Merit Badges
Merit Badges are an important area of the Boy Scout advancement program. Unlike ranks, there is a degree of choice in the merit badge program. A sub-group of merit badges are known as Eagle required merit badges. To earn Eagle Scout, most of these badges must be earned although some are "either/or" badges. The remainder of the badges help with earning ranks as well as Eagle Palms after the Eagle Scout award has been earned. In 1911 there were 57 merit badges, and over the years the BSA has added, discontinued, merged, and renamed them depending on popularity, shift in focus of Scouting, or changes in society. There are currently over 120 merit badges, the most recent being robotics added in 2011, so boys are certain to find areas of interest. First Aid is the
only merit badge that has always been on the required list for Eagle Scout.
Boy Scouts may work on merit badges from they time they join a Scout troop until they turn 18 years old. There is no time limit for completion of merit badges other than age 18. Ranks above First Class require the earning of a number of merit badges, both Eagle and elective.
See below for information on the Merit Badge process and MB counselors.
Merit Badge Counselors (MBC) are in high demand both within the Troop and within the Cradle of Liberty council. Counselors must submit an application and must be approved by the council for each merit badge. Mrs. Hersch is the Merit Badge Coordinator for Troop 406. Please fill out the form below and turn it in to her, along with an adult application (if you have not already filled one out). Counselors also must complete the online Youth Protection Training and provide a copy of the certificate with your MBC application.
Merit Badge Counselor application
List of current Merit Badge Counselors