Welcome to your next steps on the path to learning and achievement. After you have joined Scouting and have earned the Boy Scout badge you are ready to begin working towards the Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks. The videos and worksheets below are valuable resources that can help you develop your skills and monitor your progress.
First Class in your first year
We would like to encourage you to obtain these initial ranks during your first year of Scouting. By doing so you will have many basic Scouting skills before your first
camp experience, increased opportunities for Troop leadership as well as more time to work towards the advanced ranks of Star, Life and Eagle Scout. You can use either of the following forms (the first form is organized by skill area and the second form is organized by rank) to help you track your progress while you work towards the rank of First Class.
Merit Badges
Pamphlets
Earning Merit Badges is crucial to your success after obtaining the rank of First Class. To view a complete listing of all the current Merit Badge subjects you can look here. Once you have decided on a topic that interests you, get the most current Merit Badge pamphlet from the Council office or talk to one of the Troop leaders to find out if a copy is already available.
Blue cards
Once you have chosen a Merit Badge and obtained a copy of the current pamphlet you will need to get a "blue card." Blue cards are used to certify completion, and partial completion, of Merit Badge requirements. You can get a card from the Scoutmaster. Once you have a pamphlet and card and are ready for a Merit Badge session talk to the Scoutmaster for a list of the current Counselors to arrange your session.
Worksheets
After you have selected a topic and have the pamphlet you can print a worksheet to help you as you study and practice the material. Worksheets are not proof of qualification to earn a Merit Badge nor are they required to complete the requirements, they are simply a useful tool to help you track your work. You will still need to meet with a Merit Badge Counselor, use the buddy system, bring your parent/guardian and bring a "blue card" to your Merit Badge counseling session.