Frequently Asked Questions What is the new merit

Frequently Asked Questions What is the new merit badge required for the Eagle Rank?
The new Citizenship in Society merit badge encourages Scouts to explore information on diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership, and learn why these qualities are important in society and in Scouting.
This Merit Badge is be required for Eagle after July 1, 2022.
There was no change in the total number of merit badges required for Eagle (21) but now 14 of them must come from the “Eagle Required” list including Citizenship in Society. Some requirements were modified due to COVID-19. What is the status of those?
Effective March 1, 2022, all COVID-related modifications were removed and the pre-COVID requirements for Advancement & Merit Badges were back in place. Scouts must follow the pre-COVID requirements for all advancement / MBs. How do Scouts track their progress (Paper Scout Handbook or online Scoutbook)?
Scout Handbook is simplest, quickest BUT can be lost/damaged and doesn’t support analytics
Space available at back of Handbook for Rank and MB approvals, Leadership and Activity records
Generally in T-848/849, ScoutBook is updated by Adult Leader(s) following Scoutmaster Conference
Parents / scouts can enter Scoutbook and mark requirements ”complete.” Adult leadership must “approve.”
Merit Badges show as approved in Scoutbook once Counselor approves requirements or badge complete

How do Scouts/parents access the online Scoutbook?
https://help.scoutbook.scouting.org/knowledge-base/scoutbook-tutorial-for-parents/<br>

Frequently Asked Questions How do Scouts get their requirements signed off?
For Rank requirements, Scouts demonstrate their competency to senior youth (e.g. Patrol Leaders, Troop Staff), Assistant Scoutmasters or Scoutmasters who approve if satisfactory – standard is competency not perfection
For Merit Badges, only approved, adult Merit Badge Counselors can approve requirements
Parents may assist in the learning process but may not approve requirements for Rank or Merit Badges

How do Scouts find a Merit Badge Counselor?
Troops 848/849 maintain a list of approved Counselors: http://www.bsatroop848.org/merit-badges/
Counselors must be registered with Scouts BSA and approved by Sam Houston Area Council (SHAC)
Scouts may work with other Counselors if they are appropriately approved by SHAC
The Troops often sponsor group programs for popular MBs but Scouts may reach out to Counselors for others; keeping in mind Youth Protection / Two-deep Leadership requirements during all interactions.

Where do I find requirements for Merit Badges?
It is important that Scouts read and understand the published requirements for each advancement and merit badge
MB Counselors must not require anything more than the published requirements, nor should they expect anything less
Merit Badge Pamphlets or the ScoutsBSA Requirements Book with all requirements may be purchased at physical Scout Shops or on line https://www.scoutshop.org/literature/program-literature/merit-badge-pamphlets.html . Digital downloads of literature are also now available (at a fee) https://www.scoutshop.org/literature/digital-downloads.html
Requirements may also be found at http://usscouts.org/meritbadges.asp (with useful worksheets) or by searching for the badge of interest and accessing the desired badge at from filestore.scouting.org<br>

Frequently Asked Questions How can I become a Merit Badge Counselor?
Have a professional or avocational competency in the field of one of the 135 merit badges
Register (no fee) as a Counselor. Contact Rebecca Garland http://www.bsatroop848.org/contact-us/
Offer to support a Counselor offering a program to learn more

What is the process for setting up a Scoutmaster Conference?
Contact a SM or ASM directly. See Adult Leadership list: http://www.bsatroop848.org/contact-us/
Keep in mind Youth Protection / Two-Deep Leadership requirements (e.g. parent on phone or e-mail)

What is the process for getting a Board of Review (BoR) through Life Rank?
Use the JotForms to sign up: http://www.bsatroop848.org/advancement/
Troop 848 Boards of Review are held every FOURTH Tuesday during Troop Meetings
Troop 849 Boards of Review are held every SECOND Tuesday during Troop Meetings
Arrive on time, full Class A uniform, with Scout Handbook including all needed approvals OR assure ScoutBook up to date
“Be Prepared” to recite, from memory, Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan and Outdoor Code and to discuss what you did for the most recent rank and other Scouting experiences. This IS NOT a retest.

What is the process for advancing from Life to Eagle and how is that different from other rank advancements?
See the Life to Eagle discussion: http://www.bsatroop848.org/advancement/<br>