Merit Badges
Earn Boy Scout Merit Badges!
You can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn merit badges. There are more than 130 merit badges. Any Boy Scout may earn a merit badge at any time. You don't need to have had rank advancement to be eligible.
MeritBadge.org website can provide asistance with your merit badge requirements and provide worksheets. Or visit the BSA merit badge program page.
Mert badges may be earned at summer camp, at workshops, Troop meetings or on your own. Various local organizations offer merit badge workshops, which may include:Burpee Museum Rolling Meadows Park District Pathway to Adventure Council
Steps to earning a merit badge
1. Pick a Subject. Talk to your unit leader about your interests. Read the requirements of the merit badges you think might interest you, and pick one to earn.
2. Get a signed Blue Card Application from your Scoutmaster.
3. Call the Merit Badge Counselor. Your leader will give you the name of a person from a list of counselors. These individuals have special knowledge in their merit badge subjects and are interested in helping you. Get in touch with the merit badge counselor and explain that you want to earn the badge. You should also discuss work you have already started or possibly completed.
4. Complete and document the Merit Badge Requirments! You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject. Many troops, schools, and public libraries have them. Also, visit MeritBadge.org website, which also has merit badge requirement worksheets.
5. When 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. You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor. This person can be your parent or legal guardian, or another registered adult.
6. Turn-in completed Blue Card to Advancement Chair When the counselor is satisfied you have met each requirement, he or she will sign your Blue Card application. Give the signed application to the Advancement Chair so your merit badge emblem can be secured for you. You will get your merit badge at the next Court of Honor!