Boy Scout Merit Badges
There are more than 135 merit badges. Any Boy Scout may earn a merit badge at any time. You don't need to have had rank advancement to be eligible. Troop 525 policy is that Eagle-required badges are to be earned at Summer Camp, an official BSA facility such as Newport Sea Base, or within the troop. Troop 525 has counselors for each of these badges. (see list below)
Steps to Earning a Merit Badge:
Pick a Subject. Talk to your unit leader (Scoutmaster) about your interest in earning a merit badge. Read the requirements of the merit badges you think might interest you. Choose one to earn. Your unit leader will give you a signed merit badge application (the "blue card") and the name and contact information of a merit badge counselor. These individuals have special knowledge in their merit badge subjects and are interested in helping you.
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 or other relatives, or a friend.
Call the Merit Badge Counselor. Get in touch with the merit badge counselor and tell them that you want to earn the merit badge. The counselor may ask to meet you to explain what is expected and to start helping you complete the requirements. You should also discuss work that you have already started or possibly completed. You should be the one to call the merit badge counselor, not your parents or guardians. You might need your parent nearby to help with questions, but you should do the talking.
Unless otherwise specified, work for a requirement can be started at any time. Ask your counselor to help you learn the things you need to know or do. You should obtain and read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject.
Show Your Stuff. When you are ready, call the counselor again to make an appointment. When you go 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 test you on each requirement to make sure you know your stuff and have done or can do the things required.
Get the Badge. When the counselor is satisfied that you have met each requirement, they will sign your application (the "blue card"). Give the signed application to your unit leader so that your merit badge emblem can be secured for you.
Eagle Required Badges. To earn the rank of Eagle, you must earn a total of 21 merit badges, including the following: