Merit Badges

2. Obtain a “Blue Card” from the scoutmaster and fill it out completely. You must get permission from either your Scoutmaster or ASM-Patrol Advisor before your start working on your merit badge. EAGLE REQUIRED Merit Badges can only be signed off by the Scoutmaster.

3. The troop merit badge coordinator can help locate a merit badge counselor. Call the counselor before you start the merit badge. They will give you any special requirements or changes. He or she will also counsel you on the subject if you need it.

4. When you have finished all of the requirements for the badge, call your counselor and set up an appointment to have them sign off on the requirements for the merit badge. Present yourself on time and in full uniform. Your counselor will test you and sign off your “blue card”, keeping one portion for their records.

5. Have the completed “blue card” signed off by Scoutmaster or your assigned Patrol Advisor before turning it in to the Advancement Chair. The badge will be purchased for you and awarded at the next Court of Honor. EAGLE REQUIRED Merit Badges can only be signed off by the Scoutmaster.

6. Keep your portion of the “blue card” in your “safe.” DO NOT LOSE YOUR RECORDS!

[Note: List of Merit Badge Counselors within Troop 266 at bottom of this page]

How To Earn A Merit Badge

Merit badges can be classified into two groups, Eagle Required and Non Eagle Required. The Troop considers the process of earning merit badges to be very beneficial and thus strongly encourages all scouts to earn more than the minimum number required for rank advancement. Many men today are working in fields that they first learned about as a result of earning merit badges.

These are the steps needed to earn a merit badge:

1. Obtain and study the merit badge pamphlet.

a. Buy it from the scout shop.

b. Get it from the troop library (see the librarian).

c. Borrow it from your local public library.

d. Borrow it from a friend in the troop.

e. Current requirements available on the internet.