Merit
Badges
“You can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades,
business, and future careers as you earn these merit badges. There
are more than 100 merit badges. Any Boy Scout may earn any merit
badge at any time. You don't need to have had rank advancement to
be eligible.” – scouting.org
Merit Badges are the second main area of the Boy Scout
advancement program. Unlike ranks, there is a degree of choice in
the merit badge program. A sub-group of merit badges are known as
Eagle required merit badges. To earn Eagle Scout, most of these
badges must be earned although some are "either/or" badges. The
remainder of the badges help with earning ranks as well as Eagle
Palms after the Eagle Scout award has been earned.
Backpacking Merit
Badge
Backpacking - Earning the Backpacking merit badge will be
demanding but rewarding. Scouts will learn what equipment to carry
on their backs and what knowledge to have in their heads. In
addition, Scouts will discover how to protect the environment by
traveling and camping without leaving a trace. By mastering the
basics of backpacking, Scouts will develop an even deeper respect
for the outdoors.
Merit Badge
Midways
The best-known Merit Badge Midway is held at the National Boy
Scout Jamboree held every four years. More than a hundred booths
will fill the Merit Badge Midway featuring the many exciting
hands-on activities for Scouts. While they have the opportunity to
practice many skills related to the merit badges, they meet some of
the requirements of the badge(s) at the jamboree and then complete
the requirements at home. By the same token, some merit badge work
begun at home may be completed at the jamboree.