Merit badges

You can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn merit badges. There are more than 135 merit badges, and any Scout may earn any of these at any time.

Scouts need to accumulate at least 21 merit badges before earning the Eagle Scout rank. Of those 21 badges, 14 must come from this list of Eagle-required merit badges and the rest can be any badges not used for these 14.

How to earn a merit badge in 10 easy steps

1.    Choose a merit badge to work on.

2.    See if you can get other Scouts to work with you — it makes it easier and more fun for you and it is easier for the merit badge counselor.

3.    Get a blue merit badge card signed by Mr. Lindquist or Mr. Rudnicki.  Let them know what merit badge you are going to work on. 

4.    Print out the worksheets for the badge at www.scouting.org (this one is the official BSA site).  Make sure you are using the most current requirements.  

5.    Read through the requirements and see if any of them need you to keep track of something over time or require a counselor’s approval to start.

6.    As you start working on the badge, record your work on the worksheets. This helps you know which requirements you have completed and makes it easier for both you and your merit badge counselor to be sure you have fulfilled all the requirements.

7.    When you are confident that you have completed the requirements or when you get to a part that needs the counselor’s signature, it is time to contact a merit badge counselor.  Mr. Rudnicki can help you find a counselor. Email the counselor at least three days in advance of when you would like to meet and be prepared to offer choices of dates and times to meet. Make sure he or she has your contact information in case they have to make a change in time or place.  Your counselor cannot meet alone with you so they may ask you to bring a parent or another Scout or to meet in a public place. 

8.    When you meet your counselor, wear your Class A uniform. Be prepared! Bring your blue merit badge card for the counselor to fill in - make sure you've written your name and merit badge on the card before giving it to the counselor.  Arrive on time with all your materials organized and complete. If you need to show your counselor something you built or created for the badge, bring it.  If it can’t be conveniently carried, bring good photos.  If your counselor tells you that you need to do more work on the badge, make sure you understand exactly what is required and write it down! Your counselor will return your merit badge card to you. Keep track of it and give it to your counselor when you meet again. 

9.    Once you have completed the badge and get the card signed by the merit badge counselor, turn it in to Mr. Rudnicki, Advancement Coordinator. 

10.    Congratulate yourself on a job well done!