How to Start a merit Badge

Before you can complete your merit badge work, you must have the assistance of a registered Merit Badge Counselor. Troop 104 has several registered counselors who are authorized to help you. If you elect to work on a badge which requires special skills or knowledge not available within the troop, your Scout Master or Merit Badge Program Coordinator can help you find a counselor through the Occoneechee Council.

You are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated — no more and no less. You are expected to do exactly what is stated in the requirements. If it says "show or demonstrate," that is what you must do. Just telling about it isn't enough. The same thing holds true for such words as "make," "list," "in the field," and "collect," "identify," and "label."

1. Pick a Subject
   • Review current merit badges and requirements
   • Make note of subjects that interest you
   • Talk to your Scout Master or Merit Badge Program Coordinator
   • They may advise you to consider working on your choice as part of the Troop Merit Badge Program or in summer camp.
   • To start a merit badge, you will need a signed Application for Merit Badge ("Blue Card") from your Scoutmaster or Merit Badge Program Coordinator. Click here for an online "Blue Car" application
2. Find a Merit Badge Counselor
   • If the Troop does not have a counselor for the merit badge you chose, contact your Merit Badge Program Coordinator
3. Contact your Counselor
   • Tell him or her that you want to earn the merit badge
   • The counselor may ask you to come and see him so he can explain what he expects and start helping you meet the requirements
   • Use the Scout Buddy System. You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor. This person can be another Scout, your parents or guardian, a brother or sister, a relative, or a friend.
4. Work on the requirements
   • Ask your counselor to help you learn the things you need to know or do
   • Review the Merit Badge Requirements and Merit Badge Worksheets online
   • Read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject (Troop 104 keeps several copies of the merit badge pamphlets in our attic meeting room)
5. Show your stuff
   • When you are ready, call the counselor again to make an appointment
   • Take along the things you have made to meet the requirements
   • If they are too big to move, take pictures or have an adult tell in writing what you have done
   • The counselor will ask you to do each requirement to make sure that you know your stuff and have done or can do the things required.
6. Obtain a signed merit badge application
   • Once satisfied that you have completed all requirements, your Merit Badge Counselor will sign your application.
7. Get the badge
   • Give the signed application to your Scoutmaster so that your merit badge emblem can be secured for you.
   • Keep a copy for your own records!!