer myself, I know firsthand the appeal of earning badges. Whether it is an online game with friends or a single-player game played offline, badges and titles are the motivation that keeps gamers hooked! Even when there is no true, physical award, we continue to compete for the next badge, the next achievement, any symbol of victory!
Scouts
Scouts receive patches for completing specific tasks
Fitness Apps
Some watches and apps award badges for reaching a new fitness goal
Reward Programs
Many businesses offer reward programs that use game mentality to increase customer loyalty
Video Games
The obvious, but important example, almost every game on the market involves unlocking badges, titles, or achievements of some kind
Why Gamification Works
Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World.
Jane McGonigal
Urgent Optimism
"Desire to act immediately to tackle an obstacle, combined with the belief that we have a reasonable hope of success."
Social
Fabric
"Gamers are virtuosos at weaving a tight social fabric." In many games, we have to cooperate and work together with others to achieve common values and goals.
Blissful Productivity
"Video games show us that people can work hard, as long as they are doing work that fits their personalities and makes them happy" (Steven Handel)
Epic
Meaning
There is a meaning behind our actions. In video games, we save worlds, conquer enemies, and take part in heroic accomplishments. What if we applied this to everyday life?
Gamification is becoming increasingly popular in schools and workplaces (and churches too!). By visiting "My Profile," students will not only be able to keep track of their own badges, but also see what their group mates are accomplishing and even send messages of encouragement!
We are excited to see what students are able to accomplish with this gamified frame of mind! Keep reading to see what badges Ignite students will be earning over the next three years.
Ignite Badge Guide
Attendance Badge
Worship Notes Badge
Awarded if student only misses 3 classes
(7th Grade)
Awarded if student only misses 3 classes
(8th Grade)
Awarded if student misses NO classes
(9th Grade)
Complete at least 8 worship notes
Complete at least 16 worship notes
Complete all 24 worship notes
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Church Service Badge
Community Service Badge
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Complete 6 Church Service Hours
Complete 12 Church Service Hours
Complete All 20 Church Service Hours
Complete 6 Comm. Service Hours
Complete 12 Comm. Service Hours
Complete All 20 Comm. Service Hours
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Mentoring
Badge
Retreat
Badge
Meet with Mentor 1 Time
Meet with Mentor 2 Times
Meet with mentor 3 Times
Attend Fall Retreat
(7th Grade)
Attend Fall Retreat
(8th Grade)
Attend Spring Retreat
(9th Grade)
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I Believe
Statement Badge
Faith App Badge
(9th Grade Only)
(9th Grade Only)
Submit Faith Statement
Complete Faith Interview
Attend 3 Sessions of Faith App 1
Attend 3 Sessions of Faith App 2
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