Boy Scout merit badges are a great way to introduce yourself to a variety of sports, crafts, sciences, trades, business, and future careers as you progress in rank.They are meant to teach you a variety of skills that will be useful to you in the future.A small group of Scouts have achieved the goal of earning merit badges.You can begin filling up your sash once you start planning how to work on these badges.
Step 1: How much time do you need?
The amount of time you need to complete all of the merit badges varies.Some badges can be completed in an afternoon, while others take months to complete.Personal Management requires you to track your income, expenses, and savings for 13 weeks, which is about 3 months.Discuss a merit badge schedule with your parents or Scoutmaster.They will be able to help you figure out when is the best time to do certain badges.
Step 2: Make a schedule.
Giving yourself a schedule is the best way to achieve any goal.Focus on earning a couple at a time instead of thinking about all the badges at once.If you break your quest into smaller, more manageable goals, you will be able to chip away at it while still feeling progress.When setting a schedule, it's a good idea to consider what equipment you'll need to complete each badge.Water Sports will need to be completed in warmer months when you can be on the water, while winter might be better for a badge that involves more indoor work.Badges like Personal Management don't necessarily require you to spend a lot of time on them.You can work on multiple badges at the same time, but you should look for other badges that are shorter.There are 136 merit badges offered by the Boy Scouts.You can complete all badges in a little more than three years if you work at a pace of 5 badges per month.
Step 3: Prerequisites to check.
Some badges require you to have completed other requirements before you can work on them.Look for badges that require you to know information from other ranks, and wait to start working on those badges until you have achieved that rank.First Aid requires that you have knowledge of all first aid requirements for ranks up through First Class.It is possible to check off one of the requirements once you get started, but you don't necessarily need to be First Class to get it.
Step 4: Look for badges that your troop isn't working on.
Scouts will be helped by most troops working on badges.If your troop is going to be working on specific badges, it would be best not to spend time on yourself.The top 13 merit badges were earned with Eagle-required badges.Other high-ranking badges were rifle shooting, archery, leatherwork, and wilderness survival.These badges are likely to be worked on by your troop at either summer camp or as a group.
Step 5: Badge work is done every day.
It will take some time to earn every merit badge.Set aside some time to help you get through that.Establishing a daily routine will help you push through the days when you don't feel like working, and make it more likely that you will accomplish your goals.It's possible to be flexible with how much time you spend.Some requirements are more time consuming than others.It's important that you carve out some time every day.Badge work can get in the way of important things like school and family time.
Step 6: Finish requirements at the same time.
There are requirements that are similar between badges.If there is significant overlap, many requirements and regulations allow you to double count.You should be aware of subtle differences between requirements.Communication and Citizenship in the Community require you to attend a local public meeting and listen to different opinions on an issue.Communication and Citizenship in the Community both want you to report on each point of view.The same meeting can start both requirements, but they need different results.A number of badges have something written to them.It is a great way to check off requirements while also getting your schoolwork done if you can find ways to make your school assignments fit into your requirements.The Scout Guide wants you to think about why you are double-counting.Checking off requirements is important, but you should consider the possibility that the extra effort may make a difference in the lives of others.It is a personal decision, but you should think about it.
Step 7: Attend camps and jamborees.
Several merit badges can be earned quickly at Scouting events.You can earn your badges in a variety of classes at camps and jamborees.If you want to earn badges, look for things that are difficult to do at home.An outdoor camp is a great place to go for wilderness survival.You may find more unique opportunities to work with people in specific areas like Nuclear Science or Pottery that you won't meet at home or through your troop.Before you go to the camp, make sure you do the prerequisites for the merit badges you want to take.You should keep an eye out for the course requirements after camp is over.Talk to your Scoutmaster if your troop doesn't go to a regular summer camp.Even if you don't earn merit badges, summer camp is a great place to build troop spirit and have fun.
Step 8: You should read the pamphlet.
There is a pamphlet with the requirements and a number of resources you can use to learn more.Make sure the badge is something you want to accomplish.You can get pamphlets for the badges you want to earn by talking to your Scoutmaster.Changes to the requirements for badges will be made by the national organization.It's important to have the most up-to-date requirements when you're trying to earn the Badge.
Step 9: There is a merit badge counselor.
You need someone who is trained or experienced in the field to teach you the skills of the badge.The counselor will try to figure out what you do and teach you how to do it.He will sign off on the completion of the requirements to earn the badge.The counselor should have access to the equipment and a place to use it if you are trying to earn a badge that requires it.You may need to find counselors for some of your badges if you don't have a lot of qualified people to help.
Step 10: Work with a friend.
It's possible to be a family member, friend, relative or another scout.There is no requirement for you to have another scout with you according to the 2015 BSA Guide to advancement.It is always a good idea to have someone else watch you do your work.It can always be more fun if you have a larger group.Getting a few Scouts together to learn a new skill or earn a merit badge can be a fun activity for a troop.
Step 11: The requirements should be fulfilled.
Get to work after you have read the requirements.Show your work to the merit badge counselor if you've completed all the required steps.If you have already completed several steps, bring them with you to the meeting so the counselor can decide if it counts.You may need the approval of the counselor to get started on your project, or you may have to explain how something works to him.Before you start taking pictures, your counselor must approve the story you intend to tell.You want to do everything you can to make sure it won't count.Your merit badge counselor will sign off on your application once you are done.You will get the merit badge if you turn that in to your Scoutmaster.Well done!