2. Scouting Program

Describe merit badges

2d.
Describe what merit badges are and how they are earned.

Merit badges give Scouts the opportunity to explore more than 135 specialized subjects—from aviation and robotics to wilderness survival, scuba diving, and personal finance. They allow you to discover potential career paths, develop lifelong hobbies, and master essential life skills.

Types of Merit Badges

Merit badges are divided into two primary categories:

  1. Eagle-Required Merit Badges: These badges feature a distinctive silver border around the patch. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, you must earn 14 specific Eagle-required badges across essential subjects:
    • First Aid
    • Citizenship in Society
    • Citizenship in the Community
    • Citizenship in the Nation
    • Citizenship in the World
    • Communication
    • Cooking
    • Personal Fitness
    • Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving
    • Environmental Science OR Sustainability
    • Personal Management
    • Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling
    • Camping
    • Family Life
  2. Elective Merit Badges: These badges feature a green border and cover hundreds of diverse disciplines (e.g., Archery, Astronomy, Woodwork, Game Design, Nuclear Science). You choose the subjects that match your personal passions.

The Step-by-Step Process to Earn a Merit Badge

Every merit badge follows an established, five-step mentoring process:

[1. Scoutmaster Chat & Blue Card] 
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[2. Connect with Counselor] 
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[3. Complete Requirements] 
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[4. Counselor Sign-Off] 
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[5. Troop Record & Recognition]

Step 1: Talk with Your Scoutmaster

Tell your Scoutmaster which merit badge you want to pursue. Your Scoutmaster will provide you with an official Application for Merit Badge (commonly called a “Blue Card” or its digital record in Scoutbook) and give you the contact information for an approved, registered counselor.

Step 2: Contact the Merit Badge Counselor

A Merit Badge Counselor is an adult volunteer with recognized expertise or professional experience in that specific field. You (along with a buddy, parent, or fellow Scout, in full compliance with two-deep Youth Protection guidelines) contact the counselor to introduce yourself and schedule an initial meeting.

Step 3: Work on the Requirements

Obtain the official Merit Badge Pamphlet from your troop library, Scout shop, or library. Study the material, complete the research, build the projects, and practice the required skills.

Step 4: Meet with the Counselor for Evaluation

Demonstrate your work, bring your projects, and explain your answers to the counselor. The counselor evaluates your proficiency, ensures every requirement is completed as written (no more, no less), and signs your Blue Card.

Step 5: Submit for Recognition

Return the completed, signed Blue Card to your Scoutmaster or Troop Advancement Chair. Your achievement is recorded in your official BSA record, and you are presented with the merit badge patch at the next Troop Court of Honor.