The Merit Badge Program

Paraphrased from https://www.scouting.org/resources/guide-to-advancement/the-merit-badgeprogram/

Merit Badge descriptions and requirements can be found at http://www.meritbadge.org

There is more to merit badges than simply providing opportunities to learn skills. There is more to them than an introduction to lifetime hobbies, or the inspiration to pursue a career—through these invaluable results occur regularly. It all begins with a Scout’s initial interest and effort in a merit badge subject,
followed by a discussion with the unit leader or designated assistant, continues through meetings with a counselor, and culminates in advancement and recognition. It is an uncomplicated process that gives a Scout the confidence achieved through overcoming obstacles. Social skills improve. Self-reliance
develops. Examples are set and followed. And fields of study and interest are explored beyond the limits of the school classroom.

It is important to note the “blue card” is the nationally recognized merit badge record. It has been updated from time to time and carries the information needed for proper posting and for evidence and reference as needed later. The card has three parts: the actual “Application for Merit Badge” portion, the “Applicant’s Record,” and the “Counselor’s Record.” It requires four signatures—two each from the unit leader and a merit badge counselor. The unit leader signs first on the front of the Application for Merit Badge portion and gives the entire blue card to the Scout.

Typically after the unit leader signs the blue card, the Scout contacts the merit badge counselor and sets an appointment. Even though Scouts may benefit from reviewing requirements with a counselor before pursuing them, a boy may begin working on a merit badge at any time after he is registered. It is the counselor’s decision whether to accept work or activities completed prior to the issuing of the signed blue card. Common sense should prevail, however. For example, nights already camped as a Boy Scout, or coins or stamps already collected, would count toward their respective badges.

A merit badge counselor—once he or she is satisfied a Scout has met all the requirements—signs in two places: on the reverse of the Application for Merit Badge (to the left) and on the Applicant’s Record (in the middle). These two parts are returned to the Scout, and then the Scout meets with his unit leader to discuss his experience. The unit leader then signs the Applicant’s Record portion and returns it to the young man, who should retain it in his personal permanent records.

Recap: The Recommended Merit Badge Process

• The Scout develops an interest in a merit badge and may begin working on the requirements.
• The Scout discusses his interest in the merit badge with his unit leader.
• The unit leader signs a blue card and provides the Scout with at least one counselor contact.
• The Scout contacts the counselor.
• The counselor considers any work toward requirements completed prior to the initial discussion with the unit leader.
• The Scout, his friend, and the counselor meet (often several times).
• The Scout finishes the requirements.
• The counselor approves completion.
• The Scout returns the signed blue card to his unit leader, who signs the applicant record section of the blue card.
• The unit leader gives the Scout the applicant record.
• The unit reports the merit badge to the council.