Merit Badges

The Merit Badge program is a key part of the advancement in the upper ranks of Scouts BSA (Star, Life, and Eagle). The program builds self-confidence through achieving a goal; provides interaction with knowledgeable adults; provides the opportunity for a Scout to learn scoutcraft skills, be exposed to various careers, develop physical fitness, participate in hobbies, and develop citizenship.

View All Merit Badges
Merit Badge Workshops
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Earning Merit Badges

Pick a Subject

Talk to your unit leader about your interests. Read the requirements of the merit badges you think might interest you, and pick one to earn. Your leader will give you the name of a person from a list of counselors. These individuals have special knowledge in their merit badge subjects and are interested in helping you.

Scout Buddy System

You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor. This person can be your parent or legal guardian, or another registered adult.

Call the Merit Badge Counselor

Get a signed Application for Merit Badge, No. 34124 or No. 34130, from your unit leader. Get in touch with the merit badge counselor and explain that you want to earn the badge. The counselor may ask to meet you to explain what is expected and to start helping you meet the requirements. You should also discuss work you have already started or possibly completed.At the first meeting, you and your merit badge counselor will review and may start working on the requirements. In some cases, you may share the work you have already started or completed.

Unless otherwise specified, work on a requirement can be started at any time
Ask your counselor to help you learn the things you need to know or do. You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject. Many troops, schools, and public libraries have them.
Show Your Stuff

When you are ready, call the counselor again to make an appointment. When you go, take along the things you have made to meet the requirements. If they are too big to move, take pictures or have an adult tell in writing what you have done. The counselor will test you on each requirement to make sure you know your stuff and have done or can do the things required.

Get the Badge

When the counselor is satisfied you have met each requirement, he or she will sign your application. Give the signed application to your unit leader so your merit badge emblem can be secured for you.Merit badge requirements are revised as needed to reflect updated information and technology. Refer to the latest Scouts BSA Requirements book for merit badge requirement updates. The current Scouts BSA Requirements book is available from your local Scouting merchandise distributor. It may also be ordered online at www.ScoutShop.org

Finding a Counselor

The most convenient and user-friendly way to access a list of merit badge counselors in the Council for a specific badge is through Scoutbook. Merit Badge Counselors who appear on the approved listings below are eligible to serve. Those who have not submitted their completed Youth Protection Training have been removed from active status and may not mentor at this time.

Becoming a Counselor

1) If not already completed, you must complete Youth Protection Training.

2) Register as a Merit Badge Counselor (Those currently registered in Scouting will be listed as a multiple registration, those not currently registered will need to pay a $25 Registration Fee and $25 Program Fee)

3) Complete the Merit Badge Counselor Information Sheet and submit to the Council Program Center.

4) The Advancement Committee will either approve or deny your MBC application. Once your application is accepted, you will appear in Scoutbook as a merit badge counselor.

Need Help?

Service AreasMerit Badge Dean
1, 2, 3Susanne Leahy
4, 5, 6, 7, 8Christine Blake-Jeremias
9, 12, 13, 15Tony Gulotta
10, 11, 14Gary Berkowitz