Earning merit badges is part of Boy Scout Advancements. As you go through the ranks in Boy Scouting, scouts must earn at least 21 Merit Badges, including these 12 Eagle Required Merit Badges!! Earning merit badges allows you to explore many fields, helps you round out your skills, and introduces you to subjects that will perhaps become lifelong interests or a rewarding career. See the following Rank Advancement Requirements to see how Merit Badges fit in on your Trail to Eagle.

Scouts, follow these 10 Easy Steps to earn your badges:

1. Read the requirements of the merit badges you think might interest you here. Pick one to earn. Ask a Scout Buddy to earn this badge with you because...You must have another person (could also be parent) with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor.
2. See the Advancement Chair to get a merit badge application or “blue card”.
3. Talk to your Scoutmaster about your interest in the badge, and ask him to sign your blue card. Keep your blue card in a SAFE place!!
4. Your Scoutmaster will give you the name and number of a MB counselor.
5. Obtain and read the entire Merit Badge pamphlet.
6. Call the merit badge counselor and tell him or her that you want to earn the merit badge. The counselor may ask you & your buddy to come and see him so he can explain what he expects and start helping you meet the requirements.
7. When you know what is expected, start to learn and do the things required. Ask your counselor if you need help to learn the things you need to know or do.
8. When you are ready, call the counselor again to make an appointment to meet the requirements. When you go, take along the things you have made to meet the requirements, as well as your blue card. When he or she is satisfied that you have met each requirement, the counselor will sign your blue card application.
9. Show the signed application to your Scoutmaster for the final SM signature.
10. Turn your blue card in to the Advancement Chair so that your merit badge emblem can be secured for you.

So get out there to learn + earn something new!!

Where can I find out more information about Merit Badges?

Advancement Guidelines

Merit Badge Requirements List of all MB current requirements

Merit Badge Pamphlets List of dates for current MB booklets

Merit Badge Worksheets from Meritbadge.com site.

Merit Badge Worksheets includes several badge worksheets for either old or new requirements.

Merit Badge Review Mr. D's 2005 MB Review discusses the difficulty of each badge and about how long it will take to earn it.

Current MB Revision Dates

What is a Merit Badge Counselor?
Merit Badge Counselors play a key role in Scouting's advancement program. Earning merit badges provide Scouts with more than just opportunities to advance to a higher rank. The process of earning badges gives boys the kind of self-confidence that comes only from overcoming difficult obstacles to achieve a goal. The merit badge program also provides boys a chance to learn career skills that might help them select their lifework. Many merit badges help boys develop physical fitness and provide hobbies to give a lifetime of healthful recreation.
Merit badge counselors provide the means for Scouts to explore many subjects that may not be available to them otherwise. These benefits cannot happen without the service of merit badge counselors knowledgeable in particular subjects and interested in helping Scouts grow into men of character who are ready to take their place in the world of work as participating citizens.
Go to BSA Merit Badge Counselor Instructors Guide and Merit Badge Counseling

What do I need to do to become a Merit Badge Counselor?
The Goose Creek District Advancement Committee prepared a pamphlet to inform and assist Merit Badge Counselors. Start by reading "Guidelines for Merit Badge Counselors" from Goose Creek District.
You can also read this online MBC training: Merit Badge Counselor Orientation

The following are the basic requirements to qualify as a Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselor:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Be proficient in the merit badge subject either by vocation or avocation.
3. Be able to work with Scout-age boys.
4. Be registered with the Boy Scouts of America.

Thank you for your interest in working with the Scouts in Troop 956. Your contact with these Scouts is tremendously important. Your influence is measured not by the number of Scouts with whom you work, but by the effect upon the lives of those with whom you have an opportunity to work.
Throughout your association with Scouts, keep in mind that you are in reality assisting the Scoutmaster and other troop leaders in the advancement program. You should feel free to discuss the work of each Scout with his unit leader at any time.

Reminder: As a Merit Badge Counselor, you should agree to …

• Follow the requirements of the merit badge, making no deletions or additions, ensuring that the advancement standards are fair and uniform for all Scouts.
• Have a Scout and his buddy present at all instructional sessions.
• Renew your registration and certification annually with the Goose Creek District Advancement Committee if you plan to continue as a Merit Badge Counselor.