Introduction to Merit Badges

Did you know that there are more than 100 merit badges you can earn? You will learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn these merit badges. You may earn any merit badge at any time after attaining the rank of Scout. Here’s what you need to do.

Select a Subject. Read the requirements of the merit badge that interests you. You can find the requirements for all merit badges on the Internet at www.meritbadge.com or in the Boy Scout Requirements Book that is published every year. Obtain a merit badge pamphlet on the subject and read it, but don’t worry about understanding everything in it. Pamphlets can be purchased in the Scout Shop at the Council office or at Ramsey’s.

Speak with your Scoutmaster. Talk to your Scoutmaster about your interests and listen to his guidance. He will then give you the name and telephone number of a merit badge counselor. These counselors have special knowledge in their merit badge subjects and are interested in helping you. Your Scoutmaster will also give you a signed merit badge application (blue card) that you will give to your counselor.

Call the Counselor. Get in touch with the merit badge counselor and tell them that you want to earn the merit badge. The counselor may ask you to come and see them so they can explain what they expect and start helping you meet the requirements. When you know what is expected its time to start learning and doing the things required. If you need help with something, just ask your counselor.

Use the Buddy System. You must remember to 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.

Show Your Stuff. When you are ready to demonstrate the requirement, 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 ask you to do each requirement to make sure that you know your stuff and have done or can do the things required.

Meet the Requirements. You are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated -- no more and no less. You are expected to do exactly what is stated in the requirements. If it says, "show or demonstrate," that is what you must do. Just telling about it isn't enough. The same thing holds true for such words as "make," "list," "in the field," "collect," "identify," "label," etc.

Get the Badge. Your counselor will sign your blue card each time they are satisfied that you have met a requirement. When all the requirements are completed, bring the counselor-signed blue card to your Scoutmaster for his signature. Then provide the Troop Advancement person with their portion of the blue card and they will arrange for you to receive your merit badge.

Important Note: Upon completing all the requirements of a merit badge you will receive a portion of the merit badge blue card. It is extremely important that you save this. When you apply for Eagle Scout you will have to produce all your blue cards as evidence that you have earned the merit badge. Using plastic baseball card sheets are a good way to store blue cards.