Advancement

Upcoming Merit Badge Workshops

• University of Scouting - SIU Edwardsville & Virtual - January 16th-28th

• Rolla MBU - Missouri S&T, Rolla, MO - February 11th

• Trail to Eagle MBU - Bonne Terre, MO - February 18th

• Spring Shoot-O-Ree - Beaumont SR - March 18th

• American Labor MB - Amer. Labor Training Center, High Hill, MO - March 25th

• Swimming MB (Y-Kiki Divers) - Several Dates Available

More information located under Merit Badge Skill Centers on the GSLAC website.

Getting Started on Merit Badges

A Scout begins working on a Merit Badge by contacting the Scoutmaster and requesting a Merit Badge Card (Blue Card) which will be signed by the Scoutmaster. The Scout will then reach out to a Merit Badge Counselor. All communication with adult leaders and Merit Badge Counselors should include the Scout's parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s). Many of the adult leaders in our troop are Merit Badge Counselors (see the Adult Leadership page). If our troop doesn't have a counselor for that Merit Badge, our leaders can help find one on the GSLAC Merit Badge Counselor List.

The Scout will work with the Merit Badge Counselor to complete the requirements. Once all requirements are complete, the Merit Badge Counselor will sign the Merit Badge Card and record the completion date. Scouts should turn in the completed card to the Troop Advancement Coordinator who will record the completed Merit Badge in Scoutbook. Scouts should keep all Merit Badge Cards in a safe place as a record of completion should they need it when it comes time to prepare for advancement to the Eagle Scout rank.