List of All 135+ Merit Badges from A-Z
Merit badges are a thrilling part of Boy Scouts! Since 1911, they've been a way for scouts to explore their interests, gain valuable skills, and become well-rounded individuals. With over 135 badges to choose from, there's an adventure waiting for every curious scout!
In this post, we'll explore:
- The exciting history of Boy Scout merit badges
- A comprehensive list of all 135+ merit badges (stay tuned!)
- How organizations can create their own custom patches for recognition programs (think beyond scouts!)
The History of Boy Scout Merit Badges
Ever wondered how Boy Scouts become experts in so many things? Look no further than merit badges! Since 1911, these badges have challenged and motivated scouts to explore their interests and develop valuable skills across various fields. With over 135 Boy Scout merit badges, there's a path to mastery waiting for every curious scout!
This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know about Boy Scout merit badges:
- Uncover the fascinating history of these iconic achievement awards.
- Explore the complete list of 135+ merit badges, categorized for easy browsing.
- Discover how to create custom patches for your own recognition programs (think beyond scouts!).
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The Full List of Merit Badges and Their Significance
Below is the complete list of merit badges, grouped by categories for easier navigation, along with their significance:
American Business
Scouts learn how businesses work in the United States, including how companies make money, how people get jobs, and how banks help businesses grow.
American Heritage
This merit badge introduces scouts to American History, such as historic places, the history of the US flag, their family history, and more.
American Culture
Scouts learn about the diverse cultures that make up the United States and how to appreciate and respect different traditions, art, and history.
American Labor
Scouts learn about fair working conditions, workers' rights, and the importance of a strong workforce.
Animal Science
Scouts learn how to care for different types of farm animals, such as horses, cows, pigs, sheep, and dairy animals.
Animation
Scouts learn to bring stories to life by creating animations using moving images.
Archaeology
Scouts discover how ancient artifacts help us understand the lives of people from the past.
Archery
Scouts learn the skills and techniques of archery, including using different types of bows.
Architecture
Scouts learn how the design of buildings affects how people live and work.
Art
Scouts explore different forms of art, including painting, drawing, sculpting, and more.
Astronomy
Scouts learn about the wonders of space, including planets, stars, and how to use telescopes.
Athletics
Scouts learn about fitness, nutrition, and how to participate in different sports.
Automotive Maintenance
Scouts learn how to keep their cars running smoothly by learning basic car maintenance skills.
Aviation
Scouts learn about the exciting world of flying, including flight planning and aircraft care.
Backpacking
Scouts go on backpacking trips, where they learn important skills like navigation, water purification, and how to leave no trace in the wilderness.
Basketry
Learn the art of basket weaving with natural materials like reed, willow, and pine needles. Earn the Basketry merit badge and create beautiful and functional baskets for your home.
Bird Study
Become a birdwatcher and help create a healthy environment for birds in your community. The Bird Study merit badge teaches scouts about different bird species, how to build birdhouses, and how to attract birds to your backyard.
Bugling
Bugle care and performance skills are essential for scouts serving as troop buglers, ensuring tradition and leadership in ceremonies.
Camping
Camping preparation focuses on mastering the essentials of planning and executing a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure.
Canoeing
Canoeing proficiency is recognized by mastering paddling techniques, safety practices, and water navigation skills.
Chemistry
Chemical interactions and hands-on experiments allow scouts to explore the fascinating world of substances and their reactions.
Chess
Chess mastery includes learning strategies, understanding rules, and honing critical thinking for tactical gameplay.
Citizenship in Society
Inclusion, diversity, and equality are key principles scouts learn to embrace and advocate for in their communities.
Citizenship in the Community
Community involvement encourages scouts to engage in service projects and understand local government operations.
Citizenship in the Nation
National citizenship responsibilities, rights, and duties are taught to scouts to deepen their understanding of being a U.S. citizen.
Citizenship in the World
Global citizenship emphasizes the values and responsibilities required to be a part of the international community.
Climbing
Climbing techniques, equipment care, and verbal signal skills are essential for earning the Climbing merit badge.
Coin Collecting
Coin collection skills involve identifying, categorizing, and preserving coins to build a meaningful collection.
Collections
Item categorization and preservation teach scouts how to start, maintain, and enjoy personal collections.
Communication
Communication skills are developed through oral, visual, written, and digital methods.
Composite Materials
Hands-on experience with resins introduces scouts to the properties and uses of composite materials.
Cooking
Meal preparation, planning, and cooking techniques are practiced for home, camping, and trail settings.
Crime Prevention
Crime prevention strategies empower scouts to protect themselves and their communities.
Cycling
Road and mountain biking skills foster a love for outdoor adventures.
Dentistry
Oral health and dental care knowledge build a strong foundation for gum and teeth care.
Digital Technology
Digital storage and transmission skills teach scouts to navigate technology safely and effectively.
Disabilities Awareness
Empathy and accessibility insights help scouts understand and support people with disabilities.
Dog Care
Dog training and pet ownership responsibilities are highlighted for responsible care.
Drafting
Manual and computer-aided design skills introduce scouts to engineering and architectural drafting.
Electricity
Electric safety, hazard prevention, and applications are explored through hands-on learning.
Electronics
Repairing, building, and safely working with electronic devices develop essential technical skills.
Emergency Preparedness
Preparedness for disasters and emergencies includes survival, rescue, and safety practices.
Energy
Energy audits and conservation efforts teach practical ways to reduce consumption.
Engineering
Engineering concepts focus on designing and building innovative structures and products.
Entrepreneurship
Business planning, product promotion, and financial management inspire future entrepreneurs.
Environmental Science
Environmental conservation, pollution awareness, and ecology principles are explored.
Exploration
Field and scientific exploration promote curiosity and research skills.
Family Life
Scouts build strong family values by organizing and leading family meetings. They also reinforce these values by collaborating on meaningful service projects with their loved ones.
Farm Mechanics
Gaining maintenance and repair skills for farm equipment offers valuable hands-on experience. These practical abilities prepare individuals to handle essential tasks with confidence and efficiency.
Fingerprinting
Scouts explore the fundamentals of fingerprint analysis, focusing on identifying unique patterns. This hands-on experience enhances their understanding of forensic identification techniques.
Fire Safety
Fire prevention strategies and safety measures reduce risks at home and in the outdoors.
First Aid
First aid techniques prepare scouts to respond to various injuries and emergencies.
Fish and Wildlife Management
Wildlife population studies encourage an appreciation for conservation.
Fishing
Fishing skills include catching, cleaning, and cooking fish with proper equipment.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing emphasizes techniques, safety, and adherence to local regulations.
Forestry
Forestry knowledge connects climate, ecosystems, and economic significance of forests.
Game Design
Game design fundamentals encourage creativity and problem-solving.
Gardening
Gardening expertise includes growing vegetables, flowers, and implementing effective techniques.
Genealogy
Family history research deepens connections to personal heritage.
Geocaching
GPS navigation skills are applied to locate hidden items and explore the outdoors.
Geology
Rock and mineral studies foster an understanding of Earth’s history and resources.
Golf
Golf skills cover proper techniques for clubs, grips, stance, and putting.
Graphic Arts
Graphic design principles celebrate artistic achievements and creativity.
Health Care Professions
Career insights highlight the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
Hiking
Safe hiking practices include planning routes, assessing weather, and using proper equipment.
Home Repairs
Home maintenance and repair skills build self-sufficiency and responsibility.
Horsemanship
Horsemanship lessons cover riding, grooming, and caring for horses.
Indian Lore
Native American history and culture inspire respect and understanding.
Insect Study
Insect identification and observation emphasize ecological roles and safe interactions.
Inventing
Prototype development and intellectual property rights introduce innovation processes.
Journalism
Journalism skills include interviewing, writing, and exploring media forms.
Kayaking
Kayaking techniques and equipment safety are practiced on calm and flowing waters.
Landscape Architecture
Landscape design principles focus on aesthetics and functional space planning.
Law
Legal history and systems provide insights into the principles of justice.
Leatherwork
Leather crafting techniques and tool safety inspire creativity and precision.
Lifesaving
Rescue techniques and emergency response skills save lives in critical situations.
Mammal Study
Mammal characteristics and habitats highlight ecological diversity and preservation.
Medicine
Healthcare fields and their contributions to wellness and public health are explored.
Metalwork
Metal crafting and tool safety teach practical and creative skills.
Mining in Society
Mining processes and material transport are examined for societal impact.
Model Design and Building
Model building skills span mechanical, industrial, and architectural applications.
Motorboating
Motorized watercraft operation and maintenance emphasize safety and navigation.
Moviemaking
Film production skills cover camera operation and storytelling techniques.
Music
Music training develops vocal and instrumental talents.
Nature
Plant and wildlife studies connect ecosystems and living organisms.
Nuclear Science
Radiation safety and atomic structure studies introduce the principles of nuclear science.
Oceanography
Ocean exploration examines marine environments and scientific research methods.
Orienteering
Navigation with a compass and map fosters outdoor confidence and survival skills.
Painting
Painting techniques include surface preparation, coating application, and artistic design.
Personal Fitness
Fitness plans promote health, endurance, and strength over 12 weeks.
Personal Management
Time, money, and resource management build essential life skills.
Pets
Pet care and training responsibilities encourage responsible animal ownership.
Photography
Photography techniques explore composition, lighting, and creative expression.
Pioneering
Pioneering projects utilize ropes and spars to create functional structures.
Plant Science
Plant biology studies emphasize growth, crops, and agricultural importance.
Plumbing
Plumbing techniques introduce pipe fitting, tool use, and maintenance tasks.
Pottery
Pottery creation involves clay shaping and artistic craftsmanship.
Programming
Programming and coding tasks build foundational tech skills.
Public Health
Disease prevention strategies enhance community health awareness.
Public Speaking
Speech delivery and discussion leadership improve communication confidence.
Pulp and Paper
Paper production and recycling studies emphasize sustainability and industry history.
Radio
Radio operation and communication components introduce broadcasting essentials.
Railroading
Railroad systems highlight transportation logistics and technology.
Reading
Reading encourages literacy and community service through shared stories.
Reptile and Amphibian Study
Reptile and amphibian observations explore species traits and habitats.
Rifle Shooting
Firearm safety and marksmanship build precision and responsibility.
Robotics
Robotic design and programming introduce innovation and problem-solving.
Rowing
Rowing techniques and boat handling demonstrate water navigation skills.
Safety
Safety practices prevent accidents and foster awareness of potential hazards.
Salesmanship
Sales communication skills promote confidence and effectiveness.
Scholarship
Academic excellence and study habits support educational success.
Scouting Heritage
Scouting history and traditions celebrate the movement’s legacy.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving skills ensure safe underwater exploration and ecological understanding.
Sculpture
Sculpture techniques create three-dimensional art with wood or clay.
Search & Rescue
Search and rescue training emphasizes teamwork and operational planning.
Shotgun Shooting
Shotgun safety and skill development focus on precision and maintenance.
Signs, Signals, and Codes
Communication systems like Morse code and semaphore demonstrate alternative languages.
Skating
Skating skills are developed for ice, inline, and roller activities.
Small-Boat Sailing
Sailing skills adapt to different wind conditions and promote water safety.
Snow Sports
Snow sports training covers skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing techniques.
Soil and Water Conservation
Conservation principles teach the importance of preserving natural resources.
Space Exploration
Space exploration studies include history, technology, and future possibilities.
Sports
Sports training promotes teamwork, physical fitness, and competitive spirit.
Stamp Collecting
Stamp collection and preservation showcase history and artistry.
Surveying
Land surveying introduces mapping, boundary marking, and GPS technology.
Sustainability
Sustainable practices emphasize energy conservation and resource management.
Swimming
Swimming proficiency includes strokes, water rescue, and aquatic safety.
Textile
Textile studies explore fabric production and manufacturing processes.
Theater
Theater arts cover acting, directing, and stage production.
Traffic Safety
Traffic safety awareness promotes responsible driving and cycling.
Truck Transportation
Logistics and operations of goods movement introduce transportation systems.
Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary practices and public health roles inspire animal care careers.
Water Sports
Water skiing and wakeboarding demonstrate aquatic coordination and safety.
Weather
Meteorology and climate studies explore environmental impacts and weather systems.
Welding
Welding skills emphasize safety, precision, and material joining techniques.
Whitewater
Whitewater navigation teaches water flow analysis and safe boating.
Wilderness Survival
Survival skills include shelter building, first aid, and fire-starting techniques.
Wood Carving
Wood carving projects foster craftsmanship and tool handling.
Woodwork
Woodworking projects provide hands-on experience with tools and materials.
Girl Scouts of America
Girl Scouts of America merit badges are not proprietary, which means THE/STUDIO can help you design unique badges for your Girl Scout troop. These badges are a wonderful way to commemorate milestones, explore new interests, and develop important skills.
From gardening and being a good neighbor to learning how to design a website or play a musical instrument, the possibilities are endless. Let us help you create badges that inspire and celebrate growth.
Educational Institutions
Schools and universities are embracing the idea of educational badges merit badges to recognize student achievements. Institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are already using educational badges to showcase proficiency in subjects like math, science, history, chemistry, and more.
Research by Gallup shows that only half of students feel engaged in school. By introducing merit badges, educators can spark enthusiasm and reward academic accomplishments, making learning more interactive and rewarding.
Summer Camps
Summer camps offer a fantastic environment for children to build character, gain practical knowledge, and develop self-confidence. Merit badges are a great way to reward campers for their achievements and encourage participation in activities.
Whether it’s mastering wilderness survival techniques, winning a sports competition, or excelling in creative arts, custom badges create lasting memories and motivate campers to try new things. Let THE/STUDIO design unique badges to enhance your camp program.
Create Custom Merit Badges for Your Organization with THE/STUDIO
Looking to design a unique merit badge for your organization? THE/STUDIO makes it easy to create custom badges tailored to your needs. Whether you’re awarding achievements, recognizing milestones, or celebrating hobbies, our custom merit badges are perfect for all ages.
While we can’t produce official BSA merit badges, THE/STUDIO offers expertly crafted embroidered merit badges in any shape or size. Just submit your design, and we’ll provide a detailed mock-up to bring your vision to life.
Ready to get started? Explore our on-demand custom embroidered patches today, or connect with one of our experts for personalized assistance!
How To Get Merit Badges
Merit badges are a fantastic way for Scouts to explore their interests, gain valuable skills, and become well-rounded individuals. Earning a badge involves demonstrating your knowledge and completing specific requirements. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started on your merit badge journey:
- Select a Subject, Find Your Passion! Browse through the exciting world of merit badges! Read through the requirements that pique your interest. Once you've chosen a badge, chat with your Scout leader to get connected with a designated counselor.
- Scout Buddy System, Team Up for Success! Having a buddy by your side is a great way to stay motivated and engaged. Ask a parent, legal guardian, or registered adult to join you on your merit badge adventure.
- Connect with Your Merit Badge Counselor Reach out to your counselor to discuss the specific requirements for your chosen badge. They'll be your guide throughout the process and answer any questions you may have.
- Start Work Toward Badge Now comes the fun part – working on your badge! Utilize all the resources at your disposal, including libraries, schools, your Scout troop, and of course, your counselor. Don't hesitate to ask for help!
- Show Off Your Skills! Once you've completed all the requirements, contact your counselor to schedule a meeting. They'll assess your knowledge and skills to officially award you the badge!
- Receive Badge Congratulations! You've successfully completed the requirements for your merit badge. Please submit your signed application to your BSA unit leader to receive your well-deserved badge!
Where Can You Purchase Merit Badges for Boy Scouts?
Merit badges are a valuable record of a Scout's accomplishments. But sometimes, badges can get lost or damaged. Luckily, replacing them is easy!
Boy Scout badges are official awards and can only be obtained through the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). While thestudio.com doesn't sell badges directly, we're here to help you find the right resources to get replacements.
Contact Your Council Scout Shop: Your local BSA Council Scout Shop is the official retailer for merit badges. They'll be happy to assist you in finding the replacements you need.
What Merit Badges Can THE/STUDIO Create?
At THE/STUDIO, we specialize in crafting high-quality embroidered merit badges for any occasion. Our custom-designed badges are perfect for celebrating achievements, hobbies, events, crafts, trends, and more. With options for both iron-on and sew-on backings, we make it simple to apply your badges to clothing, bags, or uniforms. Let us bring your vision to life with beautifully crafted badges that make a lasting impression.
