Merit badge requirements? Use the US Scouting Service Project’s Merit Badge Center (my personal favorite, because of its completeness and up-to-date character).

Merit badges let you explore hobbies, things you do in school, interests that are part of your family and community life, challenges to your mind and body. There are over 100 merit badges.

• Key merit badges are required for advancement to ranks of Star, Life and Eagle Scout.
• You can pick and work on any merit badge as soon as you become a Scout.
• Check the list of current merit badges and their requirements. Requirements change from time to time.

How to start? Get a “blue card” and the name of a counselor from your Scoutmaster. Merit badge counselors must be approved for their work, as registered adult Scouters.