How to Earn a Merit Badge Click here for more information on specific Merit Badges   This summary of the merit badge process is based on material in the Boy Scout Requirements book. Pick a Subject. There are nearly 120 merit badges available for Scouts to earn. This can be your opportunity to learn about sports, crafts, business, or science. Check the list in the Requirements book, ask your fellow Scouts, or talk to a Scoutmaster to get ideas. Find a Partner. You’ll have more fun and a better chance of success if you get a buddy to earn the badge with you. In any case, you must have another person with you at each meeting with your merit badge counselor. If not another Scout, it can be a parent, brother or sister, or friend. Know the Requirements. For an overview of the subject, read the requirements in the Requirements book. Learn more by purchasing the specific merit badge book or borrow one from another scout in the troop. Get Ready. Get a blue card from Mr. McCullen or Mrs. Speeney, fill it out with your name, troop number, (we are in the Playwicki District, Bucks County Council), name of badge, and have Mr. McCullen or Mrs. Speeney sign the Application for Merit Badge section. Check the list of counselors by ask a Scoutmaster for help - the District has a list, so we can find you one if there isn't a counselor in the troop. Talk with the counselor to plan how you will demonstrate the requirements. Show Your Stuff. When you are ready, call your counselor to arrange a meeting to review your work. Make sure that you meet the requirements - if it says “in writing,” that’s what you need to do. If it says “demonstrate,” “list,” or “make,” you can’t just talk about it. Get the Badge. When you are finished, your counselor will sign the card and keep the Counselor’s Record section. Show the card to Mr. McCullen or Mrs. Speeney, who will sign again to indicate that you are finished. You will receive your merit badge at the next Court of Honor and will get back the Applicant’s Record portion of the card with your badge.

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