Merit badges are an important component of Boy Scouting. Although the majority of Scout activities take place in group settings, merit badges are the responsibility of the individual Scout. Obtaining each badge requires that he set a goal and work diligently toward it. Each badge represents a personal achievement in completing the requirements and learning extensively about the particular merit badge's subject matter.
Understanding Merit Badges
Merit badges are used to encourage Boy Scouts to increase their knowledge of subjects they are interested in and branch out to explore new ones. Merit badges are available in the areas of business, sports, crafts, science, trades and future careers, with more than 100 badges covering a wide range of subjects. To advance to Eagle Scout, the highest rank in scouting, you must have 21 merit badges, 12 of which are specified. The other nine badges can be selected by the Scout.
To achieve Star rank, the Scout must have six merit badges, four of which have to come from the required list for the rank of Eagle Scout. For the Life rank, you need to earn five more badges, three of which must come from the Eagle Scout required badges list.
Acquiring Merit Badges
Boy Scouts can acquire merit badges at any time during their career as a Scout. After selecting a badge to work on, the Scout must talk to his Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster will provide contact information for a counselor who specializes in that area. The Scout buddy system requires that Scouts take a friend, parent or relative along with them to meet their counselor. The merit badge counselor will provide guidance on the activities that must be performed to earn the merit badge.
Each badge has an accompanying pamphlet with detailed information on the badge and associated requirements. These pamphlets are often available through the troop or at a school or public library. A brief listing of requirements for each badge can also be found online. After completing the activities required for the merit badge, the Scout must meet with his counselor again to obtain a signed application. This is then turned in to the Scoutmaster, who will present the Scout with his merit badge.
Exploring Merit Badges
The 12 required badges for the rank of Eagle Scout are First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving, Environmental Science, Personal Management, Camping, Family Life, and either Swimming, Hiking or Cycling.
The many other Scout badges available are designed to assist them in exploring various hobbies and careers. Merit badges cover a wide range of hobbies, including stamp collecting, painting, reading and basketry. Career-related badges include aviation, American business, engineering, entrepreneurship and journalism. Badges for snow sports, water sports, cycling and climbing cover the myriad athletic interests that a Scout might have, and those more academically inclined can earn merit badges in chemistry, electricity, geology, mammal study and nuclear science.
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