All About Merit Badges

All About Merit Badges

Merit Badges are more than just an Eagle requirement.  And Bryan on Scouting is an excellent resource for information on Merit Badges.
Some Merit Badges teach Scouts life skills, such as Personal Management, Cooking, and First Aid.
Some Merit Badges are great for working on during school breaks:  Top 5 Merit Badges for a Staycation
Nearly 85% of Merit Badges have a STEM component:  STEM and STEM in Scouting
Want something that will help when there are llamas on the loose? LLamas on the Loose
Or what to do to survive a Zombie Apocalypse? Zombie Apocalypse
Or how to survive a winter storm?  Winter Storm Survival
Want some advice as to how to approach those Eagle required Merit Badges?  Eagle Merit Badge Tips
And what to do with all those Merit Badges you’ve earned? Wear them on your Merit Badge sash, but do it properly: Merit Badge Sashes
A common question that comes up when working on Merit Badges is “Can work done on the merit badge prior to meeting with the merit badge counselor be counted towards the merit badge?”  The 2017 Guide to Advancement places the answer to this question solely within the discretion of the Merit Badge counselor:  “Even though Scouts may benefit from reviewing requirements with a counselor before pursuing them, a boy may begin working on a merit badge at any time after he is registered. It is the counselor’s decision whether to accept work or activities completed prior to the issuing of the signed blue card. Common sense should prevail, however.”
And what about accommodating Scouts with disabilities?  Bryan on Scouting has lots of information to help Scouts, parents, and leaders:
Helping Youth with Special Needs
Help Scouts with ADHD succeed
Working with Scouts with ADD/ADHD