Merit badges are an important part of the Boy Scout experience. There are over 130 different merit badges currently offered, ranging from Chess to Kayaking to Cooking and everything in between. For a current list of merit badges that are being offered, visit: http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Merit_Badges#List_of_current_Merit_Badges
As Scouts progress in rank, they will be required to complete a certain number of merit badges, including some of the "Eagle Required" merit badges. In order to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, a Scout must earn at least 21 merit badges, 13 of which must be the following:
- Camping
- Cooking
- Swimming, Hiking or Cycling
- Citizenship in the Community
- Citizenship in the Nation
- Citizenship in the World
- Communication
- Lifesaving or Emergency Preparedness
- Environmental Science or Sustainability
- Family Life
- First Aid
- Personal Fitness
- Personal Management
Select a Merit Badge: Talk to your unit leader about what Merit Badge interests you. Your unit leader will give you a Merit Badge Application or "blue card", and will give you the name of a Merit Badge Counselor you can work with. These individuals have special knowledge of the merit badge subject. Merit Badge books can be purchased at a Scout Store or online for roughly $5.00 each. Merit Badge Workbooks can also be found online to assist with keeping track of completed requirements.
Scout Buddy System: You must have another person with you at merit badge meetings. This can be another Scout, a parent or even a friend. We recommend Scouts work on Merit Badges together if possible.
Contact the Merit Badge Counselor: Once you have a signed Merit Badge Application from your unit leader, the Scout must reach out to the Merit Badge Counselor and explain that they want to work with them to earn the Merit Badge. The counselor may ask to meet with the Scout to explain what is expected and get them started.
Do the work: After the initial contact with the Merit Badge counselor, the Scout may begin completing the requirements of the Merit Badges. The counselor may ask to meet with the Scout periodically to "check in" on progress and review any completed requirements.
Completion: After all requirements are completed, and the Merit Badge Counselor has signed off on the Merit Badge Application, it should be given back to the unit leader. The accomplishment will be recorded, and the Scout will be presented with the Merit Badge at the Troop's Court of Honor.