What are Merit Badges?

Merit Badges are specialized areas of interest outside of the requirements for rank advancement. Although the Scouts are required earn Merit Badges for advancement to Star Scout, Life Scout and Eagle Scout. Merit Badges are an opportunity for the Scout to learn about sports, crafts, sciences, trades, business and future careers. There are more than 120 merit badges. Any Boy Scout may earn any merit badge at any time. You don't need to have had rank advancement to earn Merit Badges. In some ways Merit Badges are similar to the Arrow Points your son earned in Cub Scouts, but they are more involved.