Merit Badges are one of the fun parts about the BSA.  If you have a slight interest in a topic there's a merit badge that will allow you to explore that interest.  There are over 135 Merit Badges offered by the BSA.  

Eagle Requirements

You must earn 21 merit badges to earn the rank of Eagle. 13 of those are the specific "Eagle Required Merit Badges” listed below:

1. First Aid

2. Camping

3. Citizenship in the Community

4. Citizenship in the Nation

5. Citizenship in the World

6. Citizenship in Society

7. Communication 

8. Cooking

9. Family Life

10. Personal Fitness

11. Personal Management

12. Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving

13. Environmental Science OR Sustainability

14. Cycling OR Hiking OR Swimming 

The remaining 7 merit badges required for the rank of Eagle can be any of your choosing!

Merit Badge Counselors

Our Troop will offer merit badge classes either through Troop Meetings or by one of our registered Leaders.  If you ever would like to  do a merit badge feel free to reach out to the Scoutmaster or the Merit Badge Counselor found here. 

Merit Badge Counselor List

Additional Merit Badge Resources

If you want to do a merit badge that our Troop does not have a counselor for there are a number of ways you could do that.

• Official Guide to Advancement

• Scoutmaster Bucky

• Scouting Event - merit badge class signups will often be offered on there.

• The North Star Museum of Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting - offers classes throughout the year

• Reach out to the committee chair who can offer a list of names found in Scoutbook authorized by the Northern Star Council

*Please remember that ALL Scouts must request an electronic blue card before starting ANY merit badge.  You can do that by emailing the Scoutmaster (scoutmaster@troop283.net)  with your intent to start a particular merit badge. You can also reach out at the same time requesting help finding a merit badge counselor.  Once you have an electronic blue card you are welcome to start any merit badge.  Once you have a counselor, follow the steps in Scout Book to connect them to your merit badge. 

Just know, that some counselors may not accept requirements already completed if they have not been notified first.