Merit Badge policies
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<noinclude>{{Boy Scout Advancement Header}} | <noinclude>{{Boy Scout Advancement Header}} | ||
- | [ | + | [[Talk:Merit_Badge_Policies|Discussion]] |
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+ | {{Checklist|[[Media:Merit Badge FAQ.pdf|Here is a one-page pdf ]] {{PDF}} that covers 21 of the most important Merit Badge Requirements and Policies.<br> Also see the [[Merit Badge FAQ]].}} | ||
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</noinclude> | </noinclude> | ||
- | + | {{Key Merit Badge Rules}} | |
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==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
- | {{Introduction to Merit Badges}} | + | {{Shortcut|[[Merit Badge Introduction]]}}{{Introduction to Merit Badges}} |
==Boy Scout Requirement Change Policy== | ==Boy Scout Requirement Change Policy== | ||
{{Requirement Changes}} | {{Requirement Changes}} | ||
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+ | ==Who can earn Scout awards== | ||
+ | {{Shortcut|[[Who Can Earn]]}}{{Who can earn a merit badge}} | ||
==Advancement Policies== | ==Advancement Policies== | ||
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==Group Instruction of Merit Badges== | ==Group Instruction of Merit Badges== | ||
{{shortcut|[[Group Instruction of Merit Badges]]}} | {{shortcut|[[Group Instruction of Merit Badges]]}} | ||
- | {{quote-source|The question arises as to whether it is permissible to have Scouts earn merit badges in groups. Many subjects may be presented to groups of Scouts without defeating one of the purposes of the merit badge plan -- working closely with a qualified adult. | + | {{quote-source|The question arises as to whether it is permissible to have Scouts earn [[merit badges]] in groups. Many subjects may be presented to groups of Scouts without defeating one of the purposes of the merit badge plan -- working closely with a qualified adult. |
The National Executive Board has approved this policy statement on merit badge counseling: | The National Executive Board has approved this policy statement on merit badge counseling: | ||
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'''''In the end, the Scout must be reviewed individually by the counselor to ensure completion of the badges requirements.''''' | '''''In the end, the Scout must be reviewed individually by the counselor to ensure completion of the badges requirements.''''' | ||
- | In harmony with this policy, a troop or team may use merit badge counselors in unit meetings. The merit badge counselor can make a presentation covering the highlights of a [[Merit Badge Worksheets|merit badge]] subject. Scouts should then be given an opportunity to try some skill related to the badge. This introduction to a merit badge can spark an interest in the subject.|[[Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 26)}} | + | In harmony with this policy, a [[troop]] or [[team]] may use merit badge counselors in unit meetings. The merit badge counselor can make a presentation covering the highlights of a [[Merit Badge Worksheets|merit badge]] subject. Scouts should then be given an opportunity to try some skill related to the badge. This introduction to a merit badge can spark an interest in the subject.|[[Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 26)}} |
==Advancement in Summer Camp== | ==Advancement in Summer Camp== | ||
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==Troop and Team Merit Badge Counselors== | ==Troop and Team Merit Badge Counselors== | ||
{{shortcut|[[Troop and Team Merit Badge Counselors]]}} | {{shortcut|[[Troop and Team Merit Badge Counselors]]}} | ||
- | {{quote-source|As a practical approach to providing merit badge counselors, troop and team committees may establish their own lists of counselors, if necessary, at least for the required and more popular merit badges. The Troop Resource Survey, available from the council service center, can be used to identify parents and others in the neighborhood who can serve as merit badge counselors. | + | {{quote-source|As a practical approach to providing merit badge counselors, troop and team committees may establish their own lists of counselors, if necessary, at least for the required and more popular merit badges. The Troop Resource Survey, available from the [[council]] service center, can be used to identify parents and others in the neighborhood who can serve as merit badge counselors. |
- | All merit badge counselors, even those who serve only one unit, must be approved by the council and district advancement committee, and counselors must register as a merit badge counselor (see "Qualifications of Counselors" above). However, it is essential that a district have the most complete list of merit badge counselors that is possible. Thus, troops and teams should be encouraged to share lists of counselors willing to assist districtwide or councilwide.|[[ | + | All merit badge counselors, even those who serve only one unit, must be approved by the council and district advancement committee, and counselors must register as a merit badge counselor (see "Qualifications of Counselors" above). However, it is essential that a district have the most complete list of [[merit badge counselors]] that is possible. Thus, troops and teams should be encouraged to share lists of counselors willing to assist districtwide or councilwide.|[[Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 14)}} |
==Advancement for Scouts with Disabilities== | ==Advancement for Scouts with Disabilities== | ||
:''See: [[Youth Members With Special Needs]]'' | :''See: [[Youth Members With Special Needs]]'' | ||
- | {{quote-source|Advancement for Boy Scouts with Disabilities - All current requirements for an advancement award (ranks, merit badges, or Eagle Palms) must actually be met by the candidate. There are no substitutions or alternatives permitted except those which are specifically stated in the requirements.|[[ | + | {{quote-source|Advancement for Boy Scouts with Disabilities - All current requirements for an advancement award (ranks, merit badges, or [[Eagle Palms]]) must actually be met by the candidate. There are no substitutions or alternatives permitted except those which are specifically stated in the requirements.|[[Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 40)}} |
==Alternate Merit Badges for the Eagle Scout Rank== | ==Alternate Merit Badges for the Eagle Scout Rank== | ||
:''See: [[Youth Members With Special Needs]]'' | :''See: [[Youth Members With Special Needs]]'' | ||
- | {{quote-source|The Eagle Scout rank may be achieved by a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualified* Venturer who has a physical or mental disability by qualifying for alternate merit badges. This does not apply to individual requirements for merit badges. Merit badges are awarded only when all requirements are met as stated.|[[ | + | {{quote-source|The Eagle Scout rank may be achieved by a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualified* Venturer who has a physical or mental disability by qualifying for alternate merit badges. This does not apply to individual requirements for merit badges. Merit badges are awarded only when all requirements are met as stated.|[[Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 43)}} |
==Presentation of Merit Badges== | ==Presentation of Merit Badges== | ||
{{Main|Courts of Honor}} | {{Main|Courts of Honor}} | ||
- | {{quote-source|Formal [[courts of honor]] should be conducted at least four times a year.|[[Advancement Policies | + | {{quote-source|Formal [[courts of honor]] should be conducted at least four times a year.|[[Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 30.}} |
- | {{quote-source|Presentation of '''''merit badges and rank badges should not await these [[courts of honor]]'''''; ''awards and badges should be presented at the next meeting after they have been earned. Scouts are recognized again at a formal court of honor.|[[Advancement Policies | + | {{quote-source|Presentation of '''''merit badges and rank badges should not await these [[courts of honor]]'''''; ''awards and badges should be presented at the next meeting after they have been earned. Scouts are recognized again at a formal court of honor.|[[Advancement Policies]] #33088. 25}} |
== Merit Badges == | == Merit Badges == | ||
{{quote-source|Earning [[Merit Badge Worksheets|merit badges]] gives a Scout the kind of self-confidence that comes from overcoming obstacles to achieve a goal. Through the merit badge program, a Scout also learns career skills, develops socially, and may develop physical skills and hobbies that give a lifetime of healthful recreation. | {{quote-source|Earning [[Merit Badge Worksheets|merit badges]] gives a Scout the kind of self-confidence that comes from overcoming obstacles to achieve a goal. Through the merit badge program, a Scout also learns career skills, develops socially, and may develop physical skills and hobbies that give a lifetime of healthful recreation. | ||
- | The steps to follow in the merit badge program are outlined in the current ''[[Boy Scout Requirements]]''. This | + | The steps to follow in the merit badge program are outlined in the current ''[[Boy Scout Requirements]]''. This book lists the requirements a Scout meets to earn each of the more than 100 merit badges that are available. Scouts must be tested individually, and they must meet all the requirements. |
No additional requirements may be added. | No additional requirements may be added. | ||
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== Responsibility for Merit Badges == | == Responsibility for Merit Badges == | ||
- | {{quote-source|<big>''Clause 13.''</big> The responsibility for [[Merit Badge Worksheets|merit badges]] shall rest with the merit badge counselor approved by the local council and district advancement committee. Merit badge counselors shall be registered adult members of the Boy Scouts of America. The merit badge counselor shall prepare and qualify youth members. There shall be no board of review procedure for merit badges, but public recognition may be given at a unit court of honor or other suitable occasion.|[[Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 17)}} | + | {{quote-source|<big>''Clause 13.''</big> The responsibility for [[Merit Badge Worksheets|merit badges]] shall rest with the merit badge counselor approved by the local council and district advancement committee. Merit badge counselors shall be registered [[adult members]] of the [[Boy Scouts of America]]. The merit badge counselor shall prepare and qualify youth members. There shall be no board of review procedure for merit badges, but public recognition may be given at a unit court of honor or other suitable occasion.|[[Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 17)}} |
==Approving Merit Badge Counselors and Publishing List of Counselors == | ==Approving Merit Badge Counselors and Publishing List of Counselors == | ||
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{{quote-source|The essence of quality Scouting is having sufficient qualified [[adult leaders]]. Nowhere does this become more apparent than in the recruitment of adults to serve as merit badge counselors. Because counselors must be knowledgeable in specialized areas as well as able to have a good rapport with Scout-age boys, the district advancement committee has a challenging task in recruiting, approving, and training merit badge counselors, and in helping units to do the same. | {{quote-source|The essence of quality Scouting is having sufficient qualified [[adult leaders]]. Nowhere does this become more apparent than in the recruitment of adults to serve as merit badge counselors. Because counselors must be knowledgeable in specialized areas as well as able to have a good rapport with Scout-age boys, the district advancement committee has a challenging task in recruiting, approving, and training merit badge counselors, and in helping units to do the same. | ||
- | All counselors must have an understanding of their role in Scout advancement. The district advancement committee is responsible for making the appropriate counseling material available to the counselors and for providing the essential training to the counselors recruited by the units and by the district.|[[ | + | All counselors must have an understanding of their role in Scout advancement. The district advancement committee is responsible for making the appropriate counseling material available to the counselors and for providing the essential training to the counselors recruited by the units and by the district.|[[Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 12)}} |
==The Merit Badge Counselor and the Boy Scout== | ==The Merit Badge Counselor and the Boy Scout== | ||
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{{quote-source|The district or council advancement committee's responsibility does not end with the recruiting and training or merit badge counselors. | {{quote-source|The district or council advancement committee's responsibility does not end with the recruiting and training or merit badge counselors. | ||
- | The district or council advancement committee (or one member selected to oversee counselors) will follow through to be sure that the merit badge counselors are working effectively and that boys seeking merit badges are finding the help they need. The committee will give on-the-job coaching if a counselor is not doing well, and will be alert for signs of difficulty that might be mentioned by unit commissioners, Scoutmasters, Varsity Scout | + | The district or council advancement committee (or one member selected to oversee counselors) will follow through to be sure that the merit badge counselors are working effectively and that boys seeking merit badges are finding the help they need. The committee will give on-the-job coaching if a counselor is not doing well, and will be alert for signs of difficulty that might be mentioned by unit commissioners, [[Scoutmasters]], [[Varsity Scout]] [[Coach]]es, or unit committee members. District advancement committee members should attend district roundtables and huddles to update the list of merit badge counselors and to receive feedback. |
The district or council list of counselors should be reproduced for distribution to troops and teams. When changes are made, these should be sent promptly to the units (or listed in the council bulletin) so that all units have readily available the names, addresses, and phone numbers of counselors. Lists are updated at least once a year, usually when councils and districts reregister. | The district or council list of counselors should be reproduced for distribution to troops and teams. When changes are made, these should be sent promptly to the units (or listed in the council bulletin) so that all units have readily available the names, addresses, and phone numbers of counselors. Lists are updated at least once a year, usually when councils and districts reregister. | ||
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Merit badge counselors (Code 42) are registered with the local council. As with all council members, their registration must be renewed annually. | Merit badge counselors (Code 42) are registered with the local council. As with all council members, their registration must be renewed annually. | ||
- | As part of the local council charter renewal process, the council advancement committee sends a letter to existing merit badge counselors who are to continue for another year.''' This provides the council an opportunity, at least annually, to assure their merit badge counselor lists are updated. This also is an excellent opportunity to not reregister those persons identified as not following the policies and procedures of the Boy Scouts of America.|[[ | + | As part of the local council charter renewal process, the council advancement committee sends a letter to existing merit badge counselors who are to continue for another year.''' This provides the council an opportunity, at least annually, to assure their merit badge counselor lists are updated. This also is an excellent opportunity to not reregister those persons identified as not following the policies and procedures of the Boy Scouts of America.|[[Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 13-14)}} |
Suggested items for the letter include: | Suggested items for the letter include: | ||
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{{Advancement navbox}} | {{Advancement navbox}} | ||
- | [[Category:Advancement]] [[Category:Merit | + | [[Category:Advancement]] [[Category:Merit Badge-related]] [[Category:Merit Badge counseling]] |
{{Protected policy lock}} | {{Protected policy lock}} | ||
</noinclude> | </noinclude> |
Current revision
Scout Spirit, Active, Special Needs, Eagle Projects, Scoutmaster Conferences,
Boards of Review, Appeals, Courts of Honor, Time Extensions, and more.
![]() | Here is a one-page pdf ![]() Also see the Merit Badge FAQ. |
Key Merit Badge Rules
- Who can earn a merit badge? "Merit badges, badges of rank, and Eagle Palms are for registered Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or qualified Venturers." - BSR p. 5
- "Any Boy Scout may earn any merit badge at any time. You don't need to have had rank advancement to be eligible. " - BSR p. 22
- When can you start? "Unless otherwise specified, work for a requirement can be started at any time." - BSR p. 22 Some Require Prior Approval
- Where are the answers? The merit badge pamphlets (book) are full-color quick references with the answers, photos, and diagrams you need.
- "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." - BSR p. 22
- You can buy a merit badge pamplet (book) at your local Scout Shop or you can buy them online at:http://www.scoutstuff.org/.
- Are worksheets requried? No. Merit Badge Worksheets are options tools to help you organize your work and include the logs, diagrams, and checklists you need.
- Do you need a buddy? "You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor." - BSR p. 22
- How are you tested? ""In the end, the Scout must be reviewed individually by the counselor to ensure completion of the badges requirements." - AP p. 26
- "You are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated—no more and no less." - BSR p. 23
- How do you get credit? "When the counselor is satisfied that you have met each requirement, he or she will sign your application." - BSR p. 23
- '"There is no time limit for completion of merit badges other than age 18." - AP p.34
- "Partial completion of merit badges should be credited to a Scout on the Application for Merit Badge..." - AP p.34
- What if you have Special Needs? "Merit badges are awarded only when all requirements are met as stated." - AP p.41
See the Merit Badge FAQ and the Merit Badge Policies for more.
Introduction
![]() | The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: 2018 Boy Scout Requirements, 2018 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #641568) |
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— Boy Scout Requirements pp.22-23 |
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— Guide to Advancement (2017) #33088, p. 21 |
- See:Merit Badges Requiring Prior Approval, Merit Badge Policies, and Merit Badge FAQ for more information.
Boy Scout Requirement Change Policy
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— Boy Scout Requirements #33216, inside front cover |
Who can earn Scout awards
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— Guide to Advancement (2017) #33088, p. 21 |
Advancement Policies
The following are from the Advancement Policies
![]() | The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: Guide To Advancement, 2011 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #637685) |
Group Instruction of Merit Badges
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— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 26) |
Advancement in Summer Camp
Troop and Team Merit Badge Counselors
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— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 14) |
Advancement for Scouts with Disabilities
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— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 40) |
Alternate Merit Badges for the Eagle Scout Rank
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— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 43) |
Presentation of Merit Badges
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— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 30. |
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— Advancement Policies #33088. 25 |
Merit Badges
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— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 26) |
Responsibility for Merit Badges
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— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 17) |
Approving Merit Badge Counselors and Publishing List of Counselors
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— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 7) |
Recruiting and Training Merit Badge Counselors and Publishing Lists
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— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 12) |
The Merit Badge Counselor and the Boy Scout
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— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 12) |
Merit Badges for Eagle Palms
- See: Eagle Palms
Recruiting Merit Badge Counselors
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— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 12) |
Qualifications of Counselors
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— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 13) |
Training Merit Badge Counselors
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— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 13) |
Maintaining a Current List of Merit Badge Counselors
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— Advancement Policies #33088, p. 13-14) |
Suggested items for the letter include:
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See also
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General Merit Badge information
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