| Merit badges | |
| Type: | award |
| Owner: | Boy Scouts of America |
| F-Date: | 1910 |
Merit badges are awards earned by members of the Boy Scouts of America, based on activities within the area of study by completing a list of periodically updated requirements.[1] 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 vocation. Originally, the program also introduced Scouts to the life skills of contacting an adult they had not 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.[2]
The award of a merit badge is represented by a 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 required for Eagle rank can be selected based upon the individual Scout's preferences or conditions. Merit badges are displayed on a sash which can be worn with the Boy Scout uniform on formal occasions. Every year the National Council reviews and updates a certain number of merit badges. There are over 100 merit badges (138 as of December 2022).
Scouting organizations in other countries issue or have issued merit badges, including Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Spain, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Austria has a program similar to merit badges for certain age groups.
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. The Eagle Scout required merit badges are shaded in gray (see above paragraph for details).[3]
| Name | Created | Requirements revision | Pamphlet revision | Number earned (2020)[4] | Number earned since creation (through 2020) | Related subjects | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Business | 1967 | 2023 | 2013 | 4,967 | 61,953 | Business, Economy of the United States | |
| American Cultures | 1978 | 2006 | 2013 | 2,906 | 83,032 | Ethnic groups in the United States | |
| American Heritage | 1975 | 2020 | 2019, 2020 | 6,700 | 192,552 | History of the United States, Historic preservation | |
| American Labor | 1987 | 2006 | 2015 | 1,892 | 29,926 | Trade unions | |
| Animal Science | 1975 | 2023 | 2020 | 2,778 | 83,893 | Animal husbandry | |
| Animation[5] | 2015 | 2022 | 2015 | 4,445 | 29,817 | Animation | |
| Archaeology | 1997 | 2021 | 2008 | 2,671 | 192,293 | Archaeology | |
| Archery | 1911 | 2023 | 2008 | 10,487 | 1,797,351 | Archery | |
| Architecture | 1911 | 2023 | 2008 | 2,734 | 237,322 | Architecture | |
| Art | 1911 | 2013 | 2013 | 13,953 | 1,436,561 | Art | |
| Astronomy | 1911 | 2022 | 2013 | 7,474 | 727,496 | Astronomy | |
| Athletics | 1911 | 2022 | 2008 | 1,557 | 1,081,697 | Track and field athletics | |
| Automotive Maintenance | 2008 | 2008 | 2012 | 7,108 | 225,956 | Auto mechanics | |
| Aviation | 1952 | 2006 | 2008 | 8,064 | 684,527 | Aviation | |
| Backpacking | 1982 | 2007 | 2008 | 1,640 | 233,724 | Backpacking | |
| Basketry | 1927 | 2003 | 2008 | 7,388 | 2,523,871 | Basket weaving | |
| Bird Study | 1914 | 2005 | 2008 | 3,950 | 612,616 | Ornithology | |
| Bugling | 1911 | 2020 | 2008 | 476 | 172,979 | Bugle | |
| Camping | 1911 | 2005 | 2008 | 30,490 | 4,954,170 | Camping | |
| Canoeing | 1927 | 2022 | 2008 | 9,853 | 3,166,116 | Canoeing | |
| Chemistry | 1911 | 2020 | 2008 | 7,166 | 412,187 | Chemistry | |
| Chess | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 15,454 | 239,164 | Chess | |
| Citizenship in the Community | 1952 | 2005 | 2013 | 41,987 | 3,753,138 | Citizenship | |
| Citizenship in the Nation | 1951 | 2022 | 2008 | 43,247 | 3,517,139 | Citizenship | |
| Citizenship in Society | 2021 | 2021 | 2021 | Diversity, Inclusion | |||
| Citizenship in the World | 1972 | 2005 | 2008 | 42,738 | 2,593,491 | Global citizenship | |
| Climbing | 1997 | 2022 | 2008 | 7,228 | 521,055 | Climbing | |
| Coin Collecting | 1938 | 2022 | 2008 | 4,639 | 524,111 | Coin collecting | |
| Collections | 1991 | 2021 | 2008 | 6,429 | 168,524 | Collecting | |
| Communication | 1968 | 2003 | 2008 | 36,675 | 2,352,069 | Communication | |
| Composite Materials | 2006 | 2023 | 2008 | 1,011 | 22,472 | Composite materials | |
| Cooking | 1911 | 2023 | 2014 | 36,473 | 4,648,594 | Cooking | |
| Crime Prevention | 1996 | 2020 | 2008 | 5,628 | 174,749 | Crime prevention | |
| Cycling | 1911 | 2023 | 2008 | 5,247 | 610,301 | Cycling | |
| Dentistry | 1975 | 2022 | 2008 | 1,924 | 152,381 | Dentistry | |
| Digital Technology | 2014 | 2023 | 2014 | 8,812 | 54,274 | Technology | |
| Disabilities Awareness | 1993 | 2023 | 2008 | 6,334 | 156,539 | Disability | |
| Dog Care | 1938 | 2003 | 2008 | 4,136 | 449,515 | Dogs | |
| Drafting | 1965 | 2008 | 2008 | 1,026 | 231,905 | Technical drawing | |
| Electricity | 1911 | 2021 | 2008 | 6,235 | 859,444 | Electricity | |
| Electronics | 1963 | 2021 | 2008 | 4,063 | 259,193 | Electronics | |
| Emergency Preparedness | 1972 | 2023 | 2016 | 24,733 | 2,082,381 | Emergency management | |
| Energy | 1976 | 2005 | 2008 | 2,162 | 96,783 | Energy | |
| Engineering | 1967 | 2008 | 2008 | 7,800 | 213,737 | Engineering | |
| Entrepreneurship | 1997 | 2006 | 2008 | 3,284 | 42,254 | Entrepreneurship | |
| Environmental Science | 1972 | 2023 | 2008 | 23,571 | 3,016,109 | Environmental science | |
| Exploration | 2017 | 2020 | 2017 | 1,464 | 10,012 | Exploring | |
| Family Life | 1991 | 2023 | 2013 | 48,408 | 1,455,287 | Family values | |
| Farm Mechanics | 1928 | 2023 | 2008 | 1,424 | 233,871 | Agricultural machinery | |
| Fingerprinting | 1938 | 2003 | 2008 | 18,898 | 1,891,477 | Fingerprinting | |
| Fire Safety | 1995 | 2004 | 2008 | 7,918 | 2,675,073 | Fire safety | |
| First Aid | 1911 | 2022 | 2008 | 31,636 | 7,370,988 | First aid | |
| Fish and Wildlife Management | 1972 | 2021 | 2008 | 4,874 | 718,006 | Wildlife management | |
| Fishing | 1952 | 2021 | 2008 | 13,601 | 2,126,476 | Fishing | |
| Fly Fishing | 2002 | 2021 | 2008 | 2,439 | 52,650 | Fly fishing | |
| Forestry | 1911 | 2005 | 2008 | 4,269 | 1,213,719 | Forestry | |
| Game Design | 2013 | 2023 | 2013 | 7,740 | 92,506 | Game Design | |
| Gardening | 1911 | 2002 | 2008 | 2,782 | 397,570 | Gardening | |
| Genealogy | 1972 | 2023 | 2008 | 6,020 | 261,683 | Genealogy, Family history | |
| Geocaching | 2010 | 2010 | 2010 | 5,811 | 149,929 | Geocaching | |
| Geology | 1953 | 2023 | 2008 | 7,484 | 747,259 | Geology | |
| Golf | 1976 | 2023 | 2008 | 2,369 | 185,837 | Golf | |
| Graphic Arts | 1987 | 2006 | 2008 | 2,228 | 69,365 | Graphic design | |
| Healthcare Professions | 2021 | 2021 | 2021 | Health care, medicine | |||
| Hiking | 1921 | 2023 | 2008 | 5,977 | 1,370,957 | Hiking | |
| Home Repairs | 1943 | 2022 | 2008 | 3,442 | 2,435,429 | Home repairs | |
| Horsemanship | 1911 | 2011 | 2008 | 4,798 | 693,845 | Equestrianism | |
| Indian Lore | 1931 | 2008 | 2008 | 7,240 | 1,292,119 | Native American culture | |
| Insect Study | 1985 | 2008 | 2008 | 1,734 | 180,460 | Entomology | |
| Inventing[6] | 2010 | 2023 | 2010 | 1,833 | 29,178 | Invention | |
| Journalism | 1927 | 2006 | 2008 | 1,516 | 113,468 | Journalism | |
| Kayaking | 2012 | 2020 | 2016 | 11,083 | 261,710 | Kayaking | |
| Landscape Architecture | 1967 | 2008 | 2008 | 1,400 | 90,412 | Landscape architecture | |
| Law | 1974 | 2003 | 2008 | 5,962 | 218,325 | Law | |
| Leatherwork | 1951 | 2002 | 2008 | 10,855 | 2,637,286 | Leather crafting | |
| Lifesaving | 1911 | 2021 | 2008 | 5,842 | 3,150,759 | Lifeguarding | |
| Mammal Study | 1985 | 2023 | 2008 | 7,845 | 1,302,419 | Zoology | |
| Metalwork | 1927 | 2007 | 2008 | 4,273 | 1,202,235 | Metalworking | |
| Mining in Society | 2014 | 2022 | 2014 | 3,789 | 29,397 | Mining | |
| Model Design and Building | 1963 | 2020 | 2008 | 1,359 | 235,108 | Scale models | |
| Motorboating | 1961 | 2021 | 2008 | 2,638 | 635,883 | Motorboat | |
| Moviemaking | 2013 | 2013 | 2013 | 5,779 | 61,305 | Filmmaking | |
| Music | 1911 | 2003 | 2008 | 10,069 | 1,388,218 | Music | |
| Nature | 1952 | 2023 | 2008 | 6,056 | 1,737,920 | Nature | |
| Nuclear Science | 2005 | 2011 | 2008 | 3,493 | 210,965 | Nuclear physics | |
| Oceanography | 1964 | 2003 | 2008 | 4,442 | 336,423 | Oceanography | |
| Orienteering | 1973 | 2003 | 2008 | 5,337 | 888,402 | Orienteering | |
| Painting | 1911 | 2020 | 2008 | 3,163 | 584,778 | Paint | |
| Personal Fitness | 1952 | 2023 | 2008 | 40,355 | 2,793,990 | Physical fitness | |
| Personal Management | 1972 | 2003 | 2008 | 40,897 | 2,100,383 | Personal finances, time management | |
| Pets | 1958 | 2003 | 2008 | 8,333 | 690,228 | Pets | |
| Photography | 1911 | 2021 | 2015 | 11,618 | 590,968 | Photography | |
| Pioneering | 1911 | 2022 | 2008 | 6,129 | 2,492,888 | Pioneering | |
| Plant Science | 1974 | 2023 | 2008 | 1,653 | 58,456 | Botany | |
| Plumbing | 1911 | 2004 | 2008 | 2,761 | 417,612 | Plumbing | |
| Pottery | 1927 | 2008 | 2008 | 2,842 | 427,803 | Pottery | |
| Programming | 2013 | 2023 | 2013 | 4,473 | 29,163 | Computer programming | |
| Public Health | 1911 | 2021 | 2008 | 11,510 | 1,539,459 | Public health | |
| Public Speaking | 1932 | 2002 | 2008 | 5,570 | 684,343 | Public speaking | |
| Pulp and Paper | 1972 | 2006 | 2008 | 4,054 | 150,884 | Pulp, Papermaking | |
| Radio | 1923 | 2008 | 2008 | 3,550 | 205,747 | Radio | |
| Railroading | 1952 | 2022 | 2008 | 4,105 | 275,919 | Rail transport | |
| Reading | 1929 | 2022 | 2008 | 5,635 | 1,508,324 | Reading | |
| Reptile and Amphibian Study | 1993 | 2023 | 2008 | 3,526 | 682,587 | Herpetology | |
| Rifle Shooting | 1988 | 2001 | 2008 | 11,081 | 1,533,240 | Rifle, Shooting | |
| Robotics | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 5,452 | 123,337 | Robotics | |
| Rowing | 1933 | 2021 | 2008 | 2,118 | 1,763,164 | Rowing | |
| Safety | 1927 | 2020 | 2008 | 6,305 | 2,959,333 | Safety | |
| Salesmanship | 1927 | 2023 | 2008 | 5,121 | 362,051 | Sales | |
| Scholarship | 1911 | 2004 | 2008 | 7,287 | 1,307,274 | Scholarship | |
| Scouting Heritage | 2010 | 2010 | 2010 | 6,517 | 62,290 | History of the Boy Scouts of America | |
| Scuba Diving | 2009 | 2009 | 2009 | 1,323 | 24,100 | Scuba Diving | |
| Sculpture | 1911 | 2007 | 2008 | 3,188 | 350,848 | Sculpture | |
| Search and Rescue | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 4,082 | 79,782 | Search and rescue | |
| Shotgun Shooting | 1988 | 2005 | 2008 | 5,631 | 627,238 | Shotgun, shooting | |
| Signs, Signals, and Codes | 2015 | 2015 | 2015 | 4,580 | 38,454 | Signs, signals, codes | |
| Skating | 1973 | 2005 | 2008 | 1,700 | 184,647 | Ice skating, Roller skating | |
| Small-Boat Sailing | 1964 | 2023 | 2008 | 3,142 | 725,921 | Sailing | |
| Snow Sports | 1999 | 2023 | 2008 | 5,860 | 493,109 | Skiing, Snowboarding | |
| Soil and Water Conservation | 1952 | 2004 | 2008 | 5,067 | 1,174,015 | Soil conservation, Water conservation | |
| Space Exploration | 1965 | 2020 | 2008 | 8,750 | 667,365 | Space exploration | |
| Sports | 1972 | 2023 | 2008 | 3,557 | 1,184,127 | Sports | |
| Stamp Collecting | 1932 | 2007 | 2008 | 1,278 | 395,283 | Stamp collecting | |
| Surveying | 1911 | 2004 | 2008 | 603 | 157,073 | Surveying | |
| Sustainability | 2013 | 2020 | 2013 | 8,477 | 49,748 | Sustainability | |
| Swimming | 1911 | 2023 | 2008 | 21,220 | 6,659,181 | Swimming | |
| Textile | 1973 | 2003 | 2008 | 1,929 | 157,902 | Textiles | |
| Theater | 1967 | 2021 | 2008 | 1,592 | 97,833 | Theatre | |
| Traffic Safety | 1975 | 2022 | 2008 | 5,758 | 194,271 | Road traffic safety | |
| Truck Transportation | 1973 | 2005 | 2008 | 1,991 | 151,364 | Truck driver | |
| Veterinary Medicine | 1995 | 2005 | 2008 | 2,552 | 92,251 | Veterinary medicine | |
| Water Sports | 1969 | 2007 | 2008 | 1,064 | 266,295 | Waterskiing | |
| Weather | 1927 | 2006 | 2008 | 9,215 | 651,891 | Weather | |
| Welding | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 4,709 | 86,233 | Welding | |
| Whitewater | 1987 | 2020 | 2008 | 1,508 | 105,245 | Whitewater rafting | |
| Wilderness Survival | 1974 | 2007 | 2008 | 11,604 | 1,805,803 | Wilderness, Survival skills | |
| Wood Carving | 1923 | 2006 | 2008 | 9,430 | 2,462,368 | Wood carving | |
| Woodwork | 1923 | 2021 | 2008 | 3,066 | 999,863 | Woodworking |
Offered only in 2010, the Historical Merit Badge program, part of the Boy Scouts of America centennial, allowed Scouts to earn the discontinued Carpentry, Pathfinding, Signalling, and Tracking (originally called Stalking) merit badges. The patches for these historical merit badges are distinguished by a gold ring on the outside edge. All were based on merit badges that were among the original 57 issued in 1911.[7] [8]