Brief Overview

For more details, see “Full Description of the Merit Badge Process” in the following section.

1. The Scout asks the Scoutmaster for permission, via in person or email, to start the merit badge.  A Scout SHOULD NOT start a merit badge without the Scoutmaster’s approval. Upon approval, the Scoutmaster provides a blue card for the Scout at the next meeting or activity.
2. In some cases a blue card is not required, e.g., merit badge academies and summer camp; however, permission by the Scoutmaster should still be obtained.
3. The Scout works on the merit badge requirements, meeting with the appropriate Merit Badge Counselor as needed.
4. The Merit Badge Counselor signs off on requirements as they are completed.
5. After all requirements are completed, the Merit Badge Counselor indicates completion of the merit badge on the blue card.
6. The Scout provides the Scoutmaster with the completed merit badge blue card.
7. The Scoutmaster signs the blue card and turns it into the Troop Advancement Coordinator.

Who Can Take Eagle Required Merit Badges
In general, if a scout has not attained the rank of First Class, then that scout should not request permission to start an Eagle required merit badge.  This is a Troop 22 guideline.  One reason is that Eagle required merit badges are long and involved, and completion of the associated requirements will compete for time as the scout is attempting to get to First Class rank.  Another reason is that the content for Eagle required merit badges is typically geared towards older, more mature boys. Some have age recommendations. 

 There are 4 exceptions:  Swimming, First Aid, Camping, and Cooking.  Troop 22 allows new scouts to participate in and complete these four since the skills and knowledge attained with these badges are valuable and applicable from the beginning of the Boy Scout experience.

Full Description of the Merit Badge Process

The requirements for each merit badge appear in the current BSA merit badge pamphlet for that award and in the current edition of the Boy Scout Requirements book, available at Scout shops, council service centers, and meritbadge.org. Requirements may change. The latest changes are on BSA national website, and go into effect at the beginning of each year.

 When a Scout has selected a merit badge he must first get the scoutmaster’s permission to start the process. At this time, the Scoutmaster signs the Application for Merit Badge (blue card) and gives that card to the Scout.   Next, the scout must contact the merit badge’s approved troop Merit Badge Counselor.  If no troop counselor exists for that badge, the scout should contact the adult Merit Badge Counselor Coordinator. 

 Working on merit badges is especially enjoyable when Scouts work together. The BSA encourages making the buddy system a part of the merit badge program.  Together a scout and at least one buddy meet with the Merit Badge Counselor, plan projects, and keep enthusiasm high. A Scout’s buddy could be another Scout, a parent or guardian, brother or sister, other relative, or friend. The buddy comes to all appointments with the Counselor.

The Scout contacts the Merit Badge Counselor to make an appointment. The counselor may suggest that the Scout prepare by reading over the requirements and bring the merit badge pamphlet, Application for Merit Badge, and any work that has been started or accomplished. Merit badge pamphlets are available through the scout shop or troop library (most). Merit badge pamphlets can be checked out online then obtained from the troop Librarian. The pamphlets are written for Scout-age boys and contain suggestions for projects. The Scout should obtain the current printing of the pamphlet as it will contain the latest requirements and information. While the pamphlet is not required, it helps the counselor know what the Scout may be studying and the level of learning expected of the Scout.

Once a Scout has started working on a merit badge, he may stay with the requirements in effect when he started. He is not required to meet newly introduced changes unless the national office places a specific timeline on the implementation of new requirements. He should keep a copy of the older requirements he must satisfy until he has received his badge. His Scoutmaster's signature date is the time when the Scout “starts” a badge.

At their first meeting, the Merit Badge Counselor and the Scout decide upon a tentative schedule for completing the requirements keeping the Scout’s other obligations (Scouting, school, worship, etc.) in mind. The Counselor will explain the requirements for the badge and help the Scout plan ways to fulfill these requirements to get the most out of the experience. If applicable the Scout will share with the Merit Badge Counselor any work he has started or accomplished.

The number of counseling sessions depends on the difficulty of the merit badge requirements and the Scout’s preparation and ability. The Scout and Counselor are expected to meet as many times as is necessary. The advancement program allows the Scout to move ahead in his own way and at his own pace. Rather than competing against others, he challenges himself to go as far as his ambition will carry him. The rate of advancement depends upon his interest, effort, and ability.

Merit Badge Counselors may expand on the information in the merit badge pamphlet based on their knowledge, experience, and expertise in the subject. Counselors are encouraged to share their own experiences that positively reinforce the subject matter.

The Merit Badge Counselor assesses the Scout’s knowledge to ensure he has completed all the required work—no more, and no less. The Counselor may not add to, delete from, or modify the merit badge requirements in any way, although certain considerations can be made for Scouts with disabilities.

As the Scout completes each requirement, he is tested (with a buddy present) and if successful, the Merit Badge Counselor records it on the application. When all the requirements are fulfilled, the Merit Badge Counselor certifies completion. The Scout returns his completed Application for Merit Badge (blue card, if one is used) to his Scoutmaster.

There shall be no Board of Review procedure for merit badges, but public recognition is given at a Court of Honor or other suitable occasion.

Group Instruction of Merit Badges
The question arises as to whether it is permissible to have Scouts earn merit badges in groups. Many subjects may be presented to groups of Scouts without defeating the purposes of the merit badge plan – working closely with a qualified adult, and being tested individually to determine if the Scouts meets all the requirements.

 A Scout may not qualify for merit badges by just being a member of a group that is instructed in skills. When one Scout in a group answers a question, it does not prove all the other group members know the answer. Then, too, each Scout learns at his own pace. No Scout should be held back or pushed ahead by his association with a group.

 Partial completion of merit badges at camp or academies will be credited to a Scout on the Application for Merit Badge (blue card) and given to his Scoutmaster at the end of the week. Back home, the Scout would contact a Merit Badge Counselor for assistance with completing the rest of the requirements.