How do I earn Merit Badges?

Seven Easy Steps to Merit Badge Success:

1. Research: Figure out which merit badge you are interested in. See websites like www.meritbadge.org and www.usscouts.org for lots of useful information on requirements, and the types of activities you will be asked to carry out. You can also review a copy of the Boy Scout Requirements book (we have one at the Scout hut). When you've spotted a good candidate (or two) proceed to step 2.

2. Find a buddy. Get together with the other scouts in your patrol or troop and find someone who has a similar interest in the merit badge you have identified. Working together makes learning more interesting and fun. It also makes more efficient use of your merit badge counselor's time.

3. Find a counselor. Identify a merit badge counselor and contact him/her with your interest. The counselor may ask you some questions about your interest, your level in scouting and in school (not all merit badges are appropriate for all ages) and verify that she/he has time in their schedule to assist you.

Check the bulletin board in the Scout hut for the current list of approved counselors. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU WORK WITH A COUNSELOR ON THIS LIST!! If you can't find one, please talk to the Scoutmaster or Advancement Coordinator.

4. See the Scoutmaster: He will give you a blue-card after verifying several things with you:

1. You have followed steps 1-3 above. (Especially step 3)
2. You are making satisfactory progress in rank to justify working on a merit badge. Generally, First Class rank is a requirement for initiating merit badge work (there are exceptions though, so ask!)
3. You meet the minimum requirements for the merit badge
4. You don't have an excessive number of "partials"
5. You have properly completed the appropriate sections of your blue card.

The Scoutmaster will sign and date your blue-card.

5. Buy the book.  Buy the appropriate merit badge pamphlet at the scout shop or check with the troop librarian (we may have one you can borrow). Make sure you get the latest printing of the book (www.meritbadge.org shows all the latest publications dates.). With adult help, these can now be purchased online (click the book at right) READ THE BOOK ! ! !

6. Get it done! Get with your counselor and start to work! This is the fun part ! !  Keep at it until you finish all requirements.  Once you have completed the items to your counselor's satisfaction, he/she will sign your blue-card.

7. Turn it in. Turn in your blue card to the Advancement Chair, and you are officially complete! Congratulations!  Remember the rule about partials: nobody want's 'em!

A word about Blue Cards

The blue card is the official record of your work. Without one, you will not get your merit badge. Each card has three parts: one for the counselor, one for the advancement chair and one for you. If you lose your merit badge, your copy of the blue-card (the middle 1/3 of the card) may be your only way to get it replaced. So keep it in a safe place.

A word about parental involvement

Parents are welcome and encouraged to assist Scouts in the pursuit of merit badges. However, they are NOT to carry out the requirements on behalf of the Scout. For instance, the Scout, not a parent, should contact a counselor and the Scoutmaster per the steps above. The counselor will insist that the Scout carry out the individual requirements of the badge and will work with him until he is proficient enough to do so on his own.