Merit Badges

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You can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn merit badges. There are more than 130 merit badges. Any BSA Scout may earn a merit badge at any time. You don’t need to have had rank advancement to be eligible.

The process for Merit Badges
  1. Pick a Merit Badge. 
    • See the entire list at the Merit Badges page (scroll down to the ‘Merit Badge Requirements’ section).
  2. Get a signed Blue Card from your Scoutmaster. 
  3. Find a Counselor.
    • Talk to your Scout Master to find Merit Badge Counselors.
    • Troop internal list: TroopWebHost > Menu > Advancement > Merit Badge Counselors
    • Our Council keeps a list of here.
  4. Contact the Counselor. 
    • Explain that you want to earn the merit badge and work out how the counselor can help you complete it. Bring your Blue Card.
  5. Work on the Merit Badge. 
    • When the counselor is satisfied you have met each requirement, they will sign your Blue Card.
  6. Turn in the Blue Card
    • Give the signed Blue Card to the Troop’s Advancement Chair so it can be registered and you can receive the emblem.
  7. Get the Merit Badge.

From BSA’s Merit Badges:

  • Pick a Subject. Talk to your unit leader about your interests. Read the requirements of the merit badges you think might interest you, and pick one 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.
  • 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 Application for Merit Badge, No. 34124, 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.

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