The Merit Badge program is one of Scouting's basic character-developing tools. Earning Merit Badges gives boys the kind of self-confidence that comes only with overcoming difficult obstacles to achieve a goal.  Merit Badges are required for Star, Life, and Eagle Ranks, but may be earned at anytime after joining the Troop.  The Scout must do all the work (including the phone calls), not the parent!

Here's the SEVEN simple steps to earning Merit Badges:

The Temescal District Merit Badge Coordinator has established the following step-by-step procedure. It is the process to be followed by all scouts in Troop 107.

1)  Pick a merit badge. A good first step is to review the requirements for a merit badge of interest in the Boy Scout Requirements book.  Or Mr. D's Merit Badge Review 2005 is a great place to start! 

2)  Get the pamphlet for the merit badge. Borrow a copy from the troop library or buy a copy at Mr. D’s. Make certain you have the most recent revision. Read through the pamphlet so you really understand the requirements and the level of effort necessary to complete them.

3)  Talk about the merit badge with your Scoutmaster. You need to obtain three things from him: (a) approval to work on the merit badge; (b) the name of a counselor; (c) a merit badge form (blue card).

4)  Contact the merit badge counselor. Call them PRIOR to working on the Merit Badge. Explain that you would like to earn the merit badge. Along with a buddy or your parent(s), meet with the counselor and discuss how you can get the most out of the time you spend working on the merit badge.

5)  Complete the requirements. On your own or with a buddy, complete the requirements. Remember, this is your merit badge, not your buddy’s or your parent's. Go as far as you can on your own.  You are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated - no more and no less. You are expected to do exactly what is stated in the requirements. If it says "show or demonstrate," that is what you must do. Just telling about it isn't enough. The same thing holds true for such words as "make", "list", "in the field", "collect", "identify", and "label".

6)  Go to the counselor. When you are ready, you and your buddy or parent(s) make another appointment with your counselor. Your counselor will spend time with you going over the important points of the subject. A good counselor will also help you see beyond the specific requirements and discover ways to continue learning about the subject. If your counselor is satisfied that you have completed the requirements, he or she will sign your merit badge application form. If not, he or she will explain what you still must do.

7)  Return to the Scoutmaster. Give the signed blue card to your Scoutmaster. Your merit badge will be presented to you at the next troop Court of Honor.  On the blue card, Scouts must write neatly and include their name and full address. The Unit is Troop 107. The District is Temescal and the Council is the California Inland Empire Council (CIEC). On the counselor’s portion, the applicant is the Scout.