Once the rank of Scout has been earned, Scouts can begin working on Merit Badges. Merit badges are not required until the Star, Life and Eagle ranks. A list of all available merit badges is located near the back of the Boy Scout Handbook.

Merit Badges tend to be thought of in two categories "Eagle Required" and "New Skills/Pleasure" with the Eagle Required badges needing more effort, time and perseverance. Merit badge book are updated as requirements are revised.  Be sure to consult the most current merit badge book. 

Troop 77 has copies of many merit badge books in a collection stored at the Memorial Building. Scouts can sign out a copy at any troop meeting, though be aware that these book are a collection from the past and some may be outdated. Donations to the Troop 77 collection are always welcome. Current Merit Badge books are available for purchase at the Scout Shop. Scouts can also search the internet to read the merit badge book on line.

Work on a merit badge may be done at troop meetings, in a group outisde of meetings, on an individual basis, or at summer camp. All badges require a Merit Badge Counselor. No more than four merit badges should be earned from any one counselor. For the protection of both parties, when working as an individual with a Merit Badge Counselor, another person MUST be present. This can be another Scout, a parent, friend, or sibling.

One of the best and easiest ways to earn Merit Badges is through the participation in Summer Camp. Scouts can pick 4-8 badges to work on during camp. Many boys complete the entire badge at one summer camp. Uncompleted Blue Cards have no time limit, which enables a Scouts to complete merit badges the next summer, if necessary.

An application for Merit Badge (Blue Card) must be obtained, personal information completed, and a Scoutmaster (SM) or Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) signature included prior to starting on the Merit Badge. The Blue Card is presented to the Merit Badge Counselor at the first meeting. Upon completion of the requirements, the counselor initials and dates each one. When all requirements have been finished, the counselor will sign and date the card and return it to the Scout. The card is then given to the Scoutmaster at the next meeting. The Scoutmaster will also list the badge in the Scout's handbook (used for senior ranks: Star, Life and Eagle) and initial and date that requirement. The Advancement Chair will then process the blue card and obtain the actual merit badge (patch) for presentation at the next Court of Honor. The Scout's portion of the Blue Card and the badge will be presented at the next Court of Honor.  Scouts are responsible for maintaining a secure collection of their portions of their blue cards and past Scouts have been asked to produce their blue cards in order to confirm eligibility for Eagle rank.

Having adults registered and background checked with the Counsel for merit badges is very important for the fun and advancement of Troop 77 Scouts. You do not have to serve on the Troop Committee to be a registered Merit Badge Counselor. An adult can register for as many merit badges as they have expertise in. The Merit Badge application form can be found below.