Merit Badges

There are more than 135 merit badges available in the Scouting program, covering everything from Archery to Cooking to Waterskiing to Wilderness Survival. A total of 21 merit badges must be earned for the Eagle Scout Rank, including 13 specific badges.

While we try and incorporate merit badges into meetings and outings, merit badges are something that each Scout can complete on his own. Of course, there’s a process to do this:

• Pick a Subject. Have your Scout talk to me about earning a badge that interests them. I can give them the name of a person from a list of approved counselors.

• Find a buddy. You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor (even if you meet over Zoom). This person can be your parent or legal guardian, or another registered adult.

• Work on a requirement can be started at any time. A counselor can help you learn the things you need to know or do. You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject. Most are available online through a quick Google search.

• Get the Badge. When the counselor is satisfied you have met each requirement, he or she will sign your application. They can do this online via Scoutbook or through a “blue card,” the official document counselors need to sign. Turn in the signed application to the Scoutmaster or Advancement Chairso your merit badge emblem can be secured for you.

There is no time limit for starting and completing a merit badge, but all work must be completed by the time a Scout turns 18.

The merit badge program isn’t limited to Scouts. Registered adults can become merit badge counselors, which would allow you to sign off on requirements for the boys in our troop. You can be a counselor for up to four merit badges.

Are you an architect? Consider becoming a counselor for Architecture merit badge. Are you a lawyer? Consider counseling Law merit badge. You get the idea.

There are several merit badge counselors in our troop already:

• Backpacking: Kyle Grate

• Camping*: Kyle Grate

• Communication*:  Chris Merris

• Citizenship in the Community*: Greg Lauter

• Citizenship in the Nation*: Patrick Powers

• Citizenship in Society*: Patrick Powers and Doris Cordevant

• Coin Collecting:  Joe Shaver

• Communications*: Patrick Powers

• Cooking*: Angela Anderson

• Disabilities Awareness: Angela Anderson

• Emergency Preparedness*: Greg Lauter

• Family Life*: Angela Anderson

• Fishing: Patrick Powers

• Genealogy:  Joe Shaver

• Personal Fitness:  Chris Merris

• Personal Management:  Doris Cordevant

• Sports: Patrick Powers

In conclusion, a Scout’s advancement is up to him. Earn one merit badge or earn them all. Tell your Scout to share his goals with us and we’ll do our best to make them happen.