The ranks of Star, Life and Eagle require that a Boy Scout earn a certain number of merit badges, some of which are required. However, any Boy Scout can earn any merit badge at any time! They are awarded to Scouts for fulfilling requirements in specific areas of interest. There are more than 100 merit badges ranging from American Business to Woodworking. You can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, and future careers.

Pick a subject. Talk to your parents, adult leaders and other Scouts about your interests.

Read the requirements for the merit badges that interest you. You can find this information in the book “Boy Scout Requirements 2006”, and at www.meritbadge.com. First, ask the Troop Scoutmaster to approve your start by signing a merit badge application card. You then need to pick a counselor from either the Troop’s merit badge counselor list or from the Northwest District’s approved counselor directory. Be sure to fill out as much of the card as possible before meeting with your counselor. These adults have special knowledge in the merit badge you have selected, and are registered with the Boy Scouts of America. Purchase the booklet you need at the Scout Store, or check it out from the Troop library. (Note: it must be the most updated version for that merit badge).

Call the Counselor. Get in touch with your merit badge counselor by calling him or her. Set up a meeting to review expectations and requirements. Then you can start working on the requirements listed in each booklet. Your counselor will help you learn the things you need to know and do for your badge.

Scout Buddy System. You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor. This is usually another Scout, but it could be a parent, or a friend.

Requirements. You are expected to meet the requirements exactly as they are stated. If it says “show or demonstrate”, that is what you must do. Follow the instructions when they say “list”, “collect”, “in the field”, and so forth.

Show Your Stuff. When you are ready, call the counselor again to make an appointment to complete the requirements. When you go, take along the things you have made or worksheet you have completed in order to meet some of the requirements. If an item is too big to move, take a picture, or have an adult write down what you have done. The counselor will ask you to go over each requirement to be sure that you know your stuff.

Get the Badge. When a counselor is satisfied you have met each requirement, they will sign the merit badge card and keep one-third of the card for their records. Bring the remaining card to the Scoutmaster who will sign it, too. Then you keep one-third of the card for your records. (It is recommended you keep these cards all together at home.) Finally, drop the remaining one-third section in the hanging file of the Advancement Chair. You will be presented with a well-deserved merit badge at the next Court of Honor!

Merit badges required for Eagle: First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, Environmental Science, Personal Management, Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, Camping, and Family Life.