Merit Badges

Scouts can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as they earn merit badges. There are more than 135 merit badges.

Scouts may earn merit badges at any time, but it is recommended that the scout focus on rank advancement for his first year of scouting or until he has reached the rank of First Class. The exception to this is the First Aid merit badge. This should be earned as soon as the boy joins the troop. Troop 558 will sponsor a First Aid merit badge day each March for new scouts joining the troop.

Orange County Council has re-emphasized that before a scout applies for a merit badge, he must ask the Scoutmaster for a signed merit badge application, commonly known as a blue card. The scoutmaster will assist the scout in selecting a merit badge counselor.

The scoutmaster and adult scouters such as the advancement chair and committee chair will have access to the merit badge counselor list, but they will not be posted for the troop. This is to encourage a dialogue between the scout and scoutmaster. Also, this policy discourages scouts from bypassing scout leadership and looking for their own counselors.

Scouts may also choose to earn merit badges at a Council approved program, which could include a merit badge day, summer Camp, or BSA approved program such as Newport Sea Base. A scout must get a blue card signed by the scoutmaster prior to signing up for the merit badge program.

Scoutmaster : Ramon Perez

Advancement Chair: Amanda Smith

Did you know that there are a total of 137 merit badges? We have so many parents that are experts in so many activities. We would like to take advantage of your expertise and give you the opportunity to share them with the scouts! Make sure you complete the Troop Resource Survey & Merit Badge Counselor Application so you can start sharing!

Additional Resources for Merit Badge Information Include:

www.scouting.org

http://usscouts.org/meritbadges.asp

Troop Resource Survey

Merit Badge Counselor Application