The Boy Scouts of America

Cub Scouting Boy Scouting · Varsity Scouting  · Order of the Arrow · National Eagle Scout Association Venturing · Sea Scouting

Advancement & Recognition

Eagle Scout · List of notable Eagle Scouts · Merit Badges

History of the Boy Scouts of America

William D. Boyce · James E. West · Ernest Thompson Seton · Daniel Carter Beard

History of Merit Badges

Scouting portal

For history regarding merit badge types, see History of merit badges (Boy Scouts of America).

Merit badges are awards earned by youth members of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), a U.S.-based organization, based on activities within an area of study by completing a list of periodically updated requirements. The purpose of the merit badge program is to allow Scouts to examine subjects to determine if they would like to further pursue them as a career or avocation. Originally, the program also introduced Scouts to the life skills of contacting an adult they hadn't met before, arranging a meeting and then demonstrating their skills, similar to a job or college interview. Increasingly, though, merit badges are earned in a class setting at troop meetings and summer camps. Image File history File links Mb001c. ... For the Boy Scouting program within the BSA, see Boy Scouting (Boy Scouts of America). ... Cub Scouting is part of the Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), available to some boys from first through fifth-grade, or 7–10 years of age and their families. ... Boy Scouting is a part of the program that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) offers for boys and young men. ... Varsity Scouting is part of the Boy Scouting program of the BSA. It is an alternative available to boys ages fourteen through seventeen that takes the basic Boy Scouting program and adds high adventure, sporting, and other elements that are more appealing to older youth to accomplish the aims of... The Order of the Arrow (OA) is the national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). ... The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) is an organization of men who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. ... Venturing is part of the program of the Boy Scouts of America for young adults, men and women, generally between the ages of 14 and 20. ... Sea Scouts is part of the Boy Scouts of Americas program for young adults, men and women, who are generally between the ages of 14 and 20. ... Since its inception, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has had a tradition of advancement, honors and recognition. ... An Eagle Scout is a Scout with the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). ... This list of Eagle Scouts includes men who have become notable after earning Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). ... The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was inspired by and modeled on the Boy Scout Association, established by Robert Baden-Powell in Britain in 1907. ... William D. Boyce William Dickson Boyce (June 16, 1858- June 11, 1929), was an American entrepreneur, best known today for founding the Boy Scouts of America. ... Dr. James E. West (May 16, 1876 – May 15, 1948) was a lawyer and an advocate of childrens rights, who become the first professional Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), serving from 1911-1943. ... Ernest Thompson Seton (August 14, 1860 - October 23, 1946) was a noted author and founding pioneer of the Boy Scouts of America. ... Daniel Carter (Uncle Dan) Beard (June 21, 1850– June 11, 1941) was an American illustrator, author, and social reformer from Covington, Kentucky. ... BSA Merit Badge Samples: Gardening, Type A (center); Fish & Wildlife Management, Type J (upper right); Citizenship In The Home, Type E (lower right); Collections, Type H (lower left); Camping, Type D (upper left). ... Image File history File links Scout_logo2. ... BSA Merit Badge Samples: Gardening, Type A (center); Fish & Wildlife Management, Type J (upper right); Citizenship In The Home, Type E (lower right); Collections, Type H (lower left); Camping, Type D (upper left). ... For the Boy Scouting program within the BSA, see Boy Scouting (Boy Scouts of America). ... For other uses of terms redirecting here, see US (disambiguation), USA (disambiguation), and United States (disambiguation) Motto In God We Trust(since 1956) (From Many, One; Latin, traditional) Anthem The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City National language English (de facto)1 Demonym American...

Each merit badge has a pamphlet published by the Boy Scouts of America associated with it; the pamphlet contains information on completing the requirements for the badge. There are designated merit badge counselors for each badge, and a Scout would meet with a counselor to demonstrate that he's completed the requirements. The counselor would then 'sign off' on each one.

The award of a merit badge is represented by circular patch with an image representing the badge's topic. The patches for the Eagle-required merit badges are distinguishable by the silver ring on the outside edge. Merit badges are displayed on a sash which can be worn with the Boy Scout uniform on formal occasions. The Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) gives a Scout visibility and creates a level of identity within both the unit and the community. ...

Every year the National Council reviews and updates a certain number of merit badges. The most recent new merit badges are Nuclear Science, created in 2005, originally named 'Atomic Energy'; Snow Sports, created in 1999 originally as 'Skiing'; and Fly Fishing, split off from the Fishing merit badge in 2002. The most recent merit badges to be created are Composite Materials (created in 2006;^[1]) Archaeology and Climbing (both created in 1997), and Entrepreneurship (created in 1998). The Boy Scouts of America are, as of 2005, field-testing a Hunting merit badge.^[2]

Aside from the BSA, Scouting organizations in the following countries issue or have issued merit badges: Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Spain, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Austria has a program similar to merit badges for certain age groups. This article is about the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts/Girl Guides organizations. ... Austrian Scouts and Girl Guides (German Pfadfinder und Pfadfinderinnen Österreichs, PPÖ) is the largest national scouting organization in Austria. ...

A sample merit badge sash: From left to right, starting at top; 1 Swimming, Mammal Study, Environmental Science; 2 Basketry, Wood Carving, Dog Care; 3 Wilderness Survival, Emergency Preparedness, Bird Study; 4 Public Speaking, Scholarship, Law; 5 Rifle Shooting, Archery, Metalwork; 6 Fish and Wildlife Management, Citizenship in the Nation, Orienteering; 7 Citizenship in the Community, Communications, Personal Management; 8 Soil and Water Conservation, Reptile Study, Lifesaving; 9 Forestry, Citizenship in the World, Safety

Download high resolution version (293x900, 51 KB) Picture of Boy Scout Merit Badge Sash, taken 3 July 2004 by Seth Ilys. ... Download high resolution version (293x900, 51 KB) Picture of Boy Scout Merit Badge Sash, taken 3 July 2004 by Seth Ilys. ...

Eagle Scout requirements

The current requirements for Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouting, includes earning 21 merit badges, including twelve from a required list: An Eagle Scout is a Scout with the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). ...

• Camping
• Cycling or Hiking or Swimming
• Citizenship in the Community
• Citizenship in the Nation
• Citizenship in the World
• Communications
• Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving
• Environmental Science
• Family Life
• First Aid
• Personal Fitness
• Personal Management

List of current merit badges

^[3]

The last revision date indicates the date of the latest requirement changes; the copyright or printing dates of merit badge pamphlets may have a different date.

Name	Created	Requirements revision	Pamphlet revision	Notes	Further reading
American Business	1967c	2003	2002		Business, economy of the United States
American Cultures	1979	2006	2005		Culture of the United States
American Heritage	1975	2006	2005		History of the United States
American Labor	1987	2006	2006		Trade union
Animal Science	1975	2007	2006		Animal Science
Archaeology	1997	2007	2006		Archaeology
Archery	1911	2005	2004		Archery
Architecture	1911	1995	2004		Architecture
Art	1911	2007	2006		Art
Astronomy	1911	2006	2004		Astronomy
Athletics	1911	2007	2006		Athletics
Auto Mechanics	1992	2001	2000		Auto mechanic
Aviation	1911	2007	2006		Aviation
Backpacking	1982	2003	2002 / 2007	2007 requirements become effective in 2008	Backpacking
Basketry	1927	2004	2003		Basket weaving
Bird Study	1914	2006	2005		Ornithology
Bugling	1911	2004	2003	Shares a pamphlet with Music	Bugle (instrument)
Camping	1911	2007	2005	Eagle-required	Camping
Canoeing	1927	2005	2004		Canoeing
Chemistry	1911	2006	2004		Chemistry
Cinematography	1990	2002	2001		Cinematography
Citizenship in the Community	1952	2005	2005	Eagle-required	Citizenship
Citizenship in the Nation	1951	2005	2005	Eagle-required	Citizenship
Citizenship in the World	1972	2006	2005	Eagle-required	Global citizenship
Climbing	1997	2007	2006		Climbing
Coin Collecting	1938	2003	2002		Coin collecting
Collections	1991	2004	2003		Collecting
Communications	1965	2004	2003	Eagle-required	Communication
Composite Materials	2006	2006	2006		Composite material
Computers	1967	2006	2005		Computers
Cooking	1911	2007	2007		Cooking
Crime Prevention	1996	2006	2005		Crime prevention
Cycling	1911	2005	2003	Eagle-required (this or Hiking or Swimming)	Cycling
Dentistry	1975	2007	2006		Dentistry
Disabilities Awareness	1993	2006	2005		Disability
Dog Care	1938	2004	2003		Dog
Drafting	1965	1993	1993		Technical drawing
Electricity	1911	2005	2004		Electricity
Electronics	1963	2005	2004		Electronics
Emergency Preparedness	1972	2005	2003	Eagle-required (this or Lifesaving)	Emergency management
Energy	1976	2006	2005		Energy
Engineering	1967	2001	2000		Engineering
Entrepreneurship	1997	2007	2006		Entrepreneurship
Environmental Science	1972	2006	2006	Eagle-required	Environmental science
Family Life	1991	2005	2005	Eagle-required, takes at least 90 days	Family values
Farm Mechanics	1928	1998	1997		Agricultural machinery
Fingerprinting	1938	2004	2003		Fingerprint
Fire Safety	1995	2005	2004		Fire safety
First Aid	1911	2005	2002 / 2007	2007 requirements become effective in 2008;Eagle-required	First aid
Fish and Wildlife Management	1972	2005	2004		Wildlife management
Fishing	1952	2003	2002		Fishing
Fly Fishing	2002	2003	2002		Fly Fishing
Forestry	1911	2006	2005		Forestry
Gardening	1911	2006	2005		Gardening
Genealogy	1972	2006	2005		Family history
Geology	1953	2006	2005		Geology
Golf	1976	2003	2002		Golf
Graphic Arts	1987	2006	2006		Graphic Arts
Hiking	1921	2000	2001 / 2007	2007 requirements become effective in 2008;Eagle-required (this or Cycling or Swimming)	Hiking
Home Repairs	1943	2003	2002		Home repair
Horsemanship	1911	2004	2004		Equestrianism
Indian Lore	1931	1995	2003		Native American mythology
Insect Study	1985	2003	2002		Entomology
Journalism	1927	2007	2006		Journalism
Landscape Architecture	1967	2003	2002		Landscape Architecture
Law	1974	2003	2002		Law
Leatherwork	1951	2003	2002		Leather
Lifesaving	1911	2001	2001	Eagle-required (this or Emergency Preparedness)	Lifesaving
Mammal Study	1985	prior to 1979	2003		Mammal
Medicine	1991	2005	2002		Medicine
Metalwork	1927	2005	2001 / 2007	2007 requirements become effective in 2008	Metalworking
Model Design and Building	1963	2004	2003		Scale model
Motorboating	1961	1998	1992		Motorboat
Music	1911	2004	2003	Shares a pamphlet with Bugling	Music
Nature	1952	2004	2003		Nature
Nuclear Science	2005	2005	2004		Atomic nucleus
Oceanography	1964	2004	2003		Oceanography
Orienteering	1973	2004	2003		Orienteering
Painting	1911	2003	2002		Painting
Personal Fitness	1952	2007	2006	Eagle-required, takes at least 90 days	Physical fitness
Personal Management	1972	2004	2003	Eagle-required, takes at least 90 days	Personal finance, time management
Pets	1958	1995	2005	Takes at least 4 months	Pet
Photography	1911	2006	2005		Photography
Pioneering	1911	2006	2006		Knot, trestle
Plant Science	1974	2006	2005		Botany
Plumbing	1911	2005	2004		Plumbing
Pottery	1927	2003	2002		Pottery
Public Health	1911	2006	2005		Public health
Public Speaking	1932	2003	2002		Public speaking
Pulp and Paper	1972	2006	2006		Pulp and Paper Merit Badge
Radio	1923	2002	2001		Radio
Railroading	1952	2005	2003		Railroad
Reading	1929	2004	2003		Reading
Reptile and Amphibian Study	1993	2006	2005		Reptile, amphibian
Rifle Shooting	1988	2002	2001	Was originally part of the combined Rifle and Shotgun Shooting merit badge.	Rifle, shooting
Rowing	1933	2006	2007	2006	Sport rowing
Safety	1927	2007	2006		Safety
Salesmanship	1927	2003	2003		Sales
Scholarship	1911	2006	2004		Scholarship
Sculpture	1911	2002	2002	2007 requirements become effective in 2008	Sculpture
Shotgun Shooting	1988	2007	2005	formerly part of Rifle and Shotgun Shooting	Shotgun, shooting
Skating	1973	2006	2005		Ice skating, roller skating
Small-Boat Sailing	1964	2005	2004		Sailing
Snow Sports	1999	2007	2007		Winter sport
Soil and Water Conservation	1952	2005	2004		Soil conservation, water conservation
Space Exploration	1965	2005	2004		Space Exploration
Sports	1972	2007	2006		Sport
Stamp Collecting	1932	2007	2007		Stamp collecting
Surveying	1911	2005	2004		Surveying
Swimming	1911	2002	2002	Eagle-required (this or Cycling or Hiking)	Swimming
Textile	1973	2004	2003		Textile
Theater	1967	2005	2005		Theater
Traffic Safety	1975	2007	2006		Road-traffic safety
Truck Transportation	1973	2006	2005		Truck
Veterinary Medicine	1995	2006	2005		Veterinary medicine
Water Skiing	1969	1999	1999 / 2007	2007 requirements become effective in 2008; renamed to Water Sports	Water skiing
Weather	1927	2007	2006		Weather
Whitewater	1987	2006	2005		Whitewater
Wilderness Survival	1974	2002	2001 / 2007	2007 requirements become effective in 2008	Wilderness, survival skills
Wood Carving	1923	2002	2006		Wood carving
Woodwork	1923	2004	2003		Woodworking

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Zoology (from Greek: ζῴον, zoion, animal; and λόγος, logos, knowledge) is the biological discipline which involves the study of animals. ... Image File history File links Mb132c. ... For referencing in Wikipedia, see Wikipedia:Citing sources. ... Image File history File links Mb019c. ... Archery is the practice of using a bow to shoot arrows. ... Image File history File links Mb020c. ... This article is about building architecture. ... Image File history File links Mb021c. ... This article is about the philosophical concept of Art. ... Image File history File links Mb022c. ... For other uses, see Astronomy (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Mb023c. ... A womens 400 m hurdles race on a typical outdoor red rubber track in the Helsinki Olympic Stadium in Finland. ... Image File history File links Mb127c. ... A mechanic working on the rear end of a car. ... Image File history File links Mb025ac. ... Image File history File links Mb025c. ... Aviation encompasses all the activities relating to airborne devices created by human ingenuity, generally known as aircraft. ... Image File history File links Mb026c. ... This article is about backpacking in the wilderness. ... Image File history File links Mb027c. ... A woman weaves a basket in Cameroon. ... Image File history File links Mb029c. ... This article is about the field of zoology. ... Image File history File links Mb032c. ... Military bugle in B♭ The bugle is one of the simplest brass instruments; it is essentially a small natural horn with no valves. ... Image File history File links Mb001c. ... Car camping is camping in a tent, but nearby the car for easier access and for supply storage. ... Image File history File links Mb033c. ... Canoeing is the recreational or sporting activity of paddling a canoe or kayak. ... Image File history File links Mb034c. ... For other uses, see Chemistry (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Mb126c. ... ‹ The template below is being considered for deletion. ... Image File history File links Mb002c. ... Citizen redirects here. ... Image File history File links Mb003c. ... Citizen redirects here. ... Image File history File links Mb004c. ... Global Citizenship is both a moral and ethical disposition which might guide an individual or groups understanding of the local and global contexts — and their relative responsibilities within different communities. ... Image File history File links Mb133c. ... For other uses, see Climbing (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Mb035c. ... This article is about a hobby. ... Image File history File links Mb128c. ... // The hobby of collecting consists of acquiring specific items based on a particular interest of the collector. ... Image File history File links Mb005c. ... For the Bobby Womack album, see Communication (1972 album). ... Image File history File links Mb137c. ... A cloth of woven carbon fiber filaments, a common element in composite materials Composite materials (or composites for short) are engineered materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties and which remain separate and distinct on a macroscopic level within the finished structure. ... Image File history File links Mb036c. ... The tower of a personal computer. ... Image File history File links Mb038c. ... Cooking is the act of preparing food. ... Image File history File links Mb131c. ... Crime prevention is a term describing techniques used for reducing victimization as well as deterring crime and criminals. ... Image File history File links Mb039rc. ... Image File history File links Mb039c. ... Police officer on a bicycle Cycling is a means of transport, a form of recreation and a sport. ... Image File history File links Mb040c. ... This article is about the dental profession. ... Image File history File links Mb060c. ... Look up disability in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Image File history File links Mb041c. ... Trinomial name Canis lupus familiaris The dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is a domestic subspecies of the wolf, a mammal of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. ... Image File history File links Mb042c. ... Technical drawing, also known as drafting, is the practice of creating accurate representations of objects for technical, architectural and engineering needs. ... Image File history File links Mb043c. ... Electricity (from New Latin ēlectricus, amberlike) is a general term for a variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge. ... Image File history File links Mb044c. ... This article is about the engineering discipline. ... Image File history File links Mb006c. ... // Emergency management (or disaster management) is the discipline dealing of with and avoiding risks. ... Image File history File links Mb045c. ... Image File history File links Mb046c. ... Engineering is the discipline of acquiring and applying knowledge of design, analysis, and/or construction of works for practical purposes. ... Image File history File links Mb134c. ... Entrepreneurship is the practice of starting new organizations or revitalizing mature organizations, particularly new businesses generally in response to identified opportunities. ... Image File history File links Mb007c. ... Environmental science is the study of the interactions among the physical, chemical and biological components of the environment; with a focus on pollution and degradation of the environment related to human activities; and the impact on biodiversity and sustainability from local and global development. ... Image File history File links Mb129c. ... Image File history File links Mb129oc. ... This article is about family values as a political concept. ... Image File history File links Mb048c. ... A German combine harvester. ... Image File history File links Mb049c. ... This article is about human fingerprints. ... Image File history File links Mb050c. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Image File history File links Mb008c. ... First aid is a series of simple, life-saving medical techniques that a non-doctor or layman can be trained to perform. ... Image File history File links Mb051c. ... Wildlife management is the process of keeping certain wildlife populations at desirable levels determined by wildlife managers. ... Image File history File links Mb052c. ... Fishermen in the harbor of Kochi, India. ... Image File history File links Mb136c. ... Fly rod and reel with a wild brown trout from a chalk stream. ... Image File history File links Mb054c. ... A decidous beech forest in Slovenia. ... Image File history File links Mb055c. ... A gardener Gardening is the practice of growing flowering plants, vegetables, and fruits. ... Image File history File links Mb056c. ... Family history is the study of multiple generations of people who appear to be related. ... Image File history File links Mb058c. ... This article includes a list of works cited but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ... Image File history File links Mb059c. ... This article is about the sport. ... Image File history File links Mb122c. ... Graphics are often utilitarian and anonymous,[1] as these pictographs from the US National Park Service illustrate. ... Image File history File links Mb061rc. ... Image File history File links Mb061c. ... Two hikers in the Mount Hood National Forest Eagle Creek hiking Hiking is a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery. ... Image File history File links Mb062c. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Image File history File links Mb063c. ... A young rider at a horse show in Australia. ... Image File history File links Mb064c. ... Native American spirituality includes a number of stories and legends that are mythological. ... Image File history File links Mb065c. ... Not to be confused with Etymology, the study of the history of words. ... Image File history File links Mb066ac. ... Image File history File links Mb066c. ... Journalism is a discipline of gathering, writing and reporting news, and broadly it includes the process of editing and presenting the news articles. ... Image File history File links Mb067c. ... Central Park, like all parks, is an example of landscape architecture. ... Image File history File links Mb068c. ... For other uses, see Law (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Mb069c. ... For people named Leather, see Leather (surname). ... Image File history File links Mb009c. ... For other uses, see Lifeguard (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Mb071c. ... Subclasses & Infraclasses Subclass †Allotheria* Subclass Prototheria Subclass Theria Infraclass †Trituberculata Infraclass Metatheria Infraclass Eutheria Mammals (class Mammalia) are warm-blooded, vertebrate animals characterized by the presence of sweat glands, including milk producing sweat glands, and by the presence of: hair, three middle ear bones used in hearing, and a neocortex... Image File history File links Mb130c. ... For the chemical substances known as medicines, see medication. ... Image File history File links Mb074c. ... Turned chess pieces Metalworking is the craft and practice of working with metals to create structures or machine parts. ... Image File history File links Mb075c. ... A scale model of the Tower of London. ... Image File history File links Mb076c. ... A 1962 Rebel. A wooden speedboat with an outboard engine. ... Image File history File links Mb077c. ... For other uses, see Music (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Mb078c. ... This article is about the physical universe. ... Image File history File links Mb024ac. ... Image File history File links Mb024c. ... The nucleus of an atom is the very small dense region, of positive charge, in its centre consisting of nucleons (protons and neutrons). ... Image File history File links Mb079c. ... Thermohaline circulation Oceanography (from Ocean + Greek γράφειν = write), also called oceanology or marine science, is the branch of Earth Sciences that studies the Earths oceans and seas. ... Image File history File links Mb080c. ...