ALL Scouts can work on merit badges. However, if a Scout has not achieved First Class Rank, he should probably not attempt the Eagle-required badges. Badges such as Reading, Leatherwork, Art, and Pets are more suitable for the younger Scouts.
The Merit Badge worksheets (from www.meritbadge.com) are NOT "required" - but they are highly recommended as note-taking assists. They should be used to help a Scout keep track of the things that he does, and to help the Counselor review the Scout's activities. It's recommended that the Scout keep a notebook with these worksheets in it, to help him keep track of the badges he's working on. Sometimes one family trip can result in completion of requirements in several badges, if you have the information at hand!
For Scouts:
If you want to earn a merit badge, you must:
- ask Mrs. Wehrly for a "blue card" for the merit badge of your choice and fill it out
- get a copy of the Merit Badge Booklet for the badge in question, and review it
- check to find out who is a Merit Badge Counselor for that badge
- call the Counselor, and make an appointment to review the requirements and start the badge
- when you and your Counselor agree that you have completed the requirements, he/she will fill out the blue card
- take the blue card to Mrs. Wehrly to have it recorded, and you'll receive it at the next Court of Honor
For Merit Badge Counselors:
When a Scout calls you for an appointment, you should keep in mind:
- the meeting can be at your home, at his home, at school, at the library
- remind the Scout that he should bring a buddy (can be another Scout, a sibling, or parent)
- make sure the blue card is filled out properly, and keep it until the Scout finishes the badge
- review the requirements with the Scout and make sure he understands what level of effort you expect; give him some guidance and suggestions on where or how to start on the badge
(remember that we have several Scouts with attention difficulties; they are usually much more verbal, and extensive written assignments will be a real problem for them - but you must do what you feel is required, to make sure they understand the material)
- you may need several meetings to complete the badge. When it is completed to your satisfaction, sign the blue card, write "COMPLETE" across the chart on the back, and return it to the Scout. (If the Scout has to stop before finishing - moves, etc. - note the requirements that he finished under your guidance, and return the card to the Scout.)
For Parents:
Encouragement, encouragement, encouragement!! You can certainly help your son with his badge work - but make sure that HE is DOING the work - not relying on you to do it for him. Offer to take him to libraries or museums or to visit a special individual who can answer his questions and point him in the right direction.
Merit Badges
Troop 129 Merit Badge Counselors
Merit Badge Research Center
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