You can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn merit badges. There are more than 135 merit badges, and any Scout may earn any of these at any time.
Pick a Subject. Talk to your unit leader about your interests. Read the requirements of the merit badges on Scoutbook or in a Merit Badge book available in the Scoutmaster Office you think might interest you, and pick one to earn. Once you decide on one you want to earn, Your leader will give you the name of a person from a list of counselors. These individuals have special knowledge in their merit badge subjects and are interested in helping you. you will also get a Blue Card that will keep track of your requirements.
Scout Buddy System. You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor. This person can be another Scout, your parents or guardian, a brother or sister, a relative, or a friend.
Call the Merit Badge Counselor. Get a signed Blue Card, from your unit leader. Get in touch with the merit badge counselor and explain that you want to earn the badge. The counselor may ask to meet you to explain what is expected and to start helping you meet the requirements. You should also discuss work you have already started or possibly completed.
At the first meeting, you and your merit badge counselor will review and may start working on the requirements. In some cases, you may share the work you have already started or completed.
Unless otherwise specified, work on a requirement can be started at any time. Ask your counselor to help you learn the things you need to know or do. You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject. Once you have completed a requirement, you or your counselor will keep track of your progress in Scoutbook.
Show Your Stuff. When you are ready, call the counselor again to make an appointment. When you go, take along the things you have made to meet the requirements. If they are too big to move, take pictures or have an adult tell in writing what you have done. The counselor will test you on each requirement to make sure you know your stuff and have done or can do the things required.
Get the Badge. When the counselor is satisfied you have met each requirement, he or she will sign your application. Give the signed application to your unit leader so your merit badge emblem can be secured for you. You'll be presented with the badge at the next Court of Honor.
Pick a Subject. Talk to your unit leader about your interests. Read the requirements of the merit badges on Scoutbook or in a Merit Badge book available in the Scoutmaster Office you think might interest you, and pick one to earn. Once you decide on one you want to earn, Your leader will give you the name of a person from a list of counselors. These individuals have special knowledge in their merit badge subjects and are interested in helping you. you will also get a Blue Card that will keep track of your requirements.
Scout Buddy System. You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor. This person can be another Scout, your parents or guardian, a brother or sister, a relative, or a friend.
Call the Merit Badge Counselor. Get a signed Blue Card, from your unit leader. Get in touch with the merit badge counselor and explain that you want to earn the badge. The counselor may ask to meet you to explain what is expected and to start helping you meet the requirements. You should also discuss work you have already started or possibly completed.
At the first meeting, you and your merit badge counselor will review and may start working on the requirements. In some cases, you may share the work you have already started or completed.
Unless otherwise specified, work on a requirement can be started at any time. Ask your counselor to help you learn the things you need to know or do. You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject. Once you have completed a requirement, you or your counselor will keep track of your progress in Scoutbook.
Show Your Stuff. When you are ready, call the counselor again to make an appointment. When you go, take along the things you have made to meet the requirements. If they are too big to move, take pictures or have an adult tell in writing what you have done. The counselor will test you on each requirement to make sure you know your stuff and have done or can do the things required.
Get the Badge. When the counselor is satisfied you have met each requirement, he or she will sign your application. Give the signed application to your unit leader so your merit badge emblem can be secured for you. You'll be presented with the badge at the next Court of Honor.
The Merit Badge Success Formula is:
1. Inform Scoutmaster or Asst Scoutmaster of your intent to take a merit badge. Give them specifics of what, when, where, and with whom. Also, this is needed to see if age and rank requisites are met.
2. Sign up to take a Merit Badge Class through camp, merit badge colleges or calling a counselor WITH A BUDDY. BSA does not allow one-on-one, even if it is a parent. Always have a buddy.
3. Obtain Blue Merit Badge Cards from Scoutmaster or Advancement Chairman.
4. Have Scoutmaster sign Blue Card for approval and tracking within Troop.
5. Obtain Merit Badge Pamphlet/Book from Troop Library or purchase at Scout Shop (in Memphis) or online at Scoutstuff.org.
6. MOST IMPORTANT STEP: READ the entire Merit Badge Pamphlet/Book and be cognizant of all requirements.
7. Download the corresponding Merit Badge Worksheet(s) at MeritBadge.org.
8. Fill in worksheet with as much information from pamphlet to have majority of written work completed before meeting with counselor.
9. Meet with counselor. Some merit badges take one meeting, other may take several classes.
10. Obtain requirement completion dates and counselor signature on blue card when complete.
11. Turn in completed Blue Card to Scoutmaster or Advancement Chairman.
1. Inform Scoutmaster or Asst Scoutmaster of your intent to take a merit badge. Give them specifics of what, when, where, and with whom. Also, this is needed to see if age and rank requisites are met.
2. Sign up to take a Merit Badge Class through camp, merit badge colleges or calling a counselor WITH A BUDDY. BSA does not allow one-on-one, even if it is a parent. Always have a buddy.
3. Obtain Blue Merit Badge Cards from Scoutmaster or Advancement Chairman.
4. Have Scoutmaster sign Blue Card for approval and tracking within Troop.
5. Obtain Merit Badge Pamphlet/Book from Troop Library or purchase at Scout Shop (in Memphis) or online at Scoutstuff.org.
6. MOST IMPORTANT STEP: READ the entire Merit Badge Pamphlet/Book and be cognizant of all requirements.
7. Download the corresponding Merit Badge Worksheet(s) at MeritBadge.org.
8. Fill in worksheet with as much information from pamphlet to have majority of written work completed before meeting with counselor.
9. Meet with counselor. Some merit badges take one meeting, other may take several classes.
10. Obtain requirement completion dates and counselor signature on blue card when complete.
11. Turn in completed Blue Card to Scoutmaster or Advancement Chairman.