Merit Badge Program

Merit Badges for Rank Advancement

Steps to Earn a Merit Badge

Merit badges can be earned by Scouts in a variety of settings: on their own with a merit badge counselor, at winter and summer camps, by attending Merit Badge Universities, and in virtual settings either through Zoom/Google Meets or self paced using Google Classrooms. Whatever method a Scout chooses for completing a merit badge, the steps for completion remain the same.

1. Pick a subject.

Find a merit badge that you would like to work on whether it's just one you are interested in or a required merit badge. Talk with your Scoutmaster about your interest. He or She will help you find a merit badge counselor --- an adult with special knowledge in the field --- and will give you a signed merit badge application (often called a "blue card") that the counselor will fill out as you complete the badge requirements. Please note that with more and more opportunities moving online and the use of Scoutbook by many Troops, Councils, and Merit Badge Counselors, your blue card can be either a physical card signed by the Scoutmaster or it can be created digitally. Your counselor will let you know which type they prefer to use.

2. Contact the merit badge counselor.

Get in touch with the merit badge counselor and tell him or her that you want to earn the merit badge. In the event that the merit badge is being offered online or as a part of a camp or merit badge university you can just simply sign up for the merit badge course. The counselor may ask to meet you to explain what is expected and to start helping you complete the requirements. You should also discuss work that you have already started or possibly completed. (Unless otherwise specified, work for a requirement can be started at any time.) Ask you counselor to help you learn the things you  need to know or do. You should obtain and read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject. 

3. Show your stuff.

Once you are ready, 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 test you on each requirement to make sure you know your stuff and have done or can do the things required.

In online and class settings your counselor may have requirements that they would like for you to complete prior to the class. The prerequisites should be completed to the best of your ability and you should have them ready to show at the start of the class. In addition, any requirements not completed during the live class (online or in-person) should be completed in your own time. Once completed you will follow the steps above to get the final requirements approved and signed as completed.

4. Be recognized.

When the counselor is satisfied that you have met each requirement, he or she will sign your application. Give the signed application to your Scoutmaster so you can be awarded your badge! If you completed your merit badge through a camp, merit badge university, or other class type that your Troop signed up for, then your Scoutmaster or Advancement Coordinator will give you a copy of your completed blue card for your records.