2) Contact Mr. Rich Jones and let him know on which badge you'd like to work. He will offer a copy of the merit badge book from our lending library (If one is available) and bring a signed blue card to the next meeting. He also has a list of merit badge councilors in the area who will work with you on completing the badge.

3) Call the merit badge councilor (You, not a parent) and introduce yourself. Let them know of your desire to complete their merit badge. Confirm that they still are a merit badge councilor. If they are, they will either want to set up an appointment to go over what is expected, or they may just review the requirements over the phone. Have your MB book, pen, and some paper before you call. (* See "Meeting with a councilor" below)

4) Work on the merit badge. Complete the requirements. Call to set an appointment with the merit badge councilor.

5) After the merit badge councilor feels you have completed the requirement they will sign your blue card as completed. They will keep one of the three parts of the card for their records and give you the other two parts back.

6) Bring the remaining two parts back to Mr. Rich Jones at the next meeting. He will take one of the remaining two parts for the troop records and log it. You are to safely store the remaining part. For you to earn Eagle rank you must show proof of completing the needed merit badges. Your copies may be the only proof if the troop or councilors records are destroyed. Keep them together and in a safe place.

7) Depending on the time of year, you will either be presented your newly earned merit badge in the circle at the end of a regular troop meeting or at a troop court of awards.

PLEASE READ !!!

*MEETING WITH A COUNCILOR - Depending on the councilor and the merit badge involved you may meet with the councilor at his/her home, office, or place specific to that badge. No matter the location there are three requirements: 1) Wear your complete "Class A" uniform (If you show up out of uniform they will send you home), 2) Bring a parent. This is for your safety and is required by BSA, 3) Come fully prepared with all the needed materials including the properly filled out merit badge blue card.

Merit badge councilors are busy people that volunteer to help us. Their schedule may not let them meet with you as soon as you would like. You can politely say that you will first try to contact another councilor to see if their schedule is any better. You may need to call two or three councilors. You may need to call the same councilor two or three times to get a call back. This is all part of the learning experience. Remember, you are representing Boy Scouts, Troop 386, and yourself when you go out to meet the councilor. Show pride in your work and respect for others. Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

If you have an issue with one of the councilors please contact Rich Jones or another troop leader before taking any other steps. Parents should not need to become involved with this process other than for confirming difficult driving instructions.