The instructions below are to help Scouts, parests and leaders better understand the Merit Badge process.
STEP 1. CHOOSE. First a scout should see what merit badge they want to work on. They can either talk to a leader or research what's available on their own. Here is the page that lists all of the available merit badges and their requirements.
STEP 2. DISCUSS. Now, the scout does need to discuss with the Scoutmaster or a Leader the SM designates. After agreeing regarding the merit badge, the scout or SM may start the Merit Badge. The SM also signs the electronic blue card.
STEP 3. REFER. The SM or designated Leader will use the Merit Badge Counselor Listing in Scoutbook to recommend one or two Merit Badges Counselors along with their contact information to the Scout.
STEP 4. CONNECT. The Scout uses the contact information and reaches out to the Merit Badge Counselor. If the Counselor accepts, then either the Counselor can use the Scouts' BSAID and Last Name to connect to the Scout's account or the Scout lets the SM that they connected with the Counselor and for the SM to invite the Counselor to connect to the Scout's account. (links below)
STEP 5. COMPLETE. Once the Scout has completed all of the merit badge requirements. The Counselor should complete the record in Scoutbook. Once recorded, the Scout will let the SM know that it has been completed. The SM will go into Scoutbook to approve the merit badge. The merit badge will be added to the next Court of Honor to be awarded to the scout.
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PHYSICAL BLUE CARDS. If the Merit Badge Counselor requests to work with physical blue cards, you may get a blue card from the SM and then when the merit badge is completed and signed by the Counselor, return it to the SM. The SM or Advancement Chair will record the achievement in Scoutbook.
Additional Merit Badge Resources:
https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/
This is the official list of available Merit Badges. The shortened PDF pamphlets available here contain the requirements. Full merit badge pamphlets may be picked up at the Scout Shop, retailers like Ramsey Outdoor or the online shop, https://www.scoutshop.org/.
https://www.boyscouttrail.com/boy-scouts/bsa-merit-badges.asp
Unofficial listing of merit badges, plus merit badge worksheets. Please note that worksheets may help a scout in learning the material, but check with counselor on how they should be used for a particular merit badge.