Merit Badges
The Merit Badge program is arguably one of the most well-known parts of Boy Scouting to those outside the Scouting environment. Merit badges offer Scouts the opportunity to learn about a wide range of interesting topics, and more important, are required for rank advancement. Merit Badges are not required for any rank up to First Class. In order to advance past the rank of First Class, Scouts will need to earn a number of Merit Badges:
- Star: Requires 6 Merit Badges 4 of which must be Eagle required
- Life: Requires and additional 5, 3 of which must be Eagle
- Eagle: Requires a Total of 21 Merit Badges, 12 of which are required
- Becoming a Merit Badge Counselor
- Merit Badge Process
- Troop Library
- Merit Badge Opportunities
- Eagle-Required Merit Badges
- General Merit Badges
Becoming a Merit Badge Counselor
The process for an adult to become a merit badge counselor is very easy. First, you must complete the BSA Youth Leadership Protection (YPT) course that is available on-line, To take YPT, go to MyScouting.org and create an account. From the MyScouting.org portal, click on E-Learning to take YPT. Following completion of this course, you must complete a Boy Scout Adult Leader Application Form and a Merit Badge Counselor Application. Present these forms, along with your certificate of completion of YPT to the Troop Scoutmaster for his signature and he will submit them to Council.
Merit Badge Process
Prior to working on any merit badge, the Scout needs to discuss the opportunity with the Troop Advancement Chair or an Assistant Scoutmaster. Once they approve pursuing the merit bagde, they will provide the Scout with a Merit Badge Blue card. After receiving the blue card, the Scout should then contact a Merit Badge Counselor (MBC). A list of MBCs is available on the Indian Prairie District website. The MBC will determine the best way to discuss the merit badge opportunity with the Scout. Upon completion of the merit badge, the MBC will sign the blue card. The Scout will then submit the completed blue card to the Troop Advancement Chair.
Troop Library
Troop 317 maintains a Troop library of merit badge pamphlets that can be checked out by any Scout. To check out a merit badge pamphlet, contact the Troop librarian.
Merit Badge Opportunities
District Sponsored Clinics
Three Fires Council usually organizes an annual Merit Badge Clinic known as Merit Badge University early in the year. During this event, boys will have the opportunity to earn up to four (4) merit badges in one day. Boys will need to register in advance, and show that they have completed all the requirements necessary. These clinics typically focus on Eagle required merit badges
Pathways to Eagle
The Village of Bolingbrook puts on a full weekend clinic in August every year for almost all listed merit badges. It is open to all Boy Scouts in the area, and scouts will have the opportunity to earn up to four (4) merit badges.
Summer Camp
During the week spent up at summer camp each year the scouts can earn as many merit badges as time permits. Typically most boys will earn 2-3 over the week, but some have been known to earn five or more.
Troop Sponsored Events
The boys from time to time may elect to work on a merit badge during their normal weekly meeting times or on a weekend campout. Parents are encouraged to run these Merit Badges. Boys can seek out Counselors on their own. A large part of “earning” the merit badges is for the boys to take the time, and show the initiative to hunt out a council “registered” merit badge counselor. This can be a wonderful way for the boys to grow in confidence and independence. However, the boys must always have another person present when they meet with the counselor.
Merit Badge Resources
Any Boy Scout may work on any merit badge from the time they join our Troop until their 18th birthday, regardless of rank, although some merit badges do require prior approval. Requirements for a given merit badge are called out in the official merit badge pamphlets that are available from the Scout shop or in the Troop library. Below are some online resources available for various merit badges, but Scouts must follow the official merit badge pamphlets and not rely on any other resources, including the ones listed below. Merit badge requirements cannot be altered for any reason by a leader or counselor.
NOTE: The information provided below is for general reference ONLY and should not be considered official merit badge requirements as requirements do change from time-to-time. The ONLY official source for merit badge requirements are the requirements books printed by Boy Scouts of America on an annual basis.
 Camping |
 Citizenship in the Community |
 Citizenship in the Nation |
 Citizenship in the World |
 Communications |
 Cycling |
 Emergency Preparedness |
 Environmental Science |
 Family Life |
 First Aid |
 Hiking |
 Lifesaving |
 Swimming |
 Personal Fitness |
 Personal Management |
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