Merit Badges are like independent study courses which are required for Scouting's advanced ranks:  Star, Life and Eagle Scout.  There are over 130 different subjects in the merit badge program and Scouts can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, future careers and many other areas as they earn merit badges. It is said that 15% of Scouts learn about their eventual career through the merit badge program!

 

Of the many subjects, some merit badges are electives (green embroidered borders), and some are required for Eagle rank (silver embroidered borders).

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Merit badges are not usually taught during regular meetings.  Although there are a couple of exceptions to the rule, they're completed individually and independently. Although a Scout need not have any particular rank to earn merit badges, there is a specific procedure that's maintained:

• to ensure a boy is ready to take a particular badge,

• to ensure he's mastered the material,

• and to ensure that the paperwork is properly registered by the Troop, the Council and the National BSA organization.

 

The procedure isn't difficult, but it must be followed.  Watch this short Merit Badge Process Video to learn about it here.  Parents can watch this longer video to learn the basics of Scouting Advancement, generally.  To be sure corners are not cut, Scoutmasters have ultimate discretion to approve or reject applications for merit badges and ranks.

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Scouts can be any rank to begin merit badges, but cannot wear a sash until at least 6 merit badges have been earned.  The sash is available online or at the Scout Shop and is worn across the right shoulder, so the left pocket (which displays the Scout's rank) is always visible.

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This Troop 267 document provides details on how to earn a merit badge.

It goes beyond the 2 minute video above.