Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ Index
Advancement
- How do I advance in rank?
Answer: Keep your scout handbook with you at all times so that your book can be signed as you complete the requirements.
- What do I do when I think I have completed a rank?
Answer: Ask the Advancement Chair to verify that you are ready for a Scoutmaster conference. Schedule your Scoutmaster conference. When you pass your Scoutmaster conference, let the Advancement Chair know so that your Board of Review can be scheduled.
- What do I wear to a Board of Review?
Answer: Wear your complete Field Uniform (Class A uniform). Don’t forget your socks and belt.
Merit Badge
Merit badges are a key part of the advancement program of the Boy Scouts of America, and is one of the most unique educational tools ever devised. Merit badges are not only requirements for rank advancement beyond the rank of first class, but are unique educational tools for scouts. While it may seem intimidating at first, it is not and we hope that the Troop 11 MB FAQ will be helpful in getting you on your way towards a successful scouting experience.- What is a merit badge?
Answer: A Merit Badge is a unique educational tool and a key component for advancement beyond the first class rank. Merit badges are fun, sometimes challenging, but first and foremost educational and geared towards helping the individual scout develop personal skills in a variety of areas. There are today more than 100 subjects on which a merit badge can be earned.
Getting started with merit badges might seen intimidating at first, but as soon as you get the lay of the land, a little help and encouragement from your scoutmaster, leaders, and/or parents it is mostly fun. However, earning merit badges is a scout driven activity and requires initiative on the scout’s part.
- What is an Eagle required merit badge?
Answer: To earn the rank of Eagle you need to have at least 21 merit badges. Of the 21, at least 12 must be (hence the term eagle required) as follows:
- Camping
- Citizenship in the Community
- Citizenship in the Nation
- Citizenship in the World
- Communications
- Cycling or Swimming or Hiking
- Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving
- Environmental Science
- Family Life
- First Aid
- Personal Fitness
- Personal Management
- How do I get started earning merit badges?
Answer: Ask your scoutmaster, advancement chair, older scout, any leader, troop committee member, or involved parent and they can help point you in the right direction. We also hope that the list of Troop 11 10 most frequently asked questions on merit badges is helpful.
- When can I start earning Merit Badges?
Answer: Any time!
- How are merit badges organized?
Answer: Merit badges are individual activities and while they can be done in groups many if not most of the activities and requirements are self-paced and geared towards individual work. Each merit badge comes with a set of requirements that must be approved (signed off) by a merit badge counselor (see question 6 and 7). Requirements are revised every year and it is important that the appropriate set of requirements is followed. The requirements are documented in the merit badge book, which can be obtained from the troop library or the Scout Shop. Books from the troop library should be verified to be the current version. Most recent versions are documented on the web and a copy of that list is available in the troop library.
- What is and how does the buddy system work?
Answer: A Scout must have a buddy with him at each meeting with a merit badge counselor. A Scout’s buddy could be another Scout, or be a parent or guardian, brother or sister, relative or friend.
- How do I get a merit badge counselor?
Answer: Ask the Advancement chair for a list of merit badge counselors.
- Who can be a merit badge counselor?
Answer: An adult troop member can register as a merit badge counselor. They should have expertise or experience with the topic and available to work with the scouts as needed. Merit Badge counselors can request to be available only to the troop or can volunteer to be available to other troops in the area.
- How do I track my advancement?
Answer: The Advancement Chair can print a report with your current advancement status, including your partial merit badges.
- How do I schedule my merit badge work?
Answer: Go to Merit Badge Fair and summer camp. Those are the two easiest ways to earn merit badges. Badges are also taught during the regular meetings but some requirements may have to be completed outside the meeting time. If you have a skill or interest for which merit badges are not generally taught, contact the Advancement Chair for a list of merit badge counselors for the badge you would like to earn.
- How do we interpret the requirements?
Answer: Simply stated “no more and no less.” By this we mean that a scout is expected to meet the requirements as stated. A merit badge counselor CANNOT ask the scout to go beyond the requirements of the merit badge, nor can he pass anyone that has not mastered the skills. When it says, “show or demonstrate” that is what is required and just telling about what was done is not sufficient. The same is true for phrases like “collect, identify, and label,” “list,” and “in the field.” If it says list 20 you can not require 21 or more for your signature. While it is ok to encourage curiosity and even help develop skills beyond the requirements it CANNOT be required for signing off the requirement.
- What is a merit badge card?
Answer: A merit badge card is required to receive the badge and have it recorded in you records. A merit badge card can be obtained from the Advancement Chair. It must be signed by the Scoutmaster and by the merit badge counselor. The Advancement Chair does not approve completions of merit badges and does not sign merit badge cards. When the merit badge card is signed, bring it to the Advancement Chair so that your completion can be recorded.
- Did not find your answer?
Answer: Ask the question and if asked more than once we will add it to the list.
