Should there be Merit Badges Required for First Class?

[Lynda J]

Actually First Aid and Swimming are part of the first year program. Then there will be at a couple of other badges. This year it was Pioneering. Last year they did Insect Study and Leatherwork.

Has one of my first yearers came back from camp this year lacking only two points to 1st Class. This young man came in in March.

[ICanCanoeCanU]

Well I agree that these two badges should be taken early and I usually push taking them the first year but I don't like requiring the boys what to take.
All the camps around here have first year programs that don't include any badges and then the boys have 2 or 3 more sessions available to take whatever they want. This is when I strongly suggest that they take at least one of the swimming or first aid.

[deweylure]

In my youth as a Scout we had to earn skill awards,in addition to the skills required for tenderfoot up to First. The skills for first aid are already taught . If a boy wants to earn a merit badge while a Tenderfoot,1st or 2nd encourage it. Earning is learning in my book.

Dewey

[Scouting179]

No one said they can't work on them before making FC, just that they should not be required.

No, they should not be required for FC. Up to FC is focused on scouting skills development. Upper ranks on leadership and broadening one's exposure.