What are Merit Badges?

Merit Badges are awards Scouts can earn for demonstrating skills and knowledge in a subject. Merit Badges cover 134 different subjects range from activities like Camping, Hiking, and Cycling to Archery, Radio, and Sports.

A complete list of all Merit Badges offered, along with the requirements can be found on the Boy Scouts of America website.

Scouts can work on any merit badge, and may work on them individually or as a group. The entire Troop may choose to work on a badge together, or individual Patrols may also decide to work on a badge. In addition, Scouts may earn Merit Badges at Scout Camp or at special events called Merit Badge Universities.