Scouts,
Earning a Merit Badge can be an interesting and rewarding experience. There are currently over 130 merit badges available to work on in a variety of interesting fields and skills. Scouts may begin working on merit badges as soon as they become a Scout; though we encourage new Scouts to become oriented to the Troop first (such as attending Camping 101 and/or summer camp).
To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, a Scout must earn a total of 21 merit badges during their trail to Eagle. Of these 21 merit badges, there are 12 specific ones that you must earn. These are listed in the back of your Boy Scout Handbook along with any optional ones.
There are many opportunities in and outside of the Troop to earn merit badges throughout the year – during camp outs, Merit Badge Universities (MBUs), workshops, and camps. While it is tempting to jump right in and start going down the list of badges required for Eagle, we strongly recommend that new Scouts pick a subject or skill that they are really interested in for their very first badge. This allows you to get familiar with the merit badge process while working with a topic that you know you are already excited about.
Important BSA Policies
- Your merit badge must be taught by a qualified merit badge counselor who is on the current list of counselors for their district.
- You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor. (youth protection buddy system – scout, friend or relative)
- You are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated—no more and no less. You are expected to do exactly what is stated in the requirements for each badge
Troop 250 Policies
The following Troop policies give your adult leaders the ability to make sure that the merit badge process runs smoothly and that we maintain a correct record of your accomplishments:
- Before taking a merit badge you are required to receive a blue Merit Badge Application (or verbal permission) from Mrs. Rempel or Mrs. Okolita from the Troop’s Advancement Committee. You may also receive permission from the Scoutmaster.
- To ensure that you receive credit for completing a merit badge, you must have your counselor sign it and you must turn it in to Mrs. Rempel or Mrs. Okolita.
- The Scoutmaster (Mr. Rempel) has the latest list of merit badge counselors from the district and will provide you with the list of counselors for the merit badge you are starting
- If you take a merit badge at another council or district, it is your responsibility to ensure that the counselor is properly registered.
If you have any questions about merit badges please contact the Scoutmaster or Mrs. Okolita.
Above all, make sure you are following the Golden Rule of merit badges which is “HAVE FUN!” Having fun while learning something new is what Scouting is about. Chances are you will learn something that just might change your life.
Harold Rempel
Scoutmaster
Troop 250
S5-549-14
Contact the Scoutmaster for a list of York District Merit Badge Counselors
