Northern Star Scouting continues to work to connect partner organizations with Scouting volunteers to offer Merit Badge opportunities throughout the year. Through the Merit Badge program, community partners engage youth in a deeper understanding of a vocation or hobby tied to their mission and purpose as an organization. These events focus on quality hands on instruction.
As noted in the Guide to Advancement (7.0.0.3), any registered Scout may work on the requirements for any Merit Badge at any time. However, before working with a counselor or attending a Merit Badge Opportunity, a Scout must meet with their unit leader or their delegate. This is the leader’s opportunity to give guidance on the wisdom of pursuing a selected badge, and to advise the Scout on how work might be approached and what may be encountered along the way.
Even though a leader may voice concerns about a particular Scout pursuing a particular merit badge, it is the Scout’s decision whether or not to proceed. Units must not impose rank or age requirements for merit badge work.
The Scouts BSA Test Lab is an exciting way to help in the development of fun and interesting new topics unique to the Scouts BSA program. The requirements for each badge have the look and feel of Merit Badges, but instead of a printed pamphlet, you will find links to digital resources to help you complete the requirements.
If enough surveys show Scouts enjoyed these potential new badges, Scouting America hopes to introduce them as official Merit Badges in the future! If you complete a Test Lab badge and it becomes an official Merit Badge, you will be credited with having earned that badge!
Merit Badge Test Lab
Below you will find links to Merit Badge opportunities in the community that are run by Council-approved partners, but are not organized or facilitated by Northern Star Scouting at the Council level. These are great opportunities for your Scouts to take advantage of, and we highly encourage you to check them out!
Northwest Coin Club- Coin Collecting MB
North Star Museum
Pine Bend Association/College of Wilderness Knowledge
Scoutmaster Bucky