What is a Merit Badge?

1. A Scout earns a merit badge when he completes a series of required activities found in their respective workbooks that relate to a certain topic, e.g. First Aid or Hiking, as approved by an adult Merit Badge Counselor who has been certified by the local Boy Scouts of America council. 

2. Some merit badges are required for rank advancement.  These are the seventeen “Eagle Required” badges and it should by noted only thirteen must be completed(The complete list is found below). Any addition will count towards the total optional badges earned. For instance, obtaining Swimming then Cycling will make one count as an Eagle required badge while the other acts as if it were any other optional badge.

3. There are two ways to earn merit badges: At a summer camp or with a Merit Badge Counselor. This can be done individually or in a group. To find a Merit Badge Counselor, contact Dr. Fishkin (drfishkin@gmail.com).