Merit Badges

Merit badges are a way for scouts to explore different skills and interests, and get recognized with a badge for their efforts. There are over 130 different badges available, which span all kinds of topics. As you progress through the higher ranks, you’ll need to earn certain badges to continue ranking up.

The Badges

Refer to the Merit Badges A-Z page for a list of every merit badge. You can open the page for each badge to see the list of requirements and download the merit badge pamphlet, which is a guidebook for earning the badge.

Merit Badge Counselors

Merit badge counselors (MBCs) are people who help scouts earn merit badges. Each counselor is approved to help with a specific set of badges, and only approved counselors can sign off on merit badge requirements.

To find a counselor, you can ask the Advancement Coordinator to look up available counselors for the badge you’re interested in.

Tip

If you’re 18 or older, you can become a merit badge counselor! Badge counseling is a rewarding, valuable, and low-time-investment way to give back to our Scouting community. Check out the Merit Badge Counselor page for more information.

Earning a Merit Badge

Your progress towards earning a merit badge is recorded on a piece of paper called a “blue card”. Before you start working with a merit badge counselor, you must see the Scoutmaster to get a signed blue card.

As you complete the requirements, your counselor will sign them off on your blue card. Once the badge is finished, the counselor will sign off the blue card, and you can then turn it in to the Scoutmaster.

Caution

Before you begin workking with a counselor, you must see the Scoutmaster for approval and to get a signed blue card.