Scouting Merit Badge Patches
Scouts BSA merit badges give scouts the opportunity to investigate around 130 different areas of knowledge and skills. The merit badge program plays a major role in the scouting advancement program and participation can begin as soon as a scout registers with a troop. Each scout can explore topics from American Business to Woodworking as they have interest. The only limitations are ambition and availability of adult merit badge counselors to offer instruction.
Read More about the Boy Scout merit badge process.
Merit Badge Pamphlets: An official merit badge pamphlet has been created for the BSA by topic authorities for each merit badge. The pamphlets contain requirements, introductory information and supplemental reference text. A scout can purchase pamphlets from BSA, find them in a troop library, or often-times check them out from a public library. There is also a Requirements Booklet with a merit badge list for quick reference.
Merit Badge Counselors: Merit badge counselors are volunteers that have been selected, trained, and approved by council or district committees. They are knowledgeable in the topic and understand the goals of scouting and the Scouts BSA merit badge program. Many districts have a directory of counselors. See this page for more info on becoming a merit badge counselor.
Merit Badge Process: A scout decides they would like to earn a specific merit badge. They obtain approval to begin the merit badge from their Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster identifies possible merit badge counselors. The scout identifies another scout, buddy, or family member that will be their partner to attend all meetings with the counselor to follow safe scouting guidelines. They then contact the counselor to begin badge work. The counselor reviews the requirements with the scout and they decide on projects to complete and a completion schedule. The counselor provides expertise, advice, guidance as needed until the scout has completed the requirements. The merit badge counselor certifies completion of requirements and the merit badge patch is presented at a court of honor or troop meeting. See this page for more info on merit badges.
Required Merit Badges: Scouts can begin taking merit badges as soon as they join a troop, but no merit badges are required for advancement until a scout receives the First Class rank. Advancement to Star, Life, and Eagle all require completion of merit badges, service, and demonstration of responsibility. To reach Eagle rank, a scout must complete a total of at least 21 Scouts BSA merit badges, 13 of which come from the Eagle-required merit badge list (14 starting in July, 2022).
Request New Merit Badge Topics
If you feel another topic or activity should be added, you need to tell the Boy Scouts of America directly.
For new merit badge ideas, send your request to: merit.badge@scouting.org
See section 7.0.4.0 of this page for more info.
More Scouting Information to Use:
Merit Badges - requirements and aids
Scout Activities - great scout activity ideas
Scout Awards - see what awards are available to scouts
Scout Ceremonies - some ceremony ideas
Scout Games - patrol or troop games
Scout Graces - fun meal graces
Scout Jokes - funny, gross, and silly jokes for scouts
Scout Projects - community projects for Scouts BSA patrols or troops
Scout Recipes - tasty food recipes for scout camping
Scout Skits - skits that scouts like to do
Scout Songs - songs for scouts
Scout Stories - stories that scouts will enjoy and understand
Scout Uniform - make sure you put all those badges and patches in the right spots
Scout Tests - online tests for scouts to test their knowledge
Scout Schedule - sample schedule to reach First Class rank in 12-18 months
Eagle Scout Schedule - sample schedule to reach Eagle Scout
Scouting 2026 - Ask a Question - Add Content
Just for Fun: Socializing merit badge
Find more Scouting Resources at www.BoyScoutTrail.com
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