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Boy Scout Troop 96
(Urbandale, Iowa)		  
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                Introduction to Merit Badges-BSA

You can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn merit badges. There are more than 130 merit badges. Any Boy Scout may earn a merit badge at any time. You don't need to have had rank advancement to be eligible.

Pick a Subject. Talk to your unit leader (Scoutmaster) about your interest in earning a merit badge. Read the requirements of the merit badges you think might interest you. Choose one to earn. Your unit leader will give you a signed merit badge application (the "blue card") and the name and contact information of a merit badge counselor. These individuals have special knowledge in their merit badge subjects and are interested in helping you.

Use the Scout Buddy System. You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor. This person can be another Scout, your parents or guardian, a brother or sister or other relative, or a friend.

Call the Merit Badge Counselor. Get in touch with the merit badge counselor and tell them that you want to earn the merit badge. The counselor may ask to meet you to explain what is expected and to start helping you complete the requirements. You should also discuss work that you have already started or possibly completed.

Unless otherwise specified, work for 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 obtain and read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject.

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 that you have met each requirement, they will sign your application (the "blue card"). Give the signed application to your unit leader so that your merit badge emblem can be secured for you.

The current Boy Scout Requirements book is available from your local Scouting merchandise distributor. It may also be ordered online at www.scoutstuff.org. Merit badge requirements are revised as needed to reflect updated information and technology. 

Requirements. You are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated—no more and no less. You must do exactly what is stated in the requirements. If it says "show or demonstrate," that is what you must do. Just telling about it isn't enough. The same thing holds true for such words as "make," "list," "in the field," and "collect," "identify," and "label."

The requirements listed here are the official requirements of the Boy Scouts of America. However, the requirements presented here might not match those in the Boy Scout Handbook and the merit badge pamphlets, because these publications are updated only when the Boy Scout Requirements book is updated.

If you have already started working on a merit badge when a new edition of the pamphlet is introduced, you may continue to use the same merit badge pamphlet and fulfill the requirements therein to earn the badge. You do not need to start all over again with the new pamphlet and revised requirements.

Click this link for a list of Merit Badges: http://www.scouting.org/meritbadges.aspx
MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR INFORMATION
The following information and procedures are for Troop 96 Merit Badge Counselors. The procedures typically mirror and are in accordance with BSA policy regarding merit badge counselors.

The merit badge program allows the scouts to learn and experience a wide variety of new and exciting skills as they progress down the scouting trail. There are over 120 various merit badges to choose from. The Scout does not need to have advanced in rank to be eligible for merit badges. The following merit badges are required for the rank of Eagle Scout*: 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.

Each scout must meet with the Scoutmaster to request the start of a particular merit badge. Once the Scoutmaster has approved the scout’s request the scout must contact the Merit Badge Coordinator and be assigned a Merit Badge Counselor to work with. The Merit Badge Coordinator or Troop Librarian will issue the scout a Merit Badge Pamphlet which contains the requirements for the specific badge and a blue card. Scouts can use the online version of the merit badge pamphlet as well. Note: Merit badges are periodically updated and the on-line version may differ from the pamphlet on file in the Troop library. The most current version of the requirements should be used. All requirements must be satisfactorily completed for the badge to be earned. The scout must contact the Merit Badge Counselor to arrange a meeting for expectations of earning the badge. The scouts MUST have another person with you at each meeting with the Merit Badge Counselor. The additional person may be a friend, fellow scout, parent/guardian, sibling or other relative.

Upon successful completion of the merit badge the Merit Badge Counselor will sign your merit badge “blue” card and provide it to the Scoutmaster. The merit badge will be issued upon approval and signature of the Scoutmaster. The scout must return the merit badge pamphlet to the Troop Librarian or Merit Badge Coordinator once they are finished with it.

*Current requirements for Eagle rank are scheduled to change over the next 2 years. Refer to the BSA website for up-to-date information on Eagle required merit badges.




Click the link for the "Guide for Merit Badge Counselors": http://tinyurl.com/q2rlqp5
   
 
 
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