Merit Badges

There are over 135 merit badges, and you can start earning them as soon as you join the troop. For the Eagle rank you need a minimum of 21 merit badges, 13 of which are required.

For each merit badge there is a pampthlet containing the requirements for the merit badge, along with much of the information you need to learn. The troop has a library of merit badge pampthlets you can borrow by checking them out from the troop librarian. The pampthlets are also available for purchase (about $6 each) from the scout shops in Arcadia, Los Angeles and Glendale. Many merit badge pampthlets can be purchased online from Amazon. For some merit badges a digital version of the pampthlet can be purchased online from the national scout shop.

"Digital resource guides" for merit badges are the newest innovation, replacing merit badge pampthlets, and are available for some merit badges, for free, at scouting.org.

Each merit badge also has a workbook that merit badge counselors often want you to fill out, and these can be downloaded as a fillable .pdf from usscouts.org.

There are three different ways you can earn merit badges:

• Attend a troop-sponsored merit badge class. Some classes are held during troop meetings (not too often), some during troop merit badge days, and other classes meet elsewhere.
• Attend merit badge classes offered by third parties. Our Council frequently offers merit badge classes at Camp Trask, especially during the summer with its Trail to Eagle program. Other places to check are Arcadia Wilderness Park and the scout councils nearby (e.g., Verdugo Hills, West L.A., Long Beach, Orange County). These classes often charge a fee, typically around $75 per merit badge. Summer camps are also a great place to earn merit badges, usually at no added cost to the camp fee.
• Do the requirements on your own. Contact a council-registered merit badge counselor before you start for guidance on what you need to do. Many troop parents are troop merit badge counselors.

Before starting any merit badge, get a "blue card" for classes that require it and fill out all your information and have your scoutmaster sign the blue card.

When you have completed all the requirements, the merit badge counselor will sign the card or submit the completion digitally. BRING ANY PHYSICAL BLUE CARDS OR DIGITAL RECORDS TO YOUR SCOUTMASTER to ensure they are entered into our advancement records system. You will receive your merit badge patch at the troop's next court of honor.

PARENTS: Consider becoming a merit badge counselor. Your talents can help our scouts earn merit badges. See the Adult Leadership tab of this website.