I’ve been approved to work on a Merit Badge. Now what? Do I need to buy a copy of the merit badge booklet?

Once you have completed the Blue Card and obtained the Scoutmaster’s approval, you are ready to start working on the merit badge.  The following are the recommended next steps:

1. Obtain a copy of the Merit Badge pamphlet and review it in detail.  You will find that most of the requirements are thoroughly explained in the contents of the pamphlet.
2. The Scout contacts the counselor while following youth protection requirements. >Even though Scouts may benefit from reviewing requirements with a merit badge counselor before getting to work, a Scout may begin the effort on any badge at any time after registering in Scouts BSA.
3. The counselor considers any work toward requirements completed prior to the initial discussion with the unit leader.  It is the counselor’s decision whether to accept work or activities completed prior to any meeting with the unit leader or the merit badge counselor. Common sense should prevail, however. For example: nights already camped as a Scout in Scouts BSA, or coins or stamps already collected, would count toward their respective badges.)
4. The Scout, the Scout’s buddy, and the counselor meet (often several times).
5. Partial progress is recorded as requirements are completed.
6. The Scout finishes the requirements.
7. The counselor approves completion.

Remember, advancement requirements must be passed as written. If, for example, a requirement uses words like “show,” “demonstrate,” or “discuss,” then that is what Scouts must do. Filling out a worksheet, for example, would not suffice.  (Guide to Advancement 4.2.0.1)

Resources:

• Troop Library (via TroopTrack):  A listing of the Merit Badge pamphlets in the Troop library and whether they are currently checked out.  See the Troop Librarian to checkout or return a Merit Badge Book.
• Merit Badge Pamphlets (via ScoutShop.org):  Scouts can also purchase physical and digital versions of the Merit Badge pamphlets from the BSA’s Scout Shop or at a local Scout Shop.
• Merit Badge Requirements and Workbooks (via usscouts.org):  The US Scouting Service Project has created a series of Merit Badge workbooks to help Scouts organize notes, listen actively, and document their work. These workbooks can help you but you still need to read the merit badge pamphlet. The work space provided for each requirement should be used by the Scout to make notes for discussing the item with his counselor, not for providing the full and complete answers. Each Scout must do each requirement. Completing these worksheets may suffice where a requirement calls for something in writing, but this would not work for a requirement where the Scout must discuss, tell, show, or demonstrate, etc. Scouts are NOT required to use these learning aids in order to complete a merit badge.