There are over 110 merit badge subjects, 12 of which are important enough to be “Eagle-required”, so there is an opportunity to learn more about nearly any subject you find interesting.  A key component of the program is the “no more, no less” philosophy so there are no shortcuts to earning a merit badge.

What are the steps to earning a merit badge?

Step 1 – Pick a merit badge subject that interests you or you want to earn as part of your rank requirements, identify a counselor, and get a signed merit badge application (blue card) from the Scoutmaster. 

The merit badge counselor name on the blue card must be registered with BSA and approved by the Troop Committee and Scoutmaster.  Your mom, dad, uncle, aunt, grandmother, etc. may be knowledgeable on a subject and have excellent skills but they can not be merit badge counselors until they register with BSA.  If you have relative, friend, or teacher interested in being a counselor, have them contact the Troop Advancement Coordinator, Mike Zarella, at texashonu@earthlink.net  to get them the information and forms needed.  A list of registered troop counselors is posted on the troop website at Troop Merit Badge Counselors and the Polaris District website has a list of counselors outside of the troop.

Step 2 – Find a buddy who can attend the merit badge counselor meetings with you.  You should never meet alone with a merit badge counselor. 

Who is a buddy? Another scout, parent or guardian, brother or sister, relative, or friend

Step 3 – Get the merit badge book on the subject and read it.  The pamphlet has a listing of the requirements and is an excellent resource.  Merit badge books can be obtained at the scout shop or from the troop library (although the selection is limited and books may not be current).

Step 4 – You (not mom or dad!) contacts the counselor (phone or e-mail) to discuss the requirements in earning the merit badge. 

If you are attending a merit badge class, this step may not be necessary.

Step 5 – Learn and do the merit badge requirements. 

Pay attention to the requirement wording as “no more, no less” is required by the counselor.  Words like list, discuss, and demonstrate are important.

Step 6 – Make an appointment with the merit badge counselor to review progress or when guidance is needed on how to complete a specific requirement. 

Bring projects and other evidence of requirement completion so the counselor can initial the completed requirements on your blue card.  You must have a buddy present for all meetings with your counselor.

Step 7 – When you have completed all the requirements, the merit badge counselor signs the blue card and keeps a portion for their records.

Step 8 – Give the signed blue card to the Troop Advancement Coordinator. 

The information will be put into Troopmaster, recorded with the Council, and awarded at or before the next Court of Honor.

Step 9 – Keep your blue cards in a safe place – these are your official scout records.