We’re excited to share the planned improvements to Scouts BSA merit badge requirements that will take effect on January 1, 2026. These updates will help Scouts explore modern career paths and hobbies, develop practical skills, and engage with current topics while maintaining the quality and tradition of the Scouting advancement program. These changes are tentative; additional changes may occur before January 1st, 2026.
What’s Changing?
The Scouts BSA Advancement Committee has made thoughtful updates to over 80 merit badges based on feedback from Scout leaders, subject matter experts, and current trends in technology, safety, and outdoor education. These changes reflect our commitment to keeping Scouting relevant and meaningful for today’s youth.
Key Updates Include:
Updated Career Exploration Requirements
Many merit badges now feature expanded career exploration options that help Scouts research real-world job opportunities, understand education requirements, and explore how Scouting skills connect to future careers or hobbies. These updated requirements encourage Scouts to think about how their interests might shape their future.
Enhanced Safety and Outdoor Ethics
Several badges now include important discussions about Leave No Trace principles and the Outdoor Code, helping Scouts understand their responsibility to protect natural areas during their adventures.
Modernized Content and Skills
Merit badges have been updated to reflect current technology, safety practices, and knowledge. For example:
- Radio now covers cell phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and RFID technology
- Digital Technology includes QR codes and barcodes
- Safety expands to cover online safety, safeguarding youth, and travel safety
- Traffic Safety addresses distracted driving and modern vehicle safety features
Clearer Requirements
Many badges feature reorganized or clarified requirements to make them easier to understand and complete.
Which Merit Badges Are Affected?
Over 80 merit badges have updates ranging from minor clarifications to substantial content changes. Some badges have new requirements added, while others have been reorganized or updated to reflect current practices and knowledge.
See the attached documents for the complete list of affected merit badges and detailed changes.
When Do These Changes Take Effect?
All updated requirements officially take effect on January 1, 2026. The changes will be reflected in Scoutbook and on our online Merit Badge Hub by late December 2025.
What If My Scout Already Started a Merit Badge?
According to the Guide to Advancement, Section 7.0.4.3:
- Scouts who begin working on a merit badge on or after January 1, 2026, must use the new requirements
- Scouts who started a merit badge before January 1, 2026, may continue using the previous requirements until the badge is completed, OR they may choose to switch to the new requirements
This flexibility ensures that Scouts can complete their work without unnecessary frustration while giving them the option to engage with the updated content if they prefer.
Resources
The complete list of planned changes can be found in the attached documents:
For the most current merit badge requirements, always refer to:
- Online Merit Badge Hub: www.scouting.org/skills/meritbadges/
Questions?
If you have questions or concerns about these updates, please contact your local council or refer to the Guide to Advancement available at www.scouting.org/resources/guide-to-advancement/. For questions on merit badges or to suggest future updates, please email merit.badge@scouting.org
