Merit Badge Counselors

Merit Badges -- even people unassociated with BSA Scouts have heard this term. So, what's the big deal?  What is a merit badge, and what is the purpose of a merit badge? Why do Scouts earn them?  

Merit badges are those small circular badges with various little images on them that are sewn or affixed onto a green (merit badge) sash. They serve the unique purpose of introducing Scouts to new areas of interest with the intent to gain or improve knowledge in that functional area. To earn one, the Scout must complete a series of well-defined tasks and show a Merit Badge Counselor what they've done and learned.  To earn a merit badge, doesn't mean you need to become a subject matter expert in that field -- just simply become more knowledgeable. As of 2024, there are 138 different merit badges offered. Scouts earn merit badges because, through them, they learn important principles that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Scouts also earn merit badges as they rank up and to attain the scout rank of Eagle, the current requirements state that an Eagle must earn at least 21 and at least 14 of those must come from a select group, seen here at Eagle Scout Required Merit Badges.

The following adult leaders of Troop 777 are council-approved to train Scouts on the merit badges listed until the date of expiration of approval listed (subject to change):