Earning merit badges gives a Scout the kind of self-confidence that comes from overcoming obstacles to achieve a goal. Through the merit badge program, a Scout also learns career skills, develops socially, and may develop physical skills and hobbies that give a lifetime of healthful recreation.
The steps to follow in the merit badge program are outlined in the current Boy Scout Requirements. This book lists the requirements a Scout meets to earn each of the more that 120 merit badges available. Scouts must be tested individually, and they must meet all of the requirements.
No additional requirements may be added.
A merit badge cannot be taken away once it has been earned, provided the counselor is a registered counselor for the merit badge.
There is no time limit for completion of merit badges other than the age of 18.
Many subjects may be presented to groups of scouts without defeating one of the purposes of the merit badge plan – working closely with a qualified adult.
The National Executive Board has approved this policy statement on merit badge counseling: “To the fullest extent possible, the merit badge counseling relationship is a counselor-Scout arrangement in which the boy is not only judged on his performance of the requirements, but receives maximum benefit from the knowledge, skill, character, and personal interest of his counselor. Group instruction and orientation are encouraged where special facilities and expert personnel make this most practical, or when Scouts are dependent on only a few counselors for assistance. However this group experience should be followed by attention to each individual candidate’s project and his ability to fulfill all requirements.”
Advancement Committee Guide – Policies and Procedures, 2004, page 26 and 34.
BSA Troop 230 Revised 9-2005