Merit badges give scouts the opportunity to investigate around 120 different areas of knowledge and skills. The merit badge program plays a major role in the scouting advancement program and participation can begin as soon as a scout registers with a troop. Each scout can explore topics from American Business to Woodworking as they have interest. The only limitations are their ambition and availability of adult merit badge counselors to offer instruction.

​

The Scout plans their advancement and progresses at their own pace as they meet each challenge. The Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others. 

​

1. Scout requests BLUE CARD and a Merit Badge (MB) Counselor to work with from the Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster.

2. Scout meets with MB Counselor and works on requirements.

3. Counselor signs off on completed requirements.

4. Scout obtains sign off from Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster.

5. Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster submits Advancement Report for MB.

6. Scout stores the signed blue card showing MB completion separately from Scout book.

7. Parent Hint:  make a photocopy of the blue cards. Originals store perfectly in baseball card vinyl sheets in a 3-ring binder.

​

Required Merit Badges: A scout can begin taking merit badges as soon as they join a troop, but no merit badges are required for advancement until reaching First Class rank. Advancement to Star, Life, and Eagle all require completion of merit badges, service, and demonstration of responsibility. To reach Eagle rank, a scout must complete a total of at least 21 Boy Scout merit badges, 13 of which come from the Eagle-required badge list. 

​

The Eagle Required merit badges are as follows:  

(a) First Aid

(b) Citizenship in the Community

(c) Citizenship in the Nation

(d) Citizenship in the World

(e) Communication

(f) Cooking

(g) Personal Fitness

(h) Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving

(i) Environmental Science OR Sustainability

(j) Personal Management

(k) Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling

(l) Camping

(m) Family Life

Scouts must choose only one of the merit badges listed in categories h, i, and k. Any additional merit badge(s) earned in those categories may be counted as one of the eight optional merit badges used to make a total of 21.

​

Following is a list of ALL merit badges as of 2021:

​