Scouting Heritage Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty: Easy, Moderate
Setting: Indoor, museum visits
Best For: Scouts interested in history, Scouting traditions
Hands-On Level: Low, Moderate
Eagle Required: No

The Scouting Heritage merit badge helps you learn about the history of Scouting. You find out where it all started and how it has changed over time. You learn about important people and events that helped build the program. This badge is about understanding how Scouting grew into what it is today.

When you work on the Scouting Heritage merit badge, you see how Scouting has made a difference in many lives. You hear real stories from people who were Scouts in the past. You learn how their Scouting experiences helped them in school, at work, and with their families. These stories show why Scouting still matters.

This badge also helps you feel more connected to your troop and the larger Scouting movement. You learn the history of your own unit and how it fits into the bigger picture. You might find out some interesting facts about past Scouts from your area.

Working on the Scouting Heritage merit badge can help you become a better leader. You learn lessons from the past that you can use today. You also learn how to tell the story of Scouting to others. That helps you become a strong voice for Scouting in your school, your troop, and your community.

The requirements for the Scouting Heritage merit badge were updated on January 1, 2026.

Scouting Heritage Merit Badge Requirements

Scouting Heritage Merit Badge Pamphlet

Scouting Heritage Merit Badge Printable Requirement Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for Scouting Heritage Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Scouting Heritage 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: Baden-Powell’s Vision
• Requirement 2: Scouting Pioneers & Symbols
• Requirement 3: Program Evolution
• Requirement 4: Jamboree or Museum Visit
• Requirement 5: Troop History Project
• Requirement 6: Patch and Memorabilia Collection
• Requirement 7: Old-Time Scouting Game
• Requirement 8: Scouting Stories Interview
• Requirement 9: Careers
• More Resources

Requirement 1: Baden-Powell’s Vision

What You Need To Do

Talk with your counselor about the life of Lord Baden-Powell and why he started Scouting. Include how Scouting came to the United States and how Boy Scouting and Cub Scouting began.

Helpful Tips

• Robert Baden-Powell was born in England in 1857 and served as an officer in the British Army.
• During the Siege of Mafeking in South Africa, he used clever ideas to help defend the town. His leadership brought him national attention.
• His book Aids to Scouting inspired many boys to practice outdoor skills. This led him to create a youth program based on camping, service, and character.
• In 1907, Baden-Powell held the first experimental Scout camp on Brownsea Island. In 1908, he published Scouting for Boys, which spread Scouting around the world.
• William D. Boyce brought the Scouting idea to the United States after visiting England. The Boy Scouts of America was organized in 1910.
• Baden-Powell started Wolf Cubs in 1916 for younger boys. Cub Scouting became part of the Boy Scouts of America in 1930.
• Baden-Powell wanted young people to build character, become responsible citizens, develop outdoor skills, and help other people through service.

Resources

• Baden Powell – Father of Scouting, Origins of Scouting (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to connect events in Baden-Powell’s life with the start of Scouting.
• Ask questions about why Scouting appealed to young people in the early 1900s and why it still matters.
• Suggest using a timeline to organize important dates and events.
• Remind Scouts to include both the origins of Boy Scouting and Cub Scouting during their discussion.

Requirement 2a1: Daniel Carter Beard

What You Need To Do

Learn about Daniel Carter Beard and describe how he helped Scouting grow in the United States.

Helpful Tips

• Daniel Carter Beard was born in Kentucky in 1850.
• He enjoyed camping, nature, and stories about American pioneers.
• In 1905, he started a youth group called the Sons of Daniel Boone.
• His program focused on camping, hiking, woodcraft, and practical skills.
• In 1910, he joined the new Boy Scouts of America as one of its first national leaders.
• Many outdoor activities and hands-on projects in Scouting reflect his ideas.
• Scouts called him “Uncle Dan” because he was friendly and enjoyed working with youth.

Resources

• Daniel Carter Beard – BSA Founder (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to include dates and major events instead of memorizing every detail.
• Have Scouts describe how Beard’s youth program influenced Scouting.
• Ask how outdoor skills were important in Beard’s vision.
• Remind Scouts to connect Beard’s work to today’s Scouting program.

Requirement 2a2: William D. Boyce

What You Need To Do

Learn about William D. Boyce and how he helped bring Scouting to the United States.

Helpful Tips

• William D. Boyce was born in 1858 and became a successful newspaper publisher.
• During a visit to London in 1909, a Scout helped him find his way in the fog.
• The Scout refused a reward because he was doing a Good Turn.
• Boyce visited Scout headquarters and collected information about the program.
• On February 8, 1910, he organized the Boy Scouts of America.
• He provided money to help the new organization get started.
• He believed Scouting should welcome youth from many different backgrounds and faiths.

Resources

• William D. Boyce – BSA Founder (video)

Leader Tips

• Ask Scouts why the Unknown Scout story became an important part of Scouting history.
• Encourage Scouts to connect Boyce’s actions with the founding of the BSA.
• Have Scouts include the date the Boy Scouts of America was organized.
• Remind Scouts to focus on Boyce’s role instead of trying to tell the entire history of Scouting.

Requirement 2a3: Waite Phillips

What You Need To Do

Give a short summary of the life of Waite Phillip and describe how his gifts helped Scouting grow.

Helpful Tips

• Waite Phillips was born in Iowa in 1883 and became successful in the oil business.
• He owned a large ranch in northern New Mexico called Philmont.
• In 1938, he donated much of the ranch to the Boy Scouts of America.
• In 1941, he gave even more land and buildings, including Villa Philmonte.
• His donations created Philmont Scout Ranch, one of Scouting America’s national high-adventure bases.
• He also donated the Philtower office building to help provide long-term financial support for Philmont.
• Thousands of Scouts visit Philmont each year for backpacking, leadership, and outdoor adventure.

Resources

• Waite Phillips – BSA Benefactor and Donor of Philmont (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to connect Phillips’ generosity with opportunities available to Scouts today.
• Ask why Philmont is important in Scouting history.
• Have Scouts include the names Philmont Scout Ranch and Villa Philmonte in their summary.
• Remind Scouts to focus on how Phillips supported Scouting even though he was not one of its founders.

Requirement 2a4: Ernest Thompson Seton

What You Need To Do

Learn about Ernest Thompson Seton and how his ideas became part of Scouting in the United States.

Helpful Tips

• Ernest Thompson Seton was born in England in 1860 and grew up in Canada.
• He became a writer, artist, and naturalist who enjoyed studying wildlife.
• In 1902, he started a youth program called the Woodcraft Indians.
• His program included camping, nature study, leadership, and outdoor skills.
• He wrote The Birch-Bark Roll, which influenced Robert Baden-Powell.
• Seton became one of the founders of the Boy Scouts of America in 1910.
• He served as the first Chief Scout and helped write the first American Scout handbook.

Resources

• Ernest Thompson Seton – BSA Founder (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to connect Seton’s nature interests with Scouting activities today.
• Ask how the Woodcraft Indians influenced Scouting.
• Have Scouts include Seton’s role as the first Chief Scout.
• Remind Scouts to describe both his youth program and his work with the BSA.

Requirement 2a5: James E. West

What You Need To Do

Give a short summary of the life of James E. West and describe how he helped build the Boy Scouts of America.

Helpful Tips

• James E. West was born in 1876 and became a lawyer.
• He lost both parents as a child and spent much of his childhood in an orphanage.
• Before joining Scouting, he worked to improve the lives of children.
• In 1911, he became the first Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America.
• He served in that position for more than 30 years.
• He helped organize councils, camps, leader training, and the national program.
• During his leadership, the Scout Law was expanded to include brave, clean, and reverent.

Resources

• James E. West – BSA Founder (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to focus on West’s leadership instead of outdoor skills.
• Ask how strong organization helped Scouting grow.
• Have Scouts include West’s title of Chief Scout Executive.
• Remind Scouts to mention his long years of service to the BSA.

Requirement 2a6: “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt

What You Need To Do

Learn about William “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt and explore how he helped Scouts become better leaders.

Helpful Tips

• William Hillcourt was born in Denmark in 1900.
• He became active in Scouting as a youth before moving to the United States.
• Scouts called him “Green Bar Bill” because of the patrol leader badge.
• He wrote the Handbook for Patrol Leaders and several editions of the Scout Handbook.
• He strongly supported the patrol method, where Scouts lead other Scouts in small groups.
• He helped introduce Wood Badge training for adult leaders in the United States.
• His books and articles encouraged outdoor adventure, leadership, and youth-led troops.

Resources

• Green Bar Bill Hillcourt Biography (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to describe the patrol method in their own words.
• Ask how Hillcourt’s books helped both youth and adult leaders.
• Have Scouts include his nickname and why he was called “Green Bar Bill.”
• Remind Scouts to connect his work with how troops operate today.

Requirement 2a7: Frederick Russell Burnham

What You Need To Do

Give a short summary of the life of Frederick Russell Burnham and how he influenced Robert Baden-Powell and the early Scouting movement.

Helpful Tips

• Frederick Russell Burnham was born in Minnesota in 1861.
• He became a soldier, scout, explorer, and expert outdoorsman.
• He spent many years on the American frontier and later in Africa.
• He was skilled at tracking, map reading, camping, and survival.
• During the Second Boer War, he met Robert Baden-Powell in South Africa.
• Burnham shared woodcraft and tracking skills with Baden-Powell.
• Many outdoor skills used in Scouting reflect Burnham’s influence on Baden-Powell.

Resources

• The Legendary Adventures of Frederick Russell Burnham (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to connect Burnham’s outdoor experience with Scouting skills.
• Ask why his friendship with Baden-Powell was important.
• Have Scouts include examples of the skills Burnham practiced.
• Remind Scouts that Burnham influenced Scouting even though he was not a founder of the BSA.

Requirement 2a8: Dr. Charles Eastman

What You Need To Do

Learn about Dr. Charles Eastman and describe how he helped shape early Scouting in the United States.

Helpful Tips

• Dr. Charles Eastman was born in 1858 and was a member of the Dakota Sioux.
• His Dakota name was Ohiyesa.
• He became one of the first Native American medical doctors in the United States.
• He supported outdoor skills, service, good health, and strong character.
• He served as an early national leader in the Boy Scouts of America.
• He wrote books about Native American traditions and outdoor living.
• His ideas encouraged respect for nature, responsibility, and service to others.

Resources

• Dr. Charles Eastman (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to include both Eastman’s medical career and his Scouting work.
• Ask how his background added new ideas to the Scouting program.
• Have Scouts mention his Dakota name, Ohiyesa.
• Remind Scouts to connect his values with activities found in Scouting today.

Requirement 2a9: Edgar Robinson

What You Need To Do

Explore Edgar Robinson and how he helped organize Scouting in the United States.

Helpful Tips

• Edgar Robinson worked for the YMCA before Scouting began.
• He supported programs that helped youth build character and leadership.
• He helped bring together leaders who wanted one national Scouting organization.
• He played an important role in the formation of the Boy Scouts of America in 1910.
• Robinson focused on planning, organization, and growth instead of outdoor skills.
• His work helped local Scout groups become part of a national movement.
• Strong councils, leadership, and organization helped Scouting grow across the country.

Resources

• Edgar Robinson (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to describe Robinson’s organizational role.
• Ask how planning and leadership helped Scouting expand.
• Have Scouts include Robinson’s connection to the YMCA.
• Remind Scouts that many important Scouting leaders worked behind the scenes.

Requirement 2b1: Brownsea Island

What You Need To Do

Learn about why Brownsea Island is important and how it became the birthplace of Scouting.

Helpful Tips

• Brownsea Island is off the southern coast of England.
• Robert Baden-Powell held the first experimental Scout camp there in 1907.
• Twenty boys from different backgrounds attended the camp.
• The Scouts were divided into patrols with youth leaders.
• Activities included camping, tracking, first aid, cooking, and observation.
• The success of the camp led Baden-Powell to write Scouting for Boys in 1908.
• Many parts of today’s Scouting program began with this camp, including the patrol method.

Resources

• Artifact of the Week – Brownsea Island (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to connect Brownsea Island with the start of the worldwide Scouting movement.
• Ask how the patrol method began at the camp.
• Have Scouts include the year 1907 in their discussion.
• Remind Scouts to focus on why this camp was important instead of listing every activity.

Requirement 2b2: The First World Scout Jamboree

What You Need To Do

Describe why the First World Scout Jamboree was important to Scouts around the world.

Helpful Tips

• The first World Scout Jamboree took place in London, England, in 1920.
• More than 8,000 Scouts and leaders attended from 33 countries.
• Scouts met others from different cultures and shared ideas and traditions.
• Robert Baden-Powell was honored as the Chief Scout of the World during the event.
• The Jamboree showed that Scouting had become an international movement.
• World Scout Jamborees continue every few years in different countries.
• These events promote friendship, service, and cooperation among Scouts from around the world.

Resources

• Artifact of the Week – World Scout Jamborees Part 01 (video)
• Artifact of the Week – World Scout Jamborees Part 02 (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to include the date and location of the first Jamboree.
• Ask why international friendships are part of Scouting.
• Have Scouts describe one lasting result of the event.
• Remind Scouts to focus on its worldwide impact.

Requirement 2b3: Boy Scout Handbook

What You Need To Do

Learn about why the Boy Scout Handbook has been important to generations of Scouts.

Helpful Tips

• The first Boy Scout Handbook was published in 1911.
• Early editions were based on Scouting for Boys and other Scouting materials.
• The handbook includes outdoor skills, first aid, citizenship, and leadership.
• Scouts use the handbook to complete rank requirements and prepare for activities.
• New editions have been updated as Scouting and society have changed.
• Every edition keeps the Scout Oath and Scout Law at the center of the program.
• The handbook has helped millions of Scouts build skills and prepare for adventures.

Resources

• NSM History of the Scout Handbook (video)
• Artifact of the Week – First Scout Handbook (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to compare older and newer editions if possible.
• Ask how the handbook helps Scouts during meetings and campouts.
• Have Scouts include the year the first handbook was published.
• Remind Scouts to describe why the handbook remains useful today.

Requirement 2b4: Scout Life Magazine

What You Need To Do

Describe how Scout Life magazine has supported Scouts for many years.

Helpful Tips

• The magazine began in 1911 under the name Boys’ Life.
• In 2021, its name changed to Scout Life.
• It includes stories, camping tips, outdoor skills, comics, puzzles, and science articles.
• Many issues feature stories about Scouts helping other people.
• Scouts from around the country have shared photos, artwork, and stories in the magazine.
• The magazine helps Scouts stay connected with activities and news across Scouting.
• Scout Life continues to encourage service, adventure, and good citizenship.

Resources

• Artifact of the Week—Boys’ Life to Scout Life (video)
• The Story of Boys’ Life/Scout Life (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to mention both the original and current names of the magazine.
• Ask how the magazine helps connect Scouts across the country.
• Have Scouts give examples of the types of articles it publishes.
• Remind Scouts to describe why the magazine has remained an important part of Scouting.

Requirement 3: Program Evolution

What You Need To Do

Talk with your counselor about how Scouting programs have changed over the years to serve youth of different ages and interests. Include Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Exploring, and Venturing in your discussion.

Helpful Tips

• Scouting began in the United States in 1910 with the Boy Scout program for boys ages 12 to 17. Today this program is called Scouts BSA.
• Cub Scouting started in 1930 for younger children. It now serves boys and girls from kindergarten through fifth grade and includes family participation.
• Exploring began in the 1930s for older youth. It later became a career exploration program with posts focused on fields such as law enforcement, medicine, and aviation.
• In 1998, Exploring became part of Learning for Life. It is now separate from Scouting America.
• Venturing also began in 1998. It serves youth ages 14 to 20 and offers flexible programs based on outdoor adventure, leadership, service, and other interests.
• Venturing crews choose activities that match their members’ interests. Some focus on backpacking, sailing, shooting sports, faith, or community service.
• In 2019, girls were welcomed into Scouts BSA and became eligible to earn ranks through Eagle Scout in all-girl troops.
• Each Scouting program is designed for a different age group, giving youth activities and leadership opportunities that fit their stage of growth.

Resources

• Scouting History Timeline (video)
• Artifact of the Week—Development of Cub Scouting (video)
• Artifact of the Week—Sea Scouts (video)
• History of Exploring (website)
• 20 Facts About Venturing (website)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to compare the purpose of each Scouting program instead of trying to memorize dates.
• Ask Scouts to describe which age group each program serves.
• Have Scouts explain why Scouting added new programs over time.
• Remind Scouts to include the change from Boy Scouting to Scouts BSA in their discussion.

Requirement 4a: Attend a Jamboree or High-Adventure Base

What You Need To Do

Attend a Scouting America National Jamboree, a World Scout Jamboree, or a national high-adventure base. Keep a daily journal during your trip and share what you did, saw, and experienced with your counselor when you return.

Helpful Tips

• Write in your journal every day while you are on your trip.
• Include activities, places you visited, and people you met.
• Record new skills, challenges, and memorable moments.
• Collect photos, maps, brochures, or patches to include in your report.
• National high-adventure bases include Philmont Scout Ranch, Northern Tier, Florida Sea Base, and the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
• A National Jamboree brings together Scouts from across the United States, while a World Scout Jamboree includes Scouts from many countries.
• Review your journal before meeting with your counselor so you can easily talk about your experiences.

Resources

• 100 Years of the World Scout Jamboree (video)
• Scouting America High Adventure Overview (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to write in their journal each day instead of waiting until the trip ends.
• Suggest collecting small items that help tell the story of the adventure.
• Ask open-ended questions about favorite experiences and challenges.
• Remind Scouts that personal experiences are the most important part of the report.

Requirement 4b: Visit the National Scouting Museum

What You Need To Do

Visit the National Scouting Museum or gather information about it through research. Give your counselor a short report about the museum and its role in preserving Scouting history.

Helpful Tips

• The National Scouting Museum is located at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
• The museum displays historic uniforms, badges, handbooks, artwork, and camping equipment.
• Many exhibits feature important people and events from Scouting history.
• The museum helps preserve Scouting artifacts so future generations can enjoy them.
• If you cannot visit in person, use the museum’s virtual tour or other official resources.
• Take notes while you explore the exhibits or complete your research.
• Include examples of exhibits that you found interesting in your report.

Resources

• National Scouting Museum at Summit Bechtel Reserve Virtual Tour (video)
• National Scouting Museum at Philmont Virtual Tour (website)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to focus on the museum’s purpose as well as its exhibits.
• Suggest taking notes during the visit or virtual tour.
• Ask Scouts which exhibits they found most memorable.
• Remind Scouts to explain why preserving Scouting history is important.

Requirement 4c: Visit a Scouting History Exhibit or Historian

What You Need To Do

Visit a Scouting history exhibit, a museum with Scouting displays, or meet with a Scouting historian or memorabilia collector. Share what you discovered with your counselor in a short report.

Helpful Tips

• Ask your local council if it has a history room or memorabilia display.
• A Scouting memorabilia collection may include uniforms, patches, badges, handbooks, flags, and camping gear.
• Prepare a few questions before your visit or interview.
• Take notes about interesting stories, artifacts, and important dates.
• Ask how the collection was started and how the items were obtained.
• With permission, take photographs to include in your report.
• Organize your notes soon after your visit so the details are easy to remember.

Resources

• Interactive Scouting Museum Map (website)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts locate a nearby exhibit or experienced Scouting historian.
• Encourage Scouts to prepare questions before the visit.
• Ask Scouts to describe one or two artifacts that stood out.
• Remind Scouts to connect what they saw with the history of Scouting.

Requirement 5: Troop History Project

What You Need To Do

Research the history of your Scout unit, council, summer camp, or Order of the Arrow lodge. Share your results with your counselor in a report, presentation, or video.

Helpful Tips

• Choose one topic so your project stays organized.
• Find out when the unit, council, camp, or lodge was started.
• Look for important events, milestones, and changes over the years.
• Use reliable sources such as council websites, libraries, newsletters, or historical records.
• Interview current or former Scout leaders if possible. Ask permission from a parent or guardian before interviews.
• Take notes during your research and record where you found your information.
• Add photos, old documents, or newspaper articles if they are available.
• Organize your report in order, starting with the earliest events and ending with today.
• Practice your presentation before meeting with your counselor if you plan to give an oral report.

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts find local sources of Scouting history.
• Encourage Scouts to use more than one source of information.
• Ask questions that help Scouts connect historical facts with the growth of Scouting in their community.
• Remind Scouts to organize their information before preparing the final report.

Requirement 6: Patch and Memorabilia Collection

What You Need To Do

Create a collection of your own Scouting patches or memorabilia. You may also include borrowed items or photographs with permission. Show your collection to your counselor and share what you found out about the items.

Helpful Tips

• Your collection can be small or large. There is no minimum number of items.
• Include patches, pins, neckerchiefs, medals, handbooks, uniforms, camping gear, or other Scouting items.
• If you borrow items, ask the owner about their history and how they were earned or used.
• Look for dates, event names, council names, or special symbols on each item.
• Find out where each item came from and why it is important.
• Organize your collection by type, date, or event to make it easier to present.
• Label each item with a short description if you are making a display.
• Be ready to share a few interesting facts about your favorite items during your discussion with your counselor.

Resources

• Scouting Memorabilia Collection – Philmont License Plates (video)
• Philmont Recognition Patches (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to include items with interesting stories instead of collecting a large number of objects.
• Help Scouts identify symbols, patches, and memorabilia they may not recognize.
• Ask questions about where the items came from and why they were saved.
• Remind Scouts that photographs of borrowed items are acceptable if the actual items are not available.

Requirement 7: Old-Time Scouting Game

What You Need To Do

Choose an old-time Scouting game approved by your counselor. Make or gather the equipment, teach the game to other Scouts, and play it together.

Helpful Tips

• Many early Scouting games taught observation, teamwork, leadership, or outdoor skills.
• Kim’s Game is a classic choice. Scouts study a group of objects and then try to remember them after they are covered.
• Stalking is another traditional game. Scouts move quietly toward a target without being seen.
• Use simple materials such as sticks, flags, string, paper, or everyday objects to make the equipment.
• Practice the rules before teaching the game to others so you can answer questions.
• Explain the goal of the game before everyone begins playing.
• Make sure the playing area is safe and fits the game you have chosen.
• After the game, talk with the group about the skills the game helped develop.

Resources

• Kim’s Game (website)
• Troop Games – Large Area (website)
• Troop Games – Small Space (website)
• Troop Games – Pre-Meeting (website)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts choose a game that matches the available space and group size.
• Encourage Scouts to let everyone participate and have fun.
• Watch to make sure the game is played safely and the rules are clear.
• Remind Scouts that leading the game is an important part of completing the requirement.

Requirement 8: Scouting Stories Interview

What You Need To Do

Interview three people over the age of 40 who were Scouts. Ask about their Scouting experiences, how Scouting influenced their lives, and share what you discovered with your counselor. Use different people than you interviewed for requirement 5.

Helpful Tips

• Choose three former Scouts who are at least 40 years old.
• Prepare your questions before each interview so you do not forget anything.
• Ask about their troop, favorite activities, camps, ranks, merit badges, and special memories.
• Ask how Scouting helped them in school, work, family life, or community service.
• Take notes during the interview, or record it if you have the person’s permission.
• Compare the three interviews and look for experiences or values they share.
• Organize your notes before meeting with your counselor.
• Be ready to share a few stories that stood out and explain why they were memorable.

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to ask open-ended questions that lead to stories instead of one-word answers.
• Help Scouts find former Scouts from different backgrounds or different time periods.
• Ask Scouts to compare the interviews and identify common themes.
• Remind Scouts that the people interviewed for this requirement must be different from those used for requirement 5.

Requirement 9a: Explore a Scouting Career

What You Need To Do

Research a career related to Scouting. Find information about the education, training, job duties, salary, job outlook, costs, and opportunities for advancement. Share what you found with your counselor and discuss why the career interests you.

Helpful Tips

• Choose one career related to Scouting and focus your research on that job.
• Find out what education or training is needed before someone can be hired.
• Look up the typical job duties and daily responsibilities.
• Research the average salary and job outlook for the position.
• Find out if the job requires travel, evening work, or weekends.
• Use reliable sources such as official Scouting websites, government career websites, or interviews with professionals.
• Take notes so you can easily discuss your research with your counselor.
• Think about which parts of the job match your interests and skills.

Careers to Consider

• Scout Executive
• District Executive
• Program Director
• Camping Director
• Properties Director
• Development Director
• Training Director
• Marketing or Communications Director
• Ranger at a Scout camp
• Outdoor Education Instructor
• Camp Director

Resources

• Become a Professional Scouter (website)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to use several reliable sources during their research.
• Ask Scouts to compare the job requirements with their own interests.
• Help Scouts locate professionals who are willing to answer questions.
• Remind Scouts to include both job responsibilities and preparation requirements.

Requirement 9b: Explore Scouting Volunteer Service

What You Need To Do

Research a volunteer role in Scouting. Find out what training is needed, possible expenses, and how you could serve now or in the future. Share your ideas and goals with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Choose one or more volunteer positions that interest you.
• Find out what training is required for each position.
• Research costs such as registration, uniforms, or travel if they apply.
• Look at both short-term and long-term volunteer opportunities.
• Find out what responsibilities each position includes.
• Ask a current volunteer about their experiences if possible.
• Think about how your Scouting experience prepares you to serve others.
• Be ready to discuss which volunteer role interests you most and why.

Volunteer Positions to Consider

• Scoutmaster
• Assistant Scoutmaster
• Cubmaster
• Den Leader
• Committee Chair
• Troop Committee Member
• Chartered Organization Representative
• Merit Badge Counselor
• Unit Commissioner
• District Commissioner
• District Committee Member
• Camp Staff Volunteer
• Training Team Member
• Order of the Arrow Adviser

Resources

• Why Do You Volunteer? (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to talk with current volunteers about their roles.
• Help Scouts find information about local volunteer opportunities.
• Ask Scouts which position best matches their interests and experience.
• Remind Scouts that Scouting depends on trained volunteers at every level.

More Merit Badge Resources

The Scouting Heritage merit badge gives Scouts a simple way to learn where the movement came from and how it has grown. It fits well within the full merit badge program because it adds a history-focused option to a list that includes science, trades, arts, and outdoor skills. Scouts explore stories, traditions, and key moments that shaped Scouting. This brings balance to the wide range of badges by helping Scouts understand the roots of the program they belong to.

It also connects to badges like American Heritage, Citizenship in the Community, and Collections. Scouts who enjoy learning about the past often find this badge meaningful. It supports the program’s goal of encouraging curiosity and respect for shared experiences.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The Scouting Heritage merit badge supports the larger goals of Scouts BSA by teaching reflection, gratitude, and leadership. Understanding past leaders helps Scouts grow into better leaders themselves.

It also ties into fitness, citizenship, and personal development. Learning how Scouting has encouraged service and good habits helps Scouts see their role in their own communities. These lessons strengthen identity, responsibility, and confidence.

What is the Scouting Heritage merit badge about?

The Scouting Heritage merit badge helps you learn the history of Scouting. You will study important people, places, and events. You will also explore how Scouting has changed over time.

Do I need to visit a museum for the Scouting Heritage merit badge?

No, but it is one of the options. You can visit the National Scouting Museum, a local display, or talk with a Scouting historian. Choose the option that works best for you.

What kind of game do I need to teach for the Scouting Heritage merit badge?

You will pick an old-time Scouting game. You can find one in the merit badge pamphlet or ask your counselor to approve one. Make the game materials and teach it to other Scouts.

Do I have to interview anyone?

Yes. For one requirement, interview two people from your troop—one from the past and one from today. For another, interview three people over age 40 who were Scouts.

How long does it take to earn the Scouting Heritage merit badge?

It depends on how quickly you complete the interviews, research, and other tasks. Some parts take time, like creating a troop history report or attending a special event.

Can I do this merit badge with a group?

Yes. You can do many parts with a group, like visiting a museum or playing a game. But each Scout must complete their own interviews and reports.

Why is the Scouting Heritage merit badge important?

This merit badge helps you understand how Scouting started and why it still matters today. It connects you with the past and shows how Scouting has helped many people.

Do I need to turn in a written report?

Some parts of the Scouting Heritage merit badge do require a report, but it doesn’t have to be written. You can also make a slideshow, give a talk, or create a scrapbook.

Can I earn the Scouting Heritage merit badge if I haven’t been in Scouting very long?

Yes. Any Scout can earn this badge. You don’t need to be in Scouting for years. Just be ready to learn and talk with others.

The Scouting Heritage merit badge is all about learning where Scouting came from. It helps you understand how the program started, who helped build it, and how it has changed over time. You’ll hear stories from the past, study old gear, and try out games the first Scouts played.

To earn the Scouting Heritage merit badge, you’ll do interviews with former Scouts, learn about your own troop’s history, and visit a museum or meet a Scouting historian. You’ll also create a report and share what you found with your troop. These activities help you see that Scouting has always been about learning, helping, and adventure.

The Scouting Heritage merit badge helps you discover how Scouts from the past lived out the Scout Law and Oath. You’ll see how the values have stayed the same, even as uniforms, handbooks, and activities have changed. This badge reminds you that you are part of something bigger.

Learning about Scouting’s history gives you a better sense of what it means to be a Scout. This badge helps you build a bridge between the Scouts of yesterday and the Scouts of today. And maybe, one day, a future Scout will learn from your story too.