Boy Scouts of America

WELCOME TO
SCOUTS BSA TEST LAB

WELCOME TO
SCOUTS BSA
TEST LAB

What is the Test Lab?

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.

What to do

You must work with a registered adult volunteer of your choosing. After completion of all requirements, you must take a short survey which will lead you to a certificate of completion.

 

If enough surveys show Scouts enjoyed these potential new badges, we hope 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!

 

Keep logging in to this page to see what new topics are added as each badge will have a test lab expiration date.

Test Lab Rules

  • 1
    Any registered adult can work with Scouts on these potential new badges.
  • 2
    Badges will have a clearly stated time period by which all requirements must be completed.
  • 3
    After the expiration date, the badge will be removed from the Test Lab and the National Council will evaluate if the subject should be added as a new merit badge.
  • 4
    When all requirements are finished successfully, a survey will be available to gather opinions on the badge. Scouts will then be able to access the certificate of completion which must be signed and dated by the registered adult they have worked with.
  • 5
    Should the badge be approved as a new merit badge, Scouts can be credited as having earned that badge if they present their signed and dated certificate to their unit.
  • 6
    Scouts completing the requirements after the expired time period will not be recognized as having earned the badge.
  • 7
    Scouts who complete all requirements and then turn 18 after badge is approved as a new merit badge, may present their signed certificate of completion to their unit and be recognized as having earned the badge. This can then be credited toward Eagle Palms, if applicable.

Please send any questions regarding the Scouts BSA Test Lab to testlab@scouting.org.

Ready to Enter the Test Lab

Scouts can complete these requirements in order to provide feedback and receive a certificate

You decide if this activity becomes an official Merit Badge of Scouting America.  By filling out the survey, you vote for or against this becoming a Merit Badge.  You can also suggest changes to make the merit badge more engaging.  The fate of this potential merit badge rests in your hands.  Come back and complete the survey after you finish the requirements to make your voice heard and to get your certificate of completion.

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.