Bugling Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate
Setting: Indoor practice, outdoor use
Best For: Scouts interested in music, leadership, tradition
Hands-On Level: High
Eagle Required: No

The Bugling merit badge gives you the chance to learn a skill with a long Scouting tradition. You will learn how to play the bugle, perform ten bugle calls, and care for your instrument. You will also practice often so your playing becomes clear and steady.

As you work on this badge, you may serve your troop as the troop bugler. You can use bugle calls to signal wake-up, meals, assemblies, and bedtime. This role helps you build responsibility because other Scouts may depend on your calls to know what is happening next.

The Bugling merit badge also helps you grow as a musician and a leader. You will learn about the history of bugling, gain confidence performing for others, and take part in troop traditions. The skills you develop can help you become a more active member of your troop.

When Scouting America announced plans to merge the Bugling merit badge into the Music merit badge in 2010, there was strong opposition from Scouts and Scouters. Due to the strong response, Scouting America decided to keep Bugling as its own badge.

Download the Bugling Merit Badge Requirements

Bugling Merit Badge Pamphlet

Bugling Merit Badge Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for Bugling Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Bugling merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

• Requirement 1: History
• Requirement 2: Instrument
• Requirement 3: Calls
• Requirement 4: Uses
• Requirement 5: Care
• Requirement 6: Bugler
• More Resources

Requirement 1: History of the Bugle

What You Need To Do

Give a short history of the bugle. Include how it was used in hunting, the military, and Scouting.

Helpful Tips

• The bugle is a brass instrument with no valves or keys.
• The player changes notes by changing breath and mouth shape.
• Early bugles were used during hunts.
• European armies began using bugles for signals in the 1700s.
• Bugle calls could be heard across camps and battlefields.
• Calls told soldiers when to wake up, eat, gather, or prepare for duty.
• The United States military also used bugle calls for daily signals.
• Scouts later used bugle calls at camps, meetings, and ceremonies.
• A troop bugler can help keep activities on schedule.
• Bugling remains part of Scouting tradition today.

Resources

• Bugles in American History (video)
• The Bugler’s Cry – A History of Taps (video)

Leader Tips

• Ask the Scout to give the history in their own words.
• Help the Scout put the events in time order.
• Play a few common bugle calls as examples.
• Connect the history to bugling at troop events.

Requirement 2a: How the Bugle Makes Sound

What You Need To Do

Show how air and buzzing lips make sound in the bugle. Describe how the bugle is similar to and different from other brass instruments.

Helpful Tips

• Place your lips gently against the mouthpiece.
• Blow air while buzzing your lips.
• The buzzing creates vibrations inside the bugle.
• Faster lip vibrations make higher notes.
• Slower lip vibrations make lower notes.
• The bugle has no valves, keys, or slide.
• A trumpet uses valves to change notes.
• A trombone uses a slide to change notes.
• A tuba also uses valves and has a much lower sound.
• All brass instruments use air and lip buzzing to make sound.

Resources

• The Physics of Music: Playing Fire, Ice and Jelly Trumpets (video)

Leader Tips

• Ask the Scout to demonstrate a clear tone.
• Have the Scout compare the bugle with another brass instrument.
• Let the Scout try several pitches.
• Give help with breathing and mouth position as needed.

Requirement 2b: Compose a Bugle Call

What You Need To Do

Create a short bugle call for a common troop or patrol activity. Practice it and play it for your unit or patrol.

Helpful Tips

• Choose one activity for the call.
• Good choices include meals, assembly, or campsite cleanup.
• Keep the call short and easy to remember.
• Use notes available on the bugle.
• Start with a simple rhythm.
• Repeat a few notes to make the call clear.
• Match the rhythm to the activity.
• Write the notes or rhythm on paper.
• Practice until the call sounds the same each time.
• Tell the group what the call means before playing it.
• Play loudly enough for the whole group to hear.

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout choose a useful troop signal.
• Check that the call can be played on a bugle.
• Give the Scout time to practice before the performance.
• Arrange a troop or patrol setting for the Scout to play the call.

Requirement 3: Sound 10 Bugle Calls

What You Need To Do

Choose 10 calls from the requirement list. Play each call with the correct notes, rhythm, and tempo.

Helpful Tips

• Pick 10 calls and keep a written list.
• Use official bugle call music for each call.
• Practice one call at a time.
• Clap or count the rhythm before playing.
• Take a full breath before each phrase.
• Keep your lips firm but not tight.
• Use steady air for a clear sound.
• Practice difficult note changes slowly.
• Play each call at the proper speed.
• Work toward playing without stopping.
• Record your practice and listen for weak notes.
• Play loudly enough to carry across a campsite.
• Review all 10 calls often so none are forgotten.
• Ask your counselor which version of each call to use.

Resources

• First Call (video)
• Reveille (Awake for Morning Call) (video)
• Assembly (video)
• Mess (video)
• Drill (video)
• Fatigue (video)
• Officers (video)
• Recall (video)
• Church (video)
• Swimming (video)
• Fire (video)
• Retreat (video)
• To The Color (video)
• Call to Quarters (video)
• Taps (video)

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout select calls with different rhythms and purposes.
• Ask the Scout to identify the purpose of each chosen call.
• Listen for correct notes, rhythm, tempo, and steady tone.
• Provide another chance to play a call when needed.

Requirement 4: Uses of Bugle Calls

What You Need To Do

Give the purpose of each bugle call you played for Requirement 3. Describe what each call signals and when it may be used.

Helpful Tips

• First Call warns everyone to prepare for an upcoming event.
• Reveille signals the start of the day and morning activities.
• Assembly directs everyone to gather in one place.
• Mess signals mealtime.
• Drill signals the start of training or practice.
• Fatigue calls assigned people to work duties or camp chores.
• Officers calls unit leaders or officers to gather.
• Recall signals the end of an activity or calls people back.
• Church signals the start of a religious service.
• Swimming signals the start of a swimming period.
• Fire warns of a fire or begins a fire drill.
• Retreat marks the end of the official day and may begin an evening flag ceremony.
• To the Colors honors the flag during a flag ceremony.
• Call to Quarters directs everyone to return to sleeping areas.
• Taps signals lights-out and the end of the day.
• Taps may also be played at military funerals and memorial services.
• Give the purpose of all 10 calls you performed.
• Use examples from troop meetings, campouts, and ceremonies.
• Match each call with the correct activity or signal.
• Keep each explanation short and clear.

Resources

• US Army Bugle Calls Daily Sequence: An Honorable Tradition (video)

Leader Tips

• Ask the Scout to describe each call in their own words.
• Use a sample camp schedule to connect calls with activities.
• Check all 10 performed calls for the correct purpose.
• Discuss how the troop may use each call during an outing.

Requirement 5: Care for a Bugle

What You Need To Do

Describe how to clean, care for, and maintain a bugle. Include steps for the inside, outside, mouthpiece, and storage.

Helpful Tips

• Wipe the outside with a soft cloth after each use.
• Remove the mouthpiece before cleaning.
• Rinse the inside with warm water, not hot water.
• Use a brass instrument cleaning snake to clean the tubing.
• Clean the mouthpiece with a mouthpiece brush.
• Rinse away all soap and dirt.
• Let every part dry fully before putting the bugle away.
• Do not use rough cloths or harsh cleaners.
• Use polish made for the bugle’s finish.
• Keep polish out of the tubing and mouthpiece.
• Store the bugle in a case when it is not in use.
• Keep the case in a dry place.
• Check for dents, loose parts, or damage.
• Take the bugle to a repair shop for dents or other repairs.
• Do not try to remove dents at home.

Resources

• How to Clean a Bugle…and Dealing With Spit (video)

Leader Tips

• Have the Scout show the cleaning steps with the instrument.
• Check the maker’s care instructions before using polish.
• Guide the Scout in handling the mouthpiece and cleaning tools.
• Stress safe storage and professional repair for damage.

Requirement 6: Serve as Troop Bugler

What You Need To Do

Serve as your troop’s bugler for three months. Use a bugle, trumpet, or cornet to sound calls during troop activities.

Helpful Tips

• Ask your Scoutmaster when your three-month service begins.
• Keep a record of the dates you serve.
• Use calls during troop meetings, campouts, and ceremonies.
• Common calls include Assembly, Mess, Reveille, Retreat, and Taps.
• Check the troop schedule before each activity.
• Be ready to play at the correct time.
• Arrive early enough to warm up and test your instrument.
• Keep your instrument clean and ready to use.
• Practice each call before using it with the troop.
• Stand where the call can be heard clearly.
• Follow the troop leader’s signal before you begin.
• Use the same call for the same activity each time.
• Tell a leader early if you cannot attend an event.
• Ask another approved bugler to cover when needed.
• A bugle, trumpet, or cornet may be used for this requirement.

Resources

• Bugler Youth Leadership Position (website)

Leader Tips

• Set clear start and end dates for the three-month service.
• Give the Scout regular chances to sound calls.
• Help the Scout match calls to the troop schedule.
• Track the Scout’s service and give feedback as needed.

Living History Program Feature for Scouts BSA

The Living History program feature gives Scouts a hands-on way to experience history. Through reenactments and interactive activities, Scouts learn about different cultures, events, and time periods. They might explore life in colonial America, discover skills from the Old West, or witness how soldiers communicated in past wars.

Scouts might also see how music and signaling were used, which connects to the Bugling merit badge. This badge teaches Scouts to play bugle calls, similar to how soldiers once signaled during battle. Living History brings history to life, helping Scouts understand the past in a fun, memorable way.

More Merit Badge Resources

The Bugling merit badge adds a musical option to the wide range of merit badges Scouts can explore. While many badges focus on outdoor skills, science, or crafts, this one highlights sound, rhythm, and tradition. Bugling has been part of Scouting for many years, and learning it connects Scouts to the history of the program. Like other badges, it teaches a skill through practice and gives Scouts a way to contribute to their troop.

This badge also shows how the merit badge program supports many interests. Scouts who enjoy music can use that talent in a useful way. Bugling helps strengthen discipline because Scouts must learn clear notes and signals. It fits well with the idea that Scouts can grow by trying different kinds of challenges.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The Bugling merit badge supports the larger Scouts BSA program by encouraging leadership and service. A bugler plays an important role at campouts, ceremonies, and troop events. Scouts learn how their music helps the group stay on schedule and sets the tone for gatherings. This teaches responsibility and builds confidence.

The badge also supports personal growth. Learning bugle calls takes steady practice, breath control, and patience. Scouts improve focus and learn how effort leads to results. They also gain pride in offering something that helps the whole troop. This supports the program’s goals of fitness, citizenship, and character development in a simple and meaningful way.

What is the Bugling merit badge?

The Bugling merit badge is an award that teaches Scouts how to play the bugle. Scouts learn and perform bugle calls, care for their instrument, and serve as their troop’s bugler for three months.

Do I need my own bugle to earn the Bugling merit badge?

It’s best to have access to a bugle so you can practice regularly. Some troops may have a bugle you can borrow, or you could rent or purchase one. Some Scouts use a trumpet for practice, as it’s similar.

How many bugle calls do I have to learn for the Bugling merit badge?

You must learn and play 10 different bugle calls. Each call has a different meaning and purpose, like waking up, mealtime, and bedtime.

Can I use a trumpet or another instrument for the Bugling merit badge?

Yes, you can use a trumpet if you don’t have a bugle, but you should play it without using the valves. This will help you produce the same notes as a bugle.

Why do I need to serve as my troop’s bugler for three months?

Serving as your troop’s bugler shows leadership and responsibility. You’ll help keep your troop on schedule by sounding important calls at meetings, campouts, and ceremonies.

How do I learn to play the bugle for the Bugling merit badge?

Start by practicing your lip buzzing and breath control. Once you’re comfortable, learn each bugle call’s notes and rhythm. Ask a music teacher or experienced bugler for help if needed.

Is the Bugling merit badge hard to earn?

The Bugling merit badge can be challenging, but it’s rewarding. It takes practice and dedication, but with regular practice, most Scouts can learn the calls and complete the requirements.

Do I need to perform each call perfectly?

You should try to play each call clearly and confidently, but it doesn’t have to be perfect. The goal is to play each call in a way that others can recognize it and understand what it signals.

Why is bugling important in Scouting?

Bugling has a long tradition in Scouting and the military. It helps keep groups organized, brings a sense of ceremony to events, and teaches Scouts leadership and responsibility.

The Bugling merit badge teaches Scouts how to play the bugle and serve their troop as bugler. The bugle is a simple brass instrument with no valves, meaning players produce different notes by changing their lip tension and breath control. Through the Bugling merit badge, Scouts learn to play 10 specific bugle calls that signal key events like wake-up, meals, and bedtime. These calls are part of Scouting and military tradition, keeping groups on schedule and adding ceremony to activities.

One unique requirement of the Bugling merit badge is serving as the troop bugler for three months. In this role, Scouts practice leadership by sounding bugle calls during troop meetings, campouts, and events. As troop bugler, they are responsible for helping their troop stay organized and follow the daily routine. This experience builds confidence, discipline, and responsibility, giving Scouts a chance to lead in a unique way.

Scouts working on the Bugling merit badge also learn how to care for a bugle. Proper cleaning and maintenance keep the bugle sounding clear and in good condition. Scouts gain practical knowledge on how to clean the instrument and handle it with care. By completing this badge, Scouts gain a unique musical skill, an understanding of Scouting tradition, and a sense of pride in helping their troop stay on schedule.