Most of Scout Badge consists of what we call "Troop Meeting Requirements." They're real simple. Here's what to do: 1) Pick a requirement. 2) Read the page numbers associated with the requirement. 3) Study up on that. 4) At the troop meeting, during patrol corners, ask your patrol leader for a book test on the requirement you have studied.

It's as simple as that.

You must get a signature in your handbook for all requirements you earn. Only your Patrol Leader can sign your book, unless the Lower Rank Department gives the job to someone else. The signature in your handbook is your proof of completion--no signature? No credit.

EXCEPTIONS

Req 2d "Describe what merit badges are and how they are earned." In out troop, outside of summer camp, nobody does merit badges until they finish First Class. To earn a merit badge, 1) see your advancement advisor. 2) purchase a merit badge pamphlet for the badge you'll attempt. 3) Do the work. 4) Get a counselor from your advancement advisor and a blue card (merit badge application). 5) Contact the merit badge counselor and go from there.

But remember: outside of summer camp, nobody goes for a merit badge until they earn First Class.

Req 3b: We have patro names. We don't do patrol flags, yells, songs, or dances. So if you know the name of your patrol, that's all you need.

Req 4a & 4b: rope work. Sometimes a candidate can learn that from the book, come in to a troop meeting, ask for a book test. But if you want, we'll teach you how. You can practice at home. And THEN we'll do the test.

Req 5: Pocketknife Safety: You can't earn that by yourself, with your patrol leader. We run a class on that once each year--an the Adult Patrol runs the class. When it comes up, be sure you attend it.

Req. 6a & b: Child Abuse and Safety--this you do at home with your parents. Bring a note from Mom or Dad saying it is done; we'll sign your handbook.

Req 7: Scoutmaster's Conference: This is the last step. Once you have a signature for all the other requirements, see a member of the Lower Rank Department. We will then get you on the list for a Scoutmaster's Conference.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THAT?

1) Initial recogniton: the Troop Meeting of your Scoutmaster's Conference, we'll present you with your Scout Badge patch. Get it on your uniform as soon as you can.

2) Formal Recogniton: At the next court of honor, you'll get a Certification Card. Your mom will get a pin. Keep your Certification Card in a safe place--your Eagle Scout Board of Review will want to see that.

THINGS TO DO WHILE EARNING SCOUT BADGE

1) Start keeping your trip log in the back of your handbook! Log in each troop trip you attend and have your Patrol Leader initial the entry.

2) Start keeping your service log in the back of your handbook! Log in each troop service project you attend and have your Patrol Leader initial the entry. This includes The 9/11 Ceremony, Scouting for Food, the Thanksgiving Color Guard, the Easter Vigil, the Memorial Day Ceremony, the Fourth of July Parade, and every Eagle Scout project.

3) Do the recruiting requirement for First Class--bring a friend to a troop meeting!

4) Did you do LEADS in school? Bring us evidence of that so you can earn Second Class 7c. A t-shirt, certificate, note from a teacher will suffice.

That's everything we can think of on how to earn Scout Badge. Questions? Ask your Patrol Leader at a troop meeting or ask a member of the Lower Rank Staff.