Merit Badges

Merit Badge Councilors Links

Merit Badge Dot Com

As we continue to grow as a Troop it is important that a Scout can advance in rank and earn merit badges.  This memo answers some common questions about the process.  Please refer to the Scout Handbook as a resources as often as possible. 

Rank Advancements

The first rank for a new Scout is SCOUT; he earns this by learning the Scout Law, Oath and what it means to be a Scout. The second rank is Tenderfoot, where the Scout learns basics, like knot tying and camping skills. The third and fourth ranks are Second and First Class. Scouts are then halfway on the path to the rank of Eagle. IT'S ALL IN THE HANDBOOK- READ IT!  Getting rank advancement completed involves the following steps:  

Step 1 – Get all requirements signed off 

Step 2 – Make Sure Dues are paid up

Step 3 – Arrange a Scoutmaster Conference

Step 4 – Participate in a Board of Review

How does a Scout get requirements signed off?

All Scouts are expected to show initiative and request the appropriate sign-offs as indicated in the Scout handbook. Parents should encourage their son to seek out the required sign-offs. Older Scouts (1st Class and above) can check off certain components or requirements in a rank.  Older Scouts are expected to help and encourage younger Scouts achieve their rank advancements.  Registered adult leaders can also sign off requirements. 

 What is a Scoutmaster Conference?

A Scoutmaster conference is a meeting between the Scout and the Scoutmaster for the purpose of assessing the Scout's commitment and interest in Scouting, and to identify any areas of improvement or praise. This is the last step before a Board of Review.    Notify the Scoutmaster as soon as all of your requirements are met.  Scoutmaster conferences must be requested by the Scout prior to requesting the Board of Review.   

 What is a Board of Review? 

After finishing the requirements for the rank the Scout is working toward, a Board of Review must be arranged, or as indicated in the Troop calendar.  A Board of Review is like an interview between the Scout and a group of adult leaders. The Scout will be asked to recite the Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. He will be asked questions such as "when are you planning to earn your Eagle?" or "what has Scouting done for you and what do you expect from Scouting?" 

 Following the Board of Review, Scouts are required to see the Advancement Coordinator who will check the Scout's handbook and record the advancement. He will in turn submit the information to the Scout office so that the Scout will receive the appropriate badge(s) at the Court of Honor.   If the Scout is not fully prepared or does not demonstrate proper knowledge for a particular rank, he will be asked to come back another time to repeat the Board of Review. This is meant to emphasize and re-enforce proper Scout conduct and knowledge in order to be able to advance to the next rank.

 Scouts should always communicate concerns with the Advancement coordinator or Scoutmaster.   Full uniform (including Scout Handbook) is required for both the Scoutmaster conference and Board of Review. Failure to wear the full uniform will cause a rescheduling.  Successful completion of the Board of Review is the time when the Rank is officially earned.

What is a Court of Honor?

A Court of Honor is a Troop ceremony where Scouts are recognized for their advancements and contributions to the Troop.  This is when you will be given your patch.

Earning Merit Badges

Scouts will be required to earn a certain amount of merit badges throughout their journey in Scouting. Boys are guided by Merit Badge counselors either within the Troop or  as part of the District.  Scouts should refer to the Troop roster and/or inquire with the Advancement Coordinator for a list of Councilors. A blue card is required for every merit badge worked on, and is available from the Scoutmaster.  Scouts cannot work on merit badges without receiving first a "blue card" from the Scoutmaster. This card is to be signed off by the counselor when the requirements are completed, and must be presented to the Advancement Coordinator for recording. 

    Step 1 – Notify the Scoutmaster and obtain a Blue Card 

    Step 2 – Identify a Councilor

    Step 3 – Complete the requirements of the Merit Badge

    Step 4 – Return the completed Blue Card to the Scoutmaster or Advancement     for final approval and awarding of the badge.