I went through every edition of the BSA handbook and compiled the following list. I have cross-checked with many lists, but errors may still be present. This list was compiled on February 24, 1996, and updated February 14, 2012. It will change if new information is discovered. The years are the best estimate of when the merit badges were used, but may be off by a year in some cases. Some were minor name changes such as leather work/leatherwork/leatherworking and mammals/mammal study and did not result in new requirements, a new merit badge book or a new badge design. The latest changes were the addition of the Welding, Search and Rescue, and Kayaking Merit Badges. The temporary resurrection of 4 historic merit badges: Carpentry, Pathfinding, Signaling, and Tracking in 2010 is over and these badges are no longer supported (Tracking was actually the resurrection of Stalking with a name change). Badge code numbers are shown in parentheses. This numbering scheme was adopted in 1987 and the Eagle required merit badges had numbers 1 through 14. Numbers 120 and up were added after the list was created in 1987. For an overview of the BSA Merit Badge Program, read the BSA Introduction to Merit Badges.

Merit Badges Now and in the Past

1910 BSA Handbook (called the Book of Organization) by Chief Scout, Ernest Thompson Seton, had 14 "Badges of Merit". They were: Ambulance, Clerk, Cycling, Electrician, Fireman, Gardener, Horseman, Marksmanship, Master-at-Arms, Musician, Pioneer, Seamanship, Signaler, and Stalkers.

The 1911 Handbook carried over all the 1910 Badges of Merit except the Master-at-Arms Badge of Merit. The Master-at-Arms Badge involved mastering 3 of the following combat skills: single stick, boxing, ju jitsu, wrestling, quarterstaff and fencing. The 1911 Handbook changed the term to Merit Badge and changed the names of the other 13 merit badges:

There were a total of 57 merit badges in the 1911 handbook. These included the 13 above that were carried over and the following which were added: Agriculture, Angling, Archery, Architecture, Art, Astronomy, Athletics, Automobiling, Aviation, Bee Farming, Blacksmithing, Bugling, Camping, Carpentry, Chemistry, Civics, Conservation, Cooking, Craftsmanship, Dairying, First Aid to Animals, Forestry, Handicraft, Interpreting, Invention, Leather Working, Life Saving, Machinery, Masonry, Mining, Ornithology, Painting, Pathfinding, Personal Health, Photography, Plumbing, Poultry Farming, Printing, Public Health, Scholarship, Sculpture, Surveying, Swimming, and Taxidermy.

Since 1911, an additional 194 merit badges have been created and of these, 104 are still in use. In 2010, for the Centennial of the BSA, 4 merit badges were resurrected with updated requirements for just the one year, 2010: Carpentry, Pathfinding, Signaling, and Tracking. The Stalking merit badge was resurrected, but with a new name, Tracking. [Stalking had a bad connotation in 2010.] If we include these 4, there have been 228 additional merit badges. My rational for not counting 3 of these twice is that the Aviation merit badge had a hiatus of 10 years from 1942 until 1952 and I only counted it once. To be consistent, I do count 1 of the historic merit badges a second time. Tracking was a new name, and since in the past, merit badges with new names were considered to be new merit badges, I will count Tracking. Hence, only including one of the historic merit barges, Tracking, there have been 194 additional merit badges.

Merit badges are designed to emphasize the ability “to do” rather than just knowledge. They were designed to “introduce a boy to life” including careers , hobbies, and other skills. Of the 130 current merit badges, 26 remain from the group of 57 original merit badges from 1911, and 104 have been introduced since 1911. An additional 90 merit badges were created after 1911 that were subsequently dropped. So, all together, there have been a total of 251 different merit badges.

A director of the Boy Scout division of the BSA stated at a Boy Scout Program conference at Philmont that a merit badge is never officially dropped. They are just omitted from all literature, the cloth badge is not made, and there are no books published. Apparently someone that has the most recent set of requirements can use them. I am not sure how one goes about getting an approved merit badge counselor. That could be a problem, however that hasn't stopped some people. A case in point is the Rabbit Raising Merit Badge that was dropped in 1993. BSA records indicate that 49 Rabbit Raising Merit Badges were earned in 2003. Using a realistic approach, my definition for the final year for a merit badge is the last year it appears in BSA literature as a valid merit badge even though it may be earned many years after that.

The following lists indicate in parenthesis any assigned merit badge code number; any preceding merit badge that may be related; and the number of each merit badge issued in 2007. I am indebted to several people who provided new sources of information, especially Fred Duersch, Jr. and Paul S. Wolf.

Merit Badges In Current Use And Their Predecessors

Most and Least Popular Merit Badges in 2007

Most of the very popular merit badges are the Eagle Scout rank required badges. Approximately 50,000 of each of these are earned each year. Other popular merit badges include camp handicrafts such as leatherwork and carving; popular camp activities such as archery, rifle shooting, canoeing, indian lore, and wilderness survival; and others that are frequently done as a troop such as fingerprinting,

In looking at the list some general conclusions can be drawn. Slightly more Scout are into Music than Sports, 15,114 to 10,968. There is a lot of interest in the classic Scouting skills of first aid, swimming, lifesaving, cooking, climbing, and nature study. Nature study accounts for 10 of the more popular merit badges: Environmental Science, Mammal Study, Fishing, Geology, Nature, Weather, Forestry, Soil and Water Conservation, and Reptile Study. Hiking has dropped to the middle of the pack along with Cycling, Scholarship and Reading.

When a new merit badge is adopted, usually the least popular merit badge is in danger of being dropped.

Merit Badges No Longer In Use and Their Predecessors

This list was compiled by Steve Henning using Scout Handbooks and Boy Scout Requirements and was compiled on February 24, 1996, and updated frequently since then. The Merit Badges which started in 1911 are the original ones. The evolution is an arbitrary process and in some cases is a name change and in others there is little connection and is noted for interest. Thanks to Fred Duersch, Jr., and Paul S. Wolf for finding several errors.

For a copy of the requirements for current merit badges and recent changes to the requirements, visit the Boy Scout Requirements site at: http://usscouts.org/mb/framesindex.html

Paul S. Wolf created an Excel Spreadsheet of all past and present merit badges for all years from 1910 to 2006. To view a simplified version of the spreadsheet, click here. Note: this is a 360 KB file and requires Microsoft Excel or compatible application to open.

"This module will guide new and potential merit badge counselors through their responsibilities in the role and will give them an understanding of the methods of counseling Scouts. It is intended as a short orientation course for new merit badge counselors before they begin working with Scouts."

No one will ever know who earned the most merit badges and how many since that is not a statistic that is kept. It is not the purpose of the merit badge program to earn the most, but to gain exposure to careers and activities that may interest a Scout and may provide opportunities his entire life. A reporter for the Kansas City Star reported that an estimated 12 Scouts complete earning every merit badge each year.

In the '90s an Eagle Scout in Schuylkill County, PA, earned every Merit Badge that was offered, but that was only 126.

"Eagle Scout John Stanford from Limestone, NY was reported to have earned the most merit badges ever. The total was 142 and he had a total of 8 silver palms by his 18th birthday." This website no longer exists.

It is doubtful that this is accurate since he joined Boy Scouts in 1977 at the age of 10 (which is in itself problematic). The most merit badges he could have earned is 123. If a Scout joined in 1970 or 1971 they could earn 140 merit badges, and then only if one included twice the ones that were basically name changes like:

Since there was no numbering scheme for merit badges until 1987, earning a merit badge that just had the name changed was OK. Today, one can only do it if the new name has a new number, for example:

Snow Sports (134) is different than Skiing (104) so they both can be earned, but Automotive Maintenance (127) is the same as Auto Mechanics (127), and Water Sports (115) is the same as Waterskiing (115) so they can only be earned once.

Merit Badge Sashes and How Merit Badges are Worn

Merit badge sashes were introduced by the BSA in 1924. They had "2 across" and "3 across" version. From 1924 to 1945 they were tan. From 1946 to 1979 they were khaki. After 1979 there was only the "3 across" version and it was olive green. From 1972 to 1979 there was also a "3 across" dark green sash for Explorers and a light blue "3 across" one for Air Scouts. sash

The information on wearing of merit badges is very spotty in BSA literature, to say the least, and, in one case, inconsistent. The best example is the photo in BSA catalogs and on scoutstuff.org .

Insignia Guide:

Members may wear only temporary patches (no badges of rank) on the back of the merit badge sash. Members may wear only one merit badge sash at a time. A merit badge sash is never worn on the belt.

Boy Scout/Varsity Scout Uniform Inspection Sheet

Merit Badge Sash. If worn, merit badges are attached to front (and back, if needed) of sash.
Venture/Varsity letter is attached at bottom front corner. Temporary insignia may be worn on back.

Different Types of Merit Badges Manufactured

Note: the following descriptions show different manufacturing practices. The dates reflect the dates they were manufactured a particular way. The dates that a particular council issued them varied considerably. Usually, old stock was used up before the newer badges were issued. Hence, the range of dates issued varied considerably from council to council.

1911 Gardening

"Type A": These were embroidered on rolls of 2" dark tan cloth ribbon and then cut into squares. Before being sewn onto the uniform or Scout Sash, the frayed edges were folded and sewn under. Some were folded and sewn on the outer edges leaving a wide margin outside the embroidered green ring. Others were folded and sews near the wide green ring making the patch look round. These are called "square" since that is the way they were purchased. They were manufactured from 1911 to approximately 1933.

1934 Public Health

"Type B": These were basically the same as Type A, except the edges were folded and sewn under by the manufacturer. When they were purchased they were already looking round. The margin between the edge and embroidered green ring was typically 1/4" leaving a patch that was 1.75" in diameter. These are called "wide border crimped" since the factory sewn edge was called crimped and the margin was wider than on later types. They were manufactured from approximately 1934 to 1935.

1936 Civics

"Type C": These were made the same as the Type B except the margin between the edge and the embroidered green ring was typically 1/8" leaving a patch that was 1.5" in diameter. They were manufactured from approximately 1936 to 1942. After 1942, only the blue fabric, Air Scout merit badges were made this way. The khaki Boy Scout merit badges changed to Type D. The type C merit badges are called "tan narrow border crimped".

1942 Camping

"Type D": These were made from a lighter weight cloth with a much finer weave and a lighter tan color. The change in material was necessitated by the demand for the heavier cloth during World War II. Other than the fabric, the Type D is the same as Type C. The Type D merit badges are called "fine twill". They were manufactured from 1942 to 1946. During this period, the blue merit badges were still Type C.

1947 Dog Care

"Type E": After World War II, these merit badges were made from a heavier material like before the war, but the color was a khaki, not tan. The Type E merit badges are called "khaki narrow border crimped". They were manufactured from approximately 1947 to 1960.

1961 Swimming

"Type F": These were made with the embroidered green ring actually being used to hem the edge of the badge. So rather than being crimped, this process was called rolled. This construction resulted in a thinner patch, so a backing of a white gauze was used to stiffen the badge. The Type F, are called "rolled edge khaki twill" and have the same green khaki material as the Type E. They were manufactured from approximately 1961 to 1968.

1961 Forage Crops

"Type G": At the same time, some were made with full embroidered backs. These had a more substantial cloth backing and are called "cloth back". They were manufactured from approximately 1961 to 1971. In approximately 1969 all merit badges were Type G fully embroidered. Also, in 1969, Eagle required merit badges had a silver border rather than the green border. These and all subsequent badges were all fully embroidered.

1972 Collections

"Type H": These were made with a plastic stiffener as well as with the cloth backing of the Type G. Hence these are called "plastic back". They were manufactured from approximately 1972 to the present.

1992 White Water

"Type I": Starting in 1992, some merit badges were manufactured on a computer-controlled embroidery machine. This necessitated that the edges were not rolled, but were flat. These are called "computer designed". They characteristically had a wider border than Type H. Some of the ones made this way include Animal Science, Disability Awareness, Energy, and Gardening.

This design proved to generate a number of complaints, so these were discontinued in1995. Not all merit badges were ever made this way. After 1995 all merit badges were "Type H" again.

2002 Fish & Wildlife Mgt.

"Type J": Starting in 2002, the BSA put the Supply Division logo on the back of all patches including merit badges to reduce counterfeiting. They look identical to Type H except for this new back. Since the Supply Division logo is "Scout Stuff", these are called "Scout Stuff".

2010 Tracking

"Historic Merit Badges Program": In 2010, for the BSA Centennial, four historic merit badges were revived just for the one year. They are unique in that they are made on tan twill with a tan rolled edge. There were 4 of them:

Carpentry which had been discontinued in 1952;
Pathfinding which had been discontinued in 1952;
Signaling which had been discontinued in 1992; and
Tracking which was originally called Stalking and had been discontinued in 1952.

The original requirements were used as much as possible. The name of the Stalking merit badge was changed to Tracking because of what the term stalking means in today’s language and society.

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2010 Historic Merit Badges Program

Carpentry Pathfinding Signaling Tracking

2010 was the Centennial of the Boy Scouts of America since the BSA was founded in 1910. As part of the Centennial celebration the 2010 Historic Merit Badge Program was announced on the Scouting Magazine blog http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/ on January 12, 2010. Then on February 2, 2010, the BSA issued a note saying that “the Historic Merit Badge program for the Centennial has been delayed. Although a notice was placed in the Scouting Magazine "Cracker Barrel" blog, it was premature. The requirements published in the brochure are DRAFTS, and have not been finalized or approved yet."

Then on April 1, 2010, the BSA announced the official start of the 2010 Historic Merit Badge Program when boys could begin earning Carpentry, Pathfinding, Signaling, and Tracking: four merit badges brought back for the Centennial year except Tracking. There never was a merit badge called Tracking. What the BSA did was to take the Stalking Merit Badge and rename it Tracking for the purposes of the 2010 Historic Merit Badge Program. The final requirements were the same as the requirements for the original historic merit badges except for Tracking which eliminates the "stalking a human being" requirement. The draft brochure had changed all of the requirements for Pathfinding. These changes were dropped from the final version.

The program honored Scouting's rich 100-year history by introducing Scouts to the merit badges earned by yesterday's youth. To bring the badges into a 21st-century context, the BSA has created supplemental information guides that will accompany scans of the original merit badge pamphlets.

The badges could be earned beginning, April 1, 2010, and requirements had to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010.
Historic merit badges do count toward a Scout's rank advancement.
Each merit badge emblem features a gold border, which will help identify it as special to the centennial year.
Pamphlets for these badges were not be reprinted. Instead, Scouts and Scouters could go online to find digital scans of the original pamphlets.
- Carpentry, information guide - scan of original pamphlet
- Pathfinding, information guide - scan of original pamphlet
- Signaling, information guide - scan of original pamphlet
- Tracking, information guide - scan of original pamphlet
You needed a qualified merit badge counselor for each badge.

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Last Updated November 16, 2012 by

Scout Handbooks:	Scoutmaster Handbooks:
1911 HB with illustration: Wear Merit Badges on Right Sleeve of the Uniform Coat. [In illustrations they were sewn 3 across starting from 3" above the cuff on the outside of the sleeve]	1913 SMHB has no mention of wearing merit badges.
1914 HB with illustration: Merit badges can be worn on the right sleeve only, in rows of not more than three, parallel with the edge of the cuff and two inches above the service stripes. It is suggested that the merit badges be sewn on a false half sleeve that may be fastened by hooks or snaps, so that it may be worn on the proper occasions, but detached on hikes and at times when wearing badges might seem undesirable.	1923 SMHB with illustration: Merit Badges in 3 rows above braid (on Uniform Coat).
1927 HB with illustration: Wear Merit Badges on Right Sleeve of the Uniform Coat or Shirt. [In illustrations they were sewn 3 across starting from 3" above the cuff on the outside of the sleeve]	1930 SMHB: Merit Badges are worn on the right sleeve of the shirt , up to six in number, and must be worn in rows of two. The bottom row is parallel with the edge of the sleeve and 3 inches above it. More than six Merit Badges are worn on the Scout Sash. This Merit Badge Sash is worn over the right shoulder. the lower point resting on the left side of the body. When worn under the neckerchief, Merit Badges are placed in rows of two or three according to the width of the sash selected. No Merit Badges are worn on the sleeve when the sash is worn. Second Class Scouts may wear the Merit Badge Sash. 1932 SMHB with illustration: Merit Badges in rows of two each (not more than six) may be worn on right sleeve on long sleeved shirt bottom row 3 inches a above cuff. Merit Badges and previous Badges of rank or office may be worn on Merit Badge Sash. No Merit Badges on sleeve when sash is worn. 1938 SMHB with illustration: Merit Badges in rows of two each (not more than six) may be worn on right sleeve on long sleeved shirt bottom row 3 inches a above cuff. Merit Badges and previous Badges of rank or office may be worn on Merit Badge Sash. No Merit Badges on sleeve when sash is worn.
1940 HB as no mention of wearing merit badges. 1945 HB with illustration: Merit Badges worn on merit badge sash; (less than six may be worn on right sleeve above cuff in rows of three.	1946 SMHB has no mention of wearing merit badges.
1948 HB with illustration: Wear up to six Merit Badges on Right Sleeve. Wear more than six on a sash.
1959 HB with illustration: At the bottom of the right sleeve, starting 3 inches above the edge, you may wear up to six merit badges. If you have more than six, sew them on a sash; wear this over your right shoulder.
1965 HB with illustration: Up to six merit badges may be worn on the right sleeve of the long-sleeve shirts starting 3 inches above the bottom of the cuff in rows of two. No merit badges may be worn on the short-sleeve shirt. Merit badges are also worn on the merit badge sash. Wearing the Merit Badge Sash: Most Scouts wear their merit badges on a merit badge sash which is worn over the right shoulder. The merit badges are sewn three across starting from the top as illustrated on page 361. Wear your merit badge sash at courts of honor, troop inspections, flag ceremonies, and when you are on special service projects.
1972 HB with illustration: You may wear up to six merit badges on the left uniform shirt sleeve. Any number of merit badges, from one on up, may be worn on a merit badge sash. The sash is worn only on ceremonial occasions and not in regular troop activities. [this error "left sleeve" was not corrected until the 1976 edition]	1972 SMHB with illustration: Sleeve. Up to six merit badges may be worn on the right sleeve (long-sleeve shirts) in a column of two starting 3 inches above the bottom edge of the sleeve cuff. Sash. Merit badges may be worn in a column of two on the narrow sash and a column of three on the wide sash. The sash is worn over the right shoulder. It is worn only on formal occasions. No badges other than merit badges may be worn on the sash.
1976 HB with illustration: You may wear up to six merit badges on the right uniform shirt sleeve. Any number of merit badges, from one on up, may be worn on a merit badge sash. The sash is worn only on ceremonial occasions and not in regular troop activities.
1979 HB with illustration: Up to six merit badges may be worn on the right sleeve of the long-sleeve shirts starting 3 inches above the bottom of the cuff in rows of two. No merit badges may be worn on the short-sleeve shirt. For the merit badge sash, see the illustration on page 517. Only merit badges may be worn on the sash. [picture is similar to the above picture] [the first printing had an error and omitted this paragraph]	1981 SMHB with illustration: Sleeve. Up to six merit badges may be worn on the right sleeve (long sleeve shirts) in a column of two starting 3 inches above the bottom edge of the sleeve. Sash. Merit badges may be worn in a column of two on the narrow sash and a column of three on the wide sash. The sash is worn over the right shoulder. It is worn only on formal occasions. No badges other than merit badges may be worn on the sash. Badges may be worn on front and back of sash.
1990 HB: Up to six merit badges may be worn on the right sleeve of the long-sleeve shirts starting 3 inches above the bottom edge of the cuff in rows of two. No merit badges may be worn on the short-sleeve shirt. Merit badges are also worn on the merit badge sash.	1990 SMHB with illustration: Sleeve. Up to six merit badges may be worn on the right sleeve (long sleeve shirts) in a column of two starting 3 inches above the bottom edge of the sleeve. Sash. Merit badges may be worn in a column of three on the sash. The sash is worn over the right shoulder. It is worn only on formal occasions. The Venture or Varsity Letter also may be worn at the bottom front of the sash.
1998 HB (page 188): Merit Badges may be worn on a merit badge sash with the BSA uniform. Up to six merit badges may be worn in rows of two on the right sleeve of a long-sleeved uniform shirt starting 3 inches from the bottom edge of the cuff. No merit badges may be worn on a short-sleeved shirt.	1998 SMHB has no mention of wearing merit badges.

Merit Badges, Past and Present,

And Their Evolution

compiled by Steve Henning

Introduction to Steve Henning's Merit Badge List

Merit Badges Now and in the Past

Merit Badges In Current Use And Their Predecessors

Most and Least Popular Merit Badges in 2007

Most Popular Merit Badges in 2007

Least Popular Merit Badges in 2007

Merit Badges No Longer In Use and Their Predecessors

Most Merit Badges

The Maximum Number of Merit Badges Available Any Given Year

Approximate Maximum Number of Merit Badges Any Scout Could Earn

The Maximum Number of Merit Badges Available Any Given Year

Approximate Maximum Number of Merit Badges A Scout Could Earn

Based upon him joining at his minimum joining age

Approximate Maximum Number of Merit Badges A Scout Could Earn
Based upon him joining at his minimum joining age.

Merit Badge Sashes and How Merit Badges are Worn

Insignia Guide:

Boy Scout/Varsity Scout Uniform Inspection Sheet

Scout Handbooks:

Scoutmaster Handbooks:

Different Types of Merit Badges Manufactured

2010 Historic Merit Badges Program

Merit Badges, Past and Present,

And Their Evolution

compiled by Steve Henning

Introduction to Steve Henning's Merit Badge List

Merit Badges Now and in the Past

Merit Badges In Current Use And Their Predecessors

Most and Least Popular Merit Badges in 2007

Most Popular Merit Badges in 2007

Least Popular Merit Badges in 2007

Merit Badges No Longer In Use and Their Predecessors

Most Merit Badges

The Maximum Number of Merit Badges Available Any Given Year

Approximate Maximum Number of Merit Badges Any Scout Could Earn

The Maximum Number of Merit Badges Available Any Given Year

Approximate Maximum Number of Merit Badges A Scout Could Earn

Based upon him joining at his minimum joining age

Approximate Maximum Number of Merit Badges A Scout Could Earn Based upon him joining at his minimum joining age.

Merit Badge Sashes and How Merit Badges are Worn

Insignia Guide:

Boy Scout/Varsity Scout Uniform Inspection Sheet

Scout Handbooks:

Scoutmaster Handbooks:

Different Types of Merit Badges Manufactured

2010 Historic Merit Badges Program

Approximate Maximum Number of Merit Badges A Scout Could Earn
Based upon him joining at his minimum joining age.