Merit Badges

Scouts (and Parents) of Troop 771,

Earning Merit Badges (MB) is a secondary, yet important part of long-term advancement within the scouting program.  As you continue to advance beyond the First Class rank, Merit Badges, both eagle -required and elective, must be earned.  There are 137 MB offered, 13 of which are Eagle-required.  Scouts may work on MB from the time they join a Scout troop until they turn 18 years old. There is no time limit for completion of MB other than age 18. Some MB require prior approval before starting certain requirements but the rest do not. You can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn these MB. 

Once you have selected a MB to work on, then discuss this with the Scoutmaster in order to initiate the Merit Badge Application #34124, also known as the “blue card” due to its distinctive color. The Scoutmaster will sign your Blue card, then provide you with names of registered MB counselors for your chosen MB. They may be from within the Troop or the District. A list of Troop 771 MB counselors is attached below.

One of the best websites related to MB is meritbadge.org. We highly recommend you take some time and familiarize yourself with the content. The site provides optional workbooks (worksheets) and the listed requirements for every MB. Worksheets are tools that can help you organize notes, listen actively, find resources, and document your work (See the list here). You should also read the MB pamphlet on the subject to help you answer the questions on the worksheet.  MB pamphlets can be purchased online, at any Scout shop or they may be checked out at the Scout barn or public library if available. Some pamphlets are located at this site: www.troop1363.com/advancement/meritbadges.

MB Opportunities

First, summer and winter camps are a great place for you to have access and opportunity to earn a variety of MB. Second, there are several places (Museums, Zoo, etc.) in the DFW area that on occasion offer specific MB programs or training opportunities.  A few of these are listed below.

Other good sources of MB opportunities are offered within various Council, District, and Troop level “MB colleges, universities, and workshops” that are scheduled during the year.  We will try to keep you informed as we find out about them and will insert links to these opportunities on this page.   

Some places to look for MB programs in Texas:

• http://www.meritbadge.info/mbn/default.aspx – sort by state and apply the filter to see what MB colleges are available locally. 
• LHC Winter MB camp – https://scoutingevent.com/662-WinterCamp2018
• Merit Badge Mania event – http://meritbadgemania.com  
• Heard Museum – http://www.heardmuseum.org/scouting 
• Perot Museum – https://www.perotmuseum.org/events-and-programs/scouting/boy-scouts.html – Scouting Adventures will launch in Feb 2018.
• Adventure Scuba Center – http://adventurescubaonline.com/boy-scout-merit-badges/ 
• Fly Fishing – http://txflyfishingfestival.org/boy-scout-merit-badge-program/ 
• Annual Alliance Air Show Aviation MB workshops. Usually in Aug-Sept.
• Medical Merit Badge University- http://www.medicalmbu.com/ . Medical MBU held at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth 
• Texas A&M University: http://tamumbu.org/ 
• The University of Texas at Austin: https://utmbu.org/ 
• Alamo Area Council (San Antonio): http://www.alamoareabsa.org/MBU 
• Pioneer Farms (Austin): https://www.pioneerfarms.org/pc-scouting-prgms/  
• Moody Gardens (Galveston): https://www.moodygardens.com/education/scout_programs/boy_scouts/ 
• Look for other MB opportunities on the Training Board in the Scout barn and search for opportunities online yourself!

It is important to note that most, but not all MB colleges and universities require that you must register through the designated Troop 771 adult representative, who then submits the list and MB selections on behalf of the Troop. You will then be billed through the Troop Treasurer for applicable registration fees. 

Troop 771 will facilitate registration for two local MB colleges – one in the Spring and one in the Fall. If a parent or other adult would like to serve as Troop Contact to facilitate the registration process for any other MB event, feel free to step up and do so.