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Merit Badges

Merit Badge Program

The Boy Scouts of America is a movement dedicated to supplementing and enlarging the education of youth. As a vital part of the BSA’s advancement plan, the merit badge program is one of Scouting’s basic character-building tools and plays a key role in the fulfillment of this educational commitment. There are over 100 different merit badges in the program. Without dedicated volunteers who are proficient in the subject matter of the various badges, the program will not be successful.

An important aspect of the merit badge program is the opportunity for boys to widen their contacts with other adults. Meeting with adults whom they might not be acquainted provides boys a chance to develop social skills and self-confidence in situations, which initially may cause them to be uncertain and shy. Merit badge counselors provide the means for Scouts to explore many subjects that may not be available to them otherwise. Because merit badge counselors must be proficient in the subject of the badge being worked on, the boys receive highly accurate and technical instructions while being coached on the topic.

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Current Merit Badge Counselors and Guidelines:

Those Merit Badge Counselors with lapsed YPT are included as NCAC has not been able to provide the updated roster at this time.  The revision will be published when available.

Certified Merit Badge Counselors effective 3/6/2013……………………………………………………………………..130306_Certified_Counselors_By_Badge

Merit Badge Guidelines effective 10/26/2011…………………………………………………………………………………..10_26_11 GeoMason Guide

Mark Grapin has provided George Mason District a list of merit badge opportunities coming up in March…………13_03_06 MB Opportunities

Important!

Four new merit badges are scheduled for release in 2013.

  1. Game Design, slated to include both traditional games and video games, this merit badge will test Scouts’ creativity, computer skills, and planning abilities.  Estimated release: March 2013
  2. Sustainability, a badge to teach Scouts to use resources responsibly, this merit badge will be Eagle-required.  Scouts must earn this or Environmental Science.  Estimated release: July 2013
  3. Programming, a tech-focused merit badge for the 21st Century.  Estimated release: July 2013
  4. Digital Technology (will replace Computers), technology has come a long way since Computers merit badge was first introduced in 1967. This badge will teach Scouts about technology in the digital age.  Estimated release: August 2013 (after Jamboree)

 

Any questions or concerns please contact the Districts Merit Badge Chair: info@gmdistrictscouting.org

 

 

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