Editing Merit badge (section)

{{Short description|Award of Scouting America}}
{{for|the Irish merit badges|Personal progression in Scouting Ireland#Merit badges}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2014}}
{{Infobox WorldScouting
|name=Merit badges
|image=File:First Aid Merit Badge.png
|caption=First Aid merit badge
|type=award
|owner=[[Scouting America]]
|f-date=1910
|defunct =
|website =
}}
'''Merit badges''' are awards earned by members of [[Scouting America]], based on activities within the area of study by completing a list of periodically updated requirements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scouting.org/meritbadges.aspx|title=Merit Badges – Boy Scouts of America|website=www.scouting.org}}</ref> The purpose of the merit badge program is to allow Scouts to examine subjects to determine if they would like to further pursue them as a career or vocation. The program also introduces Scouts to life skills such as contacting an adult they had not met before, arranging a meeting, and demonstrating their skills, similar to a job or college interview. 

The merit badge award is represented by a circular patch with an image representing the badge's topic. The patches for the [[Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)|Eagle]]-required merit badges are distinguishable by the silver border on the outside edge. Merit badges are displayed on a [[sash]] which can be worn with the [[Uniform and insignia of Scouting America|Scouts BSA uniform]] on formal occasions. The [[BSA National Council|National Council]] reviews and updates badges each year. There are currently 139 merit badges.

[[Scouting]] organizations in other countries issue or have issued merit badges, including [[Scouts Canada|Canada]], [[Tanda Kecakapan Khusus|Indonesia]], [[Scout Association of Japan|Japan]], [[Federación de Escultismo en España|Spain]], [[The National Scout Organization of Thailand|Thailand]], and the [[The Scout Association|United Kingdom]]. [[Austrian Scouts and Girl Guides|Austria]] has a program similar to merit badges for certain age groups.

[[Image:Merit badge sash.png|right|thumb|A sample merit badge sash: From left to right, starting at top; '''1''' Swimming, Mammal Study, Environmental Science; '''2''' Basketry, Wood Carving, Dog Care; '''3''' Wilderness Survival, Emergency Preparedness, Bird Study; '''4''' Public Speaking, Scholarship, Law; '''5''' Rifle Shooting, Archery, Metalwork; '''6''' Fish and Wildlife Management, Citizenship in the Nation, Orienteering; '''7''' Citizenship in the Community, Communications, Personal Management; '''8''' Sustainability, Reptile Study, Lifesaving; '''9''' Forestry, Citizenship in the World, Safety]]