UPDATE (4:10 p.m., May 4): An earlier version of this post stated in Requirement 4 that Scouts need to visit an event or location to complete this merit badge. In fact, they can fulfill the requirement by sending a letter to the National Scouting Museum. Also, the previous version stated that the new merit badge is No. 126. It is actually the 127th current merit badge. The correct text is below.
Scouting uses its 126 different merit badges to shine a
light on topics that engage and inspire young minds. But with merit badge No.
127, the BSA intends to turn the light on itself.
The new Scouting Heritage merit badge,
available now, introduces boys to the history of the Boy Scouts of America. They’ll
learn it all—from Scouting’s beginnings under Lord Baden-Powell to the history
of their own troop.
Here’s an abbreviated list of the requirements. For the
complete list, click the link above or pick up a copy of the merit badge
pamphlet (item No. 35970).
- Describe Scouting’s origins under Lord Baden-Powell.
- Create biographies of two of Scouting’s founders.
- Explain how Scouting has expanded to include various age
groups and interests.
- Visit one of
these events or locations: a BSA jamboree, a world jamboree, a national BSA
high-adventure base, the National Scouting Museum in Irving, Tex., or Adventure
Base 100 OR send a letter to the National Scouting Museum.
- Learn about the history of your unit and present your
- Make a collection of personal Scouting memorabilia.
- Play an old-time Scouting game.
- Interview at least three former Scouts over the age of 50.
Completing the requirements will heighten your guys’
appreciation of Scouting’s rich history—perfect timing in this centennial year.