There is more to merit badges than simply providing opportunities to learn skills.  There is more to them than an introduction to lifetime hobbies, or the inspiration to pursue a career—though these invaluable results occur regularly. Preliminary merit badge discussions a Scout has with his unit leader can lead to conversations about talents and interests, goal setting, and the concept of “challenge by choice.”  This discussion a Scout is to have with the unit leader is meant to be a growth-oriented and positive conversation.  It is then the Scout’s decision whether or not to proceed with the merit badge.


The uncomplicated process—beginning in a discussion with the unit leader or a designated assistant, continuing through meetings with a counselor, and culminating in advancement and recognition—provides several learning experiences like interacting with new adults and answering for themselves, without parental prompts.  It gives a Scout the confidence achieved through overcoming obstacles.  Social skills improve. Self-reliance and self-initiative develops. Examples are set and followed.  And fields of study and interest are explored beyond the limits of the school classroom and their home environment.  


Advancement in the process -- the journey.  Advancement, thus, is not so much a reward for what has been done. It is, instead, more about the journey.  As Scouts work with one another, learning takes place on both sides of the equation as they play teacher and student in turn. Thus it is about what a young man is now able to learn and to do, and how he has grown. 


Scouting skills—what a young person learns to do—are important, but not as important as the primary goal of personal growth achieved through participating.  Though certainly goal-oriented, advancement is not a competition.  Rather, it is a joint effort involving the leaders, the members, other volunteers such as merit badge counselors and the family. Though much is done individually at their own pace, youth often work together in groups to focus on achieving, practicing and teaching of skills at Troop meetings, for example, or participating in a Boy Scout campout or High Adventure trek.  As they do this, we must recognize each young person’s unique combination of strengths and weaknesses.  As watchful leaders, either adult or youth, we lend assistance as called for and encourage members to help each other according to their abilities.


We know we are on the right track when we see youth accepting responsibility, demonstrating self-reliance, and caring for themselves and others; when they learn to weave Scouting ideals into their lives; and when we can see they will be positive contributors to our American society.  It is important to remember that in the end, a badge recognizes the Scout has gone through an experience of learning something he did not previously know. Thus about what a young man is now able to learn and to do, and how he has grown.

Ultimately, 'ScOUTING is an interaction with a purpose'.

Please note:  In Boy Scouting, advancement requirements must be passed as written. If, for example, a requirement uses words like “show,” “demonstrate,” or “discuss,” then that is what Scouts must do.

~taken from the BSA 'Guide to Advancement' 2015.