How to Earn a Merit Badge

These 12 steps, taken from the Guide to Advancement, are how a Boy Scout earns one of the 136 currently available merit badges.merit-badges-v2

  1. The Scout DEVELOPS an interest in the merit badge and may begin working on the requirements.
  2. The Scout DISCUSSES his interest in the merit badge with his unit leader.
  3. The unit leader SIGNS a blue card and provides the Scout with at least one counselor contact.
  4. The Scout CONTACTS the counselor.
  5. The counselor CONSIDERS any work towards requirements completed prior to the initial discussion with the unit leader.
  6. The Scout, his buddy and the counselor MEET (often several times).
  7. The Scout FINISHES the requirements.
  8. The counselor APPROVES completion.
  9. The Scout RETURNS the signed blue card to his unit leader, who signs the applicant record selection of the blue card.
  10. The unit leader GIVES the scout the applicant record.
  11. The unit REPORTS the merit badge to the council.
  12. The Scout earns his merit badge at a Court of Honor.

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