The following steps will assist you in earning a merit badge in Troop 430:
1. Select a merit badge. Available merit badges are listed in the Handbook as well as here in this site. Almost any subject that you can think of is covered by a merit badge. You are encouraged to earn the merit badges which are required for the Eagle Scout Rank. You might postpone working on the outdoor merit badges until summer camp because you will find that this will be more convenient.
2. Get permission from the Scoutmaster, the designated Assistant Scoutmaster, or the Troop Committee Advancement Chairman to earn a particular merit badge. If he or she believes that you have selected an appropriate merit badge, they will arrange for you to receive a signed merit badge application card (Blue Card). Failure to comply with this requirement may cause you to be denied credit for work done prior to obtaining permission to work on the merit badge. Appropriateness of a merit badge is determined by your age and rank in Scouting. Be advised, however, that it is troop policy that certain merit badges must be earned by Troop 430 counselors. To insure fairness to all Scouts, Camping, Family Life, Personal Fitness, and Personal Management merit badges must be earned within the troop process.
3. Obtain the merit badge pamphlet and workbook. A pamphlet may be available from the Troop Library. If not, they can be bought at the Scout Store for less than five dollars. Read the pamphlet from cover to cover. The workbook can be downloaded from the internet. An adult leader will help you obtain any materials that you need. These materials will help you become familiar with the requirements for the merit badge.
4. Select a buddy. If you will be meeting with your counselor away from the meeting place, be sure to take a buddy with you. Your siblings, parents, or other Scouts can be your buddy. You will find that you can accomplish more if will tackle each merit badge with a buddy.
5. Locate an approved merit badge counselor. The troop has a list of well qualified counselors who have agreed to work with Scouts. Additionally, there is a district list of merit badge counselors who will work with our Scouts. The Advancement Chairman will find a counselor for merit badges not on either list.
6. Contact the counselor. Make an appointment to meet with eth counselor. Be sure that you are familiar with the merit badge subject matter and the requirements before you meet. Be courteous. Remember that the counselor is doing you a favor by agreeing to work with you. Find out what the counselor expects of you.
7. Do each requirement to the best of your ability. The requirements for each merit badge are specific. Complete the requirements exactly the way that they are written. The requirements says “show”, you show. If the requirements say “tell”, you tell. No more, no less. You should make notes of topics to discuss with your counselor. He/she is there to help you.
8. When you believe that you have fulfilled all the requirements to the best of your ability, contact your counselor. He/she will go over the requirements with you to determine if you have completed the requirements and that you know your stuff. Rather than wasting everyone’s time, do your best. If the counselor believes that you have fulfilled the requirements, he/she will sign the merit badge card. If not, they will tell you what remains to be completed in order to earn the badge.
9. Maintain records. Both you and your counselor should keep a record of what you have done towards earning the badge. Be sure to keep you Blue Card as evidence that you earned the badge.
10. Give the completed card to the appropriate troop person. He/she will arrange for you to be recognized by the troop and to receive the badge at a troop Court of Honor.
11. Have questions? Be sure to discuss your questions and problems with your parents and adult leaders.
