Things you should know

Merit badges are one of the most important aspects of scouting , so its useful to know a bit about them.

Click here to see the current available merit badges

Here is the troop 253 merit badge process:

1. scout requests permission from the scout master to take the merit badge and asks for a blue card

2. Unit advancement chair or scout master recommends/connects scout with merit badge counselor if needed.

3. Scout meets merit badge counselor to start the badge.

4. When the badge is completed the merit badge counselor signs the blue card and gives it to the scout

A-If the merit badge is completed in person then the scout needs to give the blue card to the UAC (unit advancement chair)

B-If the merit badge is completed online then the scout needs to send the electronic card to the unit advancement chair

5. Scout records the merit badge in their book and the online scout book as well

6. UAC approves the badge online and it is received at the next court of honor

When you email or call a scoutmaster, asm or counselor it is required to cc a parent/guardian.

Troop 253 rank advancement process:

1. When you're ready to rank up you need to have a scoutmaster conference which can be done by emailing the scoutmaster at troop253oben@gmail.com to request schedule a conference.

2. After your scoutmaster conference Email the unit advancement chair at UACtroop253@gmail.com to request to schedule a board of review. All board of reviews will take place on the 3rd Tuesday of every month during greebar meetings. You may want to do a bit of studying because you are going to need to answer questions on your achievements.

You cant be a Boy-scout without the book, it has all the necessary information you will need to start scouting. In your book you record your achievements, requirements, ranks, service hours, hikes, and campouts. Whenever you add something to your book there is a good chance your going to need to get it signed off. Losing your book is a big deal because if you do and you don't have a backup you could lose your rank progress and service hours or even be set back to square one. So consider getting a protective book case and putting your name on it. There is also a Boy-scout app you can use as a electronic book just in case.

A list of rank requirements can be found here