Thoughts On Merit Badge Development

[optimist]

Almost all ideas for new merit badges originate from people just like you and me, not from the professional staff of the BSA. From what I understand, the national office advancement committee receives as many as 200 suggestions for new merit badges each year. Obviously, they don't implement 200 new merit badges every year and I think that's quite wise. However, they do update existing merit badges on a regular basis and they throw in something new every once in a while.

This forum is an area to discuss ideas for new merit badges. It is possible that if we do the job right and we come up with a really good suggestion, the national office might consider it. Even if no new merit badges ever come out of what is written here, perhaps through this discussion we will learn more about what the makeup of a merit badge is and how to present these subjects to Scouts in the best possible way.

For background information, please read the Submitting New Merit Badge Ideas page. Please keep in mind that the more developed and well thought out a potential merit badge is, the more likely it would be seriously considered. Best of luck and let the ideas roll