"Two of the reasons for the Scout Merit Badge plan are: 1) to give you more skill in things you like to do, 2) to give you a chance to try new activities, so that you can find new things which you really like."
Handbook for Boys, 5th Edition, 1948

A merit badge is an invitations to explore an exciting subject. With more than 100 to choose from, some merit badges encourage you to increase you skill in subjects you already like. While others challenge you to learn about new areas of knowledge. Earning a merit badge can even lead you toward a lifelong hobby, or set you on the way to a rewarding career.

Steps towards earning a Merit Badge:
1. Obtain from your Scoutmaster a signed MB application (Blue card) and the name of a qualified counselor for that MB.
2. Along with another scout, relative or friend, set up and attend your first appointment with the MB counselor. REMEMBER THE BUDDY SYSTEM!!
3. Complete the requirements* , meeting with your counselor whenever neccesary until you have finished working on the MB.

*Note: Current MB worksheets can be found at the following link:  http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/list.asp
be sure to always follow the most current version of the worksheet for a given MB. Once you have started the MB requirements, you may continue to use the version of the worksheet you started with, unless directed by the MB counselor.