How to earn boy scout merit badges
  • 1. What is the first step in earning a merit badge?
A) Talk to your Scoutmaster.
B) Purchase the merit badge sash.
C) Attend a merit badge counselor class.
D) Buy the merit badge pamphlet.
  • 2. Who approves your merit badge counselor?
A) The District Advancement Chair.
B) The Troop Committee.
C) The Merit Badge Counselor.
D) Your Scoutmaster.
  • 3. What is the purpose of the merit badge pamphlet?
A) To provide information about the merit badge requirements.
B) To record your progress.
C) To display on your uniform.
D) To prove you've earned the badge.
  • 4. Where can you find a list of merit badge counselors?
A) Online retailers.
B) From your Scoutmaster or Unit Advancement Coordinator.
C) The local library.
D) The merit badge pamphlet.
  • 5. Who signs off on your merit badge requirements?
A) Your merit badge counselor.
B) Your parents.
C) Any adult leader.
D) Your Scoutmaster.
  • 6. Can you start working on a merit badge before talking to your Scoutmaster?
A) No.
B) Yes, if it's a required badge for Eagle.
C) Yes, but only partially.
D) Yes, as long as you have the pamphlet.
  • 7. What is the official form used for recording merit badge progress?
A) Red Certificate.
B) Blue Card (Merit Badge Application).
C) Yellow Slip.
D) Green Sheet.
  • 8. Who keeps the different parts of the Blue Card?
A) Council, Counselor, and Scout.
B) Counselor, Scout, and Scoutmaster.
C) Scoutmaster, Scout, and Council.
D) Scoutmaster, Counselor, and Council.
  • 9. What is the role of the unit advancement coordinator?
A) To assist the Scoutmaster with advancement tracking.
B) To discipline Scouts.
C) To organize camping trips.
D) To teach merit badge classes.
  • 10. Are you required to purchase a merit badge pamphlet?
A) Yes, but only for Eagle-required badges.
B) No, but it is highly recommended.
C) Yes, it is mandatory.
D) No, they are always free.
  • 11. Can you work on multiple merit badges at the same time?
A) No, you must complete one at a time.
B) No, unless you get special permission.
C) Yes, but only two at a time.
D) Yes.
  • 12. What should you bring to your first meeting with a merit badge counselor?
A) Just the Blue Card.
B) Your Blue Card and the merit badge pamphlet.
C) Just your uniform.
D) Just the merit badge pamphlet.
  • 13. Is it acceptable to contact a merit badge counselor by yourself, without parental knowledge?
A) No, parental permission is always required.
B) Only for certain merit badges.
C) Yes, it's encouraged.
D) Only if you're over 16.
  • 14. If a requirement says "show," what should you do?
A) Give a speech.
B) Demonstrate the skill to the counselor.
C) Write a report.
D) Draw a picture.
  • 15. If a requirement says "discuss," what should you do?
A) Have a conversation with the counselor.
B) Write an essay.
C) Sing a song.
D) Build a model.
  • 16. What does 'BSA' stand for?
A) Boy Scouts of America.
B) Best Scouts Around.
C) Brotherhood of Scouting America.
D) Boy Scout Association.
  • 17. How long does a merit badge counselor's registration last?
A) One year.
B) Until their registration expires.
C) Until the Scout earns the badge.
D) Forever.
  • 18. Can a parent serve as a merit badge counselor for their own child?
A) Only for Eagle-required badges.
B) Yes, without any restrictions.
C) Yes, but only if they are registered as a counselor for that badge.
D) No, it's against the rules.
  • 19. What is the purpose of the "Buddy System" when working on merit badges?
A) To make the process more fun.
B) To ensure safety and prevent abuse.
C) To help Scouts learn faster.
D) To reduce the workload for the counselor.
  • 20. What should you do if you witness unethical behavior during a merit badge session?
A) Ignore it.
B) Confront the person directly.
C) Tell your friends.
D) Report it to your Scoutmaster or council.
  • 21. Who is ultimately responsible for your advancement?
A) You.
B) Your Scoutmaster.
C) Your merit badge counselor.
D) Your parents.
  • 22. What information is required to be on the Blue Card?
A) The Scout's date of birth.
B) Only the Scout's name and the badge name.
C) The Scout's address and phone number.
D) Scout's name, badge name, counselor's name and signature, Scoutmaster signature.
  • 23. If a requirement states to do something for “your troop”, what does that mean?
A) Any Boy Scout troop.
B) A local school group.
C) The Boy Scouts of America organization.
D) The Scout's specific scouting troop.
  • 24. What resource contains all official BSA policies and procedures?
A) Guide to Advancement
B) Merit Badge Pamphlets
C) Scout Handbook
D) Boy's Life Magazine
  • 25. Is it ever okay to ask your counselor to just sign off on the badge?
A) Yes, if you have a good reason.
B) No. All the requirements must be met before the counselor can sign off.
C) Yes, if you have already tried to complete the badge.
D) Yes, if you pay them extra.
  • 26. What is the next step after completing all the merit badge requirements and getting the blue card signed?
A) Give the Scoutmaster signed blue card. They give it to the unit advancement chair, who reports it to the local council.
B) Keep the blue card for your records.
C) Mail the blue card to the National Boy Scout office.
D) Show the blue card off.
  • 27. When wearing your merit badge sash, how are the merit badges displayed?
A) They should be glued to the sash.
B) They should be safety-pinned to the sash.
C) They should be hanging off the sash.
D) They should be neatly sewn onto the sash.
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