by 
The Curious Bag
-
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was founded in 1910 to promote character values in young people. To progress through the various Scouting ranks, Boy Scouts earn merit badges. These are round patches that symbolize their achievements in various areas.
Purpose
Earning merit badges teaches Boy Scouts important life skills.
Categories
Merit badges are divided into six categories: business, careers, crafts, science, sports and trades.
Badges
There are more than 100 merit badges in Boy Scouts. Scouts may begin working on any badge at any time; they don't need to reach a certain rank before beginning work on the badge.
Process
Boy Scouts select the merit badges they want to earn with their Scoutmaster and a merit badge counselor. When the counselor is satisfied that a Scout has met all of the requirements for a badge, the Scoutmaster awards it.
Display
Merit badges are displayed on a sash that is part of the formal Scout uniform.
Source:
US Scouting Service Project: Introduction to Merit Badges
Boy Scout Trail: Merit Badge Requirements
Resource:
Boy Scouts of America: About the BSA
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC