Merit Badges
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.
HOW TO START A MERIT BADGE
Choose & Get Approved
Pick a badge that interests you, find a buddy to do it with you, review the requirements, and speak with your Scout Master. You’ll receive a signed blue card and the name of an approved Merit Badge Counselor.
Connect & Complete Requirements
Contact your counselor to introduce yourself and schedule your first meeting. Remember you will need a merit badge buddy, and to follow Youth Protection (YP) guidelines by including a parent, guardian, or registered adult. Work through the badge requirements using the online pamphlet and counselor guidance.
Demonstrate & Earn
When you’ve finished the requirements, meet with your counselor to review your work. Once your signed application is approved, you will receive your merit badge.
Merit Badge Tip: Some Merit Badges are best earned within the Troop, while others are better suited for summer camp. If you are unsure which Merit Badge to take, please reach out to your ASM (Assistant Scout Master) or Scout Master.
Your Advancement and Merit Badge Questions, Answered:
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Scouts receive a “partial” and can complete the remaining requirements later with a counselor. Click HERE to see the Troop’s Merit Badge Counselor list.
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Eagle requires a specific set of badges focused on citizenship, leadership, personal management, fitness, and outdoor skills. Click HERE for a full list of Eagle-required Merit Badges.
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Yes. Rank advancement and merit badges often overlap, allowing Scouts to build skills and progress simultaneously.
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Scoutbook+ is the BSA tool designed to monitor a Scout’s advancement progress. We recommend that you review the information listed in Scoutbook every other month to ensure it’s accurate. Click HERE to access Scoutbook+.
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Every Scout progresses at their own pace, but with steady participation, most can complete the rank well before their 18th birthday.