Merit Badges
Steps for Getting Started on a Merit Badge:
1) What do I do first, once I pick a merit badge?Contact your Scoutmaster and obtain from him two things:
a) a blue card ("Application for Merit Badge"), signed by the SM, and
b) and a name of a merit badge counselor for that topic.
Do NOT just start on your MB on your own, until you have BOTH a blue card and an approved counselor!.
2) So, do I go it alone?
No, recruit one or more scout buddies to work on the MB with you. The Buddy System is in effect for MBs and it makes it more fun.
3) What is the hardest step?
Pick up the phone and make the call to your MB counselor and make arrangements for them to be your counselor (and your buddy's). This is easier than you think.
4) Where can I get a Merit Badge pamphlet?
Several options here: (1) The Troop Librarian has a supply of booklets that are available for lending. (2) The pamphlets are available for purchase at the Piedmont Council Scout Office at 10 Highland Way, hours: 8:30–4:30, and open till 6pm most Thursdays, (3) the Scout stores such as the San Leandro shop (1001 Davis Street, San Leandro, CA, hours 9-5, Tuesday till 6:30pm and Saturday: 8:30-4:30) and (4) on-line at www.scoutstuff.org. When you are done with your pamphlet, if you don't want to keep it, please recycle it by donating it to the Troop library.
5) Are there checklists I can use?
If you like, you can use one of the pre-formatted worksheets to keep track of your progress. Here is a link to a web page with worksheets:
MB Worksheets
These are not required, just an option. 6) Has anybody gotten ALL the Merit Badges?
Read about James Calderwood in this article.
Click on Jame's picture to see it full size:
But has anybody done it in T11? Not yet.
>Current record within the Piedmont Council is held by Ted Z. who earned 72 MBs.
Merit Badge Midway - February 2, 2008
What is Merit Badge Midway? It is a chance for Boy Scouts to work on
Eagle-required and fun Merit Badges and finish incomplete Merit Badges.
It is also a chance for adults to be involved and get
training. The Pacific Skyline Council will hold one on Saturday, February
2, 2008. (link
)
The location is at Ralston Middle School in Belmont (south of San Mateo
on the Peninsula).
Advance registration is REQUIRED ($23 fee) and registration
CLOSES on January
15, 2008. First-come, first-serve for available
slots. Ralston Middle School -on Google Maps
Citizenship in Community MB - Some Comments
Community Service (8 hours) is BIG part
of this MB, you need to settle on an organization. See our
blog and the Community Service page
for ideas, guidelines and organizations. REMEMBER
when you do your volunteer service hours, to get the person at your
organization to SIGN OFF on the Community
Service Form so that the SM can give you credit for your
hours! 
CitComm includes
the opportunity to watch a movie that is inspiring and concerns the
impact of a single individual on their community. Of course, you
can watch these movies even if it is not for the merit badge.
There are many possibilities, here is a list of suggestions:Movies for CitComm and for Scouts
