• Scouts can begin working on merit badges upon joining the troop.
• There are well over 100 merit badge subjects to select from - check out your Scout Handbook for the complete list.
• Advancement to the Star, Life, and Eagle ranks all require some merit badge work.
• A total of 21 merit badges are required of which 11 are specifically required.  Check out the Eagle Scout Rank requirements in your handbook.

How do I earn a merit badge??? 

In Troop 85, merit badges can be earned in a number of ways...

• At Summer Camp.
• At District-Sponsored Merit Badge classes and activities.
• At the Columbus Zoo, or through merit badge classes sponsored by trade or professional organizations.
• At Troop Merit Badge focused camp-outs.
• Working individually or in small groups with a Merit Badge counselor.

Organized merit badge activities are posted on the Troop calendar, announced at meetings, and provided on the Troop's Form table during meetings.

WHAT DO I DO???

• Select a merit badge that interests you and discuss it with one of your Scoutmasters.
• If you are working on an individual merit badge, have Mr. Hart or Mr. Krum recommend a District-approved counselor for you.  Typically, you'll be provided 2-3 contacts.  If it is an organized merit badge, see Mr. Hart or Mr. Krum for a blue card - and make sure you complete any prerequisites before attending.
• Once you have obtained the blue card, fill it out and have the Scoutmaster sign it.

• Provide all 3 parts of the card to the Merit Badge counselor.
• Upon completing the merit badge, the counselor will complete his information and sign it in 2 locations.  He will retain the one section of the card marked "Counselor's Record" and return the remaining two sections to the scout.
• The scout will return the remaining two section to the Scoutmaster for his signature.
• The Scoutmaster retains both sections of the blue card.   The "Applicant's Record" portion of the blue card is returned at the next Court of Honor with the Merit Badge.
• REMEMBER, KEEP YOUR COPY OF THE BLUE CARD - IT MAY BE REQUIRED TO VERIFY COMPLETION OF THE MERIT BADGE AT A LATTER DATE.
• When doing a merit badge that requires 90 days - you must obtain the blue card from the Scoutmaster before starting.