Following the First Class rank, the Scouting program shifts emphasis from Scouting Skills to Leadership and Merit Badges. Merit Badges offer Scouts opportunities to learn about various areas of interest, gain confidence, improve social skill and develop self-reliance.
There are 131 merit badges, and the list is frequently grows. Scouts can earn any number of these. However, to accomplish the Eagle Scout rank, 21 specific merit badges need to be obtained which includes the 13 Eagle required Merit Badges. These 13 Eagle Merit Badges which have a silver stitching around the border. Those 13 Badges are listed at the bottom of this page.
To find the list of Merit Badges and their requirements, login to Scoutbook and navigate to References > Boy Scouting > Merit Badges
A list of available merit badges can also be found in the Boy Scout Requirements Handbook.
Boys can start earning merit badges at any time, usually after they earn their first rank, Scout. There are several ways to open, complete requirements for and complete a merit badge. Not every method will work for every badge, and sometimes a Scout will need to use multiple methods to complete the requirements:
Your Merit Badge Counselor: your assigned Merit Badge Counselor is there to help guide you through the process
Scoutbook: To find the list of Merit Badges and their requirements, login to Scoutbook and navigate to References > Boy Scouting > Merit Badges.
Merit Badge Library: The Troop has a merit badge book library to borrow merit badge books. Also, ask other scouts/parents to borrow merit badge books. Merit Badge books can be purchased at the scout shop.
Online Links:
13 Specific Eagle Required Merit Badges: