FAQ about Merit Badges...

Do I have to be a certain Rank before I can earn Merit Badges?

NO... Any Boy Scout may earn any merit badge at any time. You don't need to have had rank advancement to be eligible. You can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn these merit badges. There are more than 100 merit badges.

How do I work on a Merit Badge?

1st - Pick a Subject. Talk to your Scoutmaster about your interests. Read the requirements of the merit badges you think might interest you. 

2nd - Request an "Application for Merit Badge". This is commonly called a "Blue Card",  You must have your Scout Master authorize it by signing the card before you start work on your merit badge.

3rd - Locate an authorized merit badge counselor. Your Scoutmaster can give you the name of a person from a list of counselors or you can check the Merit Badge Counselor List on the Troop 80 web site. These counselors have special knowledge in their merit badge subjects and are interested in helping you. You must work with a merit badge counselor that is registered with the BSA and approved to teach the merit badge that you are working on.

4th - Use the Scout Buddy System. You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor. This person can be another Scout, your parents or guardian, a brother or sister, a relative, or a friend. Get in touch with the merit badge counselor and tell him or her that you want to earn the merit badge. The counselor may ask you to come and see him so he can explain what he expects and start helping you meet the requirements.

5th - Learn & Do. When you know what is expected, start to learn and do the things required. Ask your counselor to help you learn the things you need to know or do. You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject. Check with your troop Librarian to borrow the merit badge book. If the troop doesn't have a copy you can buy one at the Scout Store or ask one of the Scoutmasters about it. Note that you are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated -- no more and no less. You are expected to do exactly what is stated in the requirements. If it says "show or demonstrate," that is what you must do. Just telling about it isn't enough. The same thing holds true for such words as "make," "list," "in the field," and "collect," "identify," and "label."

6th - Show Your Stuff. When you are ready, call the counselor again to make an appointment to meet the requirements. (Remember to use the Buddy System) 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 ask you to do each requirement to make sure that you know your stuff and have done or can do the things required.

7th - Get the Badge. 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 that your merit badge emblem can be awarded to you.

What is a "Partial" Merit Badge & How do I complete it?

At summer camp, or other scout functions where merit badge work is done,
a “Partial Merit Badge” or “Certificate of Advancement Not Completed” is often issued when you have completed some, but not all, of the requirements for a merit badge. Camp Bud Scheile, for example, uses an 8 ½” x 5 ½” pre-printed vanilla colored card that is signed & dated by a staff member/counselor and lists the requirements that have not been completed. This is a note that you can give to another merit badge counselor that shows you have completed all the requirements for the merit badge except those listed on the card. To be awarded the merit badge you must finish the requirements and have an "Application for Merit Badge", (“blue card”) signed by a merit badge counselor that is registered and approved for that merit badge by the Boy Scout Council. The “partial card” can not be used for the final sign-off, you must get a "blue-card". A parent’s signature or Scout Leader’s signature can not be used to sign for the completion of the merit badge unless that adult is a registered merit badge counselor approved for that merit badge. Here's the correct procedure to follow...

1st - Request an "Application for Merit Badge" (Blue Card). In order for you to earn a merit badge that you have partially completed you should start by requesting an official “Application for Merit Badge” form No.34124 (also known as a “blue card”) from your Scoutmaster. Fill out the application and have it signed by your Scoutmaster.

2nd - Locate an authorized merit badge counselor. Your Scoutmaster can give you the name of a person from a list of counselors or you can check the Merit Badge Counselor List on the Troop 80 web site. You must work with a merit badge counselor that is registered with the BSA and approved to teach the merit badge that you are working on. 

3rd - Call or contact the merit badge counselor. Remember to always use the "Buddy System" and never meet with a merit badge counselor alone. You should explain to the counselor when and where you began work on the merit badge and present the counselor with both the “blue card” and the “Partial Merit Badge-or- Certificate of Advancement Not Completed” card. Keep in mind that the “partial card” is not an official form and the merit badge counselor does not have to honor it, though they usually do. The merit badge counselor that finally signs the official “blue card” has the responsibility of assuring that you have met all the requirements of the badge. This means that the signing counselor can, at their discretion, require you to repeat some or all of the requirements.

4th - Learn & Do. When you know what is expected, start to learn and do the things required. Ask your counselor to help you learn the things you need to know or do. You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject. Check with your troop Librarian to borrow the merit badge book. If the troop doesn't have a copy you can buy one at the Scout Store or ask one of the Scoutmasters about it. Note that you are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated -- no more and no less. You are expected to do exactly what is stated in the requirements. If it says "show or demonstrate," that is what you must do. Just telling about it isn't enough. The same thing holds true for such words as "make," "list," "in the field," and "collect," "identify," and "label."

5th - Show Your Stuff. When you are ready, call the counselor again to make an appointment to meet the requirements. (Remember to use the Buddy System) 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 ask you to do each requirement to make sure that you know your stuff and have done or can do the things required.

6th - Get the Badge. 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 that your merit badge emblem can be awarded to you.