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About Merit Badgy

We built the merit badge class finder we wished we had

Merit Badgy puts merit badge classes from councils, troops and counselors in one place, so Scouts spend less time hunting and more time earning.

Finding a class shouldn't be the hardest requirement

From the troop meeting

It's Tuesday night. A Scout walks up and says, “I'm ready to start Personal Management.” Great! Now you just have to find a class. One's buried in a council PDF. Another was posted in a Facebook group three weeks ago. A third is in an email someone forwarded to someone who forwarded it to you. By the time you track down the registration link, it closed yesterday.

From the kitchen table

Meanwhile, a parent is trying to help their Scout get to the next rank. Which badges are Eagle-required? Is there a class close to home, or a virtual one? Does Saturday's class conflict with the game? Twelve browser tabs later, they're still not sure, and their Scout has moved on to something else.

What we're doing about it

Merit Badgy gathers in-person, virtual and hybrid merit badge classes into one searchable list. Look up a badge, filter by date, distance or format, and see what's coming up on a list, calendar or map. When you find the right one, you register directly with the organizer.

Every merit badge is a new skill, a little more confidence and one more step on the trail. We make the finding part easy so Scouts, families and leaders can focus on the learning part.

From “I want that badge” to signed up in a few minutes

  1. Search for a badge.

    Type a badge name or browse by category. Use the filters for date, distance, format, Eagle-required or free classes.

  2. Check the details.

    Each class shows when and where it is, who it's for, the cost, any prerequisites and the badges it covers.

  3. Register with the organizer.

    Tap “Register with organizer” to sign up on their site. Save the class, add it to your calendar or set an email reminder so it doesn't slip by.

Made for the whole Scouting crew

  • Scouts

    Find classes for the badges you're excited about, or the ones you need for Eagle.

  • Parents

    Plan ahead with the calendar, see what's close to home and keep track of saved classes.

  • Leaders

    Point Scouts to one place instead of a pile of links and flyers.

  • Counselors & organizers

    Get your class in front of the families looking for it.

Frequently asked questions

Earning a merit badge

How do I get started earning a merit badge?

Pick a badge you're curious about and read its requirements (each badge on Merit Badgy links to them on scouting.org (opens in a new tab)). Then talk with your Scoutmaster. They'll help you get started and connect you with a registered merit badge counselor or a class. Read the merit badge pamphlet, finish any prerequisites and you're on your way.

Do I need my Scoutmaster to sign off before I start?

Yes, have that conversation first. Your Scoutmaster (or the leader they choose) talks with you about the badge and signs your Application for Merit Badge, the "blue card," or opens it digitally in Scoutbook. Some troops have their own steps for this, so ask how yours does it. You can read up and get excited before then, but the work counts once you're connected with a counselor.

Who can earn merit badges?

Any registered Scout in a Scouts BSA troop can earn any merit badge, at any rank. Badges need to be finished before your 18th birthday.

What's a blue card, and do I still need one?

The blue card is the official record of your merit badge, from start to finish. Many troops now track it digitally in Scoutbook, while some classes still ask for a paper card. Check with your troop which one they use, and bring whatever the class listing asks for.

What do I need to do to make sure I get credit for my class?
  • Before class: Talk with your Scoutmaster and get your blue card (paper or digital). Read the requirements and finish every prerequisite listed on the class page.
  • At class: Take part in everything. The counselor has to see that you personally completed each requirement. Just being in the room isn't enough.
  • After class: Make sure the counselor signs or initials what you finished. Take a photo of your card, then turn it in to your troop's advancement chair right away so the badge can be recorded and awarded.
What if I don't finish everything at the class?

That's normal and okay. The counselor records the requirements you did finish as a "partial." You can complete the rest later with a registered counselor for that badge. Partials don't expire before your 18th birthday.

Do virtual classes count?

Yes, as long as the class is taught by a registered merit badge counselor and you complete the requirements as written. Some requirements are hands-on, so a virtual class may leave a few for you to finish afterward.

Do I need a buddy?

Yes. Youth protection rules mean Scouts should never meet one-on-one with an adult. Bring a buddy, a parent or another Scout to counselor meetings. Group classes already cover this.

Which merit badges are required for Eagle?

A set of merit badges is required for the Eagle Scout rank. On Merit Badgy, they have a red ring and an “E” seal, and they're listed first on Browse by badge. Use the Eagle-required filter to see only those classes.

When do I actually get the badge?

Once your troop records it, you'll usually receive the badge at the next court of honor. Turning in your card quickly helps.

About Merit Badgy

What does Merit Badgy have to do with these classes?

We're a directory. We find merit badge classes, check the details and list them in one place so they're easy to search. The class itself is run by its organizer, such as a council, district, troop, camp or counselor.

Do you host merit badge classes?

No. We don't run, teach or host any classes. Questions about schedules, prerequisites, refunds or what to bring go to the organizer listed on the class page.

Do you handle registration or payments?

No. "Register with organizer" takes you to the organizer's own site. We never collect sign-ups or payments.

Do you register or approve merit badge counselors?

No. Counselors are registered and approved by their local council. Our Become a counselor form is a helper. It walks you through your details and creates a ready-to-submit PDF packet, which you then send to your council. We don't verify credentials or approve anyone.

Is Merit Badgy part of Scouting America?

No. Merit Badgy is an independent site built by Scouting volunteers. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America.

Where do the classes come from?

Some are shared by counselors and organizers, and others we find on public council, district and event pages. Every class is reviewed before it's published.

Is Merit Badgy free?

Yes, searching, saving and reminders are free. Some classes have a fee, which is shown on the class page and paid to the organizer.

Do I need an account?

No. Saved classes stay on your device, so there's nothing to sign up for.

How do reminders work?

Enter an email address on a class page and agree to receive reminders. We'll email you 24 hours before the class and, if registration hasn't opened yet, 48 hours before it does. Every email has a one-click unsubscribe link. Under 13? Ask a parent or guardian to set up the reminder with their own email. See the Terms of Service for details.

What do you collect about my Scout?

As little as possible. There are no Scout accounts or profiles. We only keep an email address if you ask for reminders, and our site statistics are anonymous: no cookies or personal information. See Privacy & youth safety for the details.

Something on a class looks wrong, or the class was canceled. What should I do?

Always double-check details on the organizer's site before you go, since plans can change. If something on our page is out of date, let us know at hello@meritbadgy.com and we'll fix it.

I'm a counselor or organizer. How do I list my class?

Use List your class: create a free account, confirm your email, and add your class. We review every listing before it goes live, and you'll see how many people viewed and saved it. To register as a counselor with your council, Become a counselor fills in the official form for you.

Ready to find your next badge?

Search by badge, date or distance and see what's coming up near you.