Merit Badges

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If you are interested in starting a merit badge, please follow the following steps:
  1. Pick a merit badge of interest.  Read the requirements of the merit badges you think might interest you, and pick one to earn.  Make sure you speak with the Troop Librarian to check out the merit badge pamphlet from the Troop library.  Don't forget to read the pamphlet!  A complete list of all merit badges can be found here.
  2. Speak to an adult leader in the Troop.  Contact one of the Troop's Advancement Chairpersons (Ms. Wu or Mr. Lubomirski), Mr. Shoffner, or Ms. Miller.  They will "start" the merit badge for you in Scoutbook and will provide you with the name of a counselor and how to contact them.  These individuals have special knowledge in their merit badge subjects and are interested in helping you.  A list of merit badge counselors in the Troop can be found here.
  3. Contact your merit badge counselor and set up a meeting.  Explain that you want to earn the badge.  At the first meeting, the counselor will explain what is expected and will start helping you meet the requirements.  You should also discuss work you have already started or possibly completed.  But remember, your counselor will ask for verification that a requirement has been completed, and it is up to the merit badge counselor to determine what past work may be accepted for a requirement.
  4. Comply with BSA Youth Protection Policies by using the Scout Buddy System.  You must have another person (another Scout, your parent or legal guardian, or another registered adult) with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor.  This also applies to any electronic communication.
  5. Show Your Stuff.  When you are ready, call the counselor again to have another meeting.  When you go, take along the things you have made to meet the requirements.  If they are too big to move, take pictures or have an adult tell in writing what you have done.  The counselor will test you on each requirement to make sure you know your stuff and have done or can do the things required.
  6. Get the Badge.  When the counselor is satisfied you have met each requirement, he or she will log the merit badge as completed in Scoutbook, and you will be recognized at the next Court of Honor.

Troop 507 Merit Badge Counselors