Merit Badge Counselor

Hatfield Merit Badge Challenge

This years Merit Badge Challenge will be held in January through March. Registration opens September 15 for your sections challenge. No registrations will be accepted after close of business Friday, December 18, 2009 (or when the session is full.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Required Pre-Work

Please select the School which you would like to attend:

Fairfield High School - Online Registration
Date Sessions: Jan. 16, Jan. 30, Feb. 13

Sycamore High School - Online Registration
Date Sessions: Feb. 6, Feb. 20, Feb. 27

Williamsburg High School - Online Registration
Date Sessions: Jan. 23, Feb. 6, Feb. 20

Dixie Heights High School - Online Registration
Date Sessions: Feb. 20, March 6, March 20

Pictures from past Challenges

Download Registration Packet
Download Registration Form ONLY

Frequently asked questions - download a PDF

Merit Badge Challenge – 2010
Frequently Asked Questions by Parents and Scout Leaders

What is the purpose of the Scoutmaster’s signature on the Registration Form?

This question is listed first because it is the most important item that
determines the success of a Scout at the Merit Badge Challenge.
This event has been conducted in at least one district for the past 12 years. The average success
rate for a Scout is about 50-60% with younger scouts having a lower success rate.
“Not all merit badges are created equal.” Our staff fully recognizes this fact and recommends an
age appropriateness or additional class time for others in structuring the event. But there is only
so much the Merit Badge Challenge staff can do to help the Scout select badges appropriate to
his maturity, attitude, interest, and ability.

This is where the Scoutmaster is the key, and parents can certainly help as well. A
completed Registration Form requires the signature of the Scoutmaster attesting the Scout
can handle the work required to complete the selected badges. To sign the Registration
form for a badge(s) that is not appropriate for the Scout’s mental and physical abilities is
probably dooming him to failure. Once the Registration form is received at Council, the
youth remains in that class.

Scoutmasters, please take the time to ensure the right badges for your youth.
We both want them to be successful and it starts with you.

Where can I get a Registration Form to sign up for the event?

Both the Scoutmaster and Committee Chair for each Troop were mailed a packet in early
September. One of the items in the packet was a blank Registration form that can be copied for
each Scout.
This common Registration form for all schools is also available on the Dan Beard Council
Website. Look under ‘Activities’ to find this form and associated information.
The form or online registration can be used by a individual scout to register for one of the four
events. The preferred method of registration is group registration by a unit leader, similar to
registering to summer camp.

Does a Scout have to do the Prework?

Only if he wants to earn the merit badge!
Parent and Scoutmasters: The second discriminator for the successful earning of a merit badge
at the Challenge is the completion of the Prework required by most badges. The Prework
consists of one or more of the requirements for the badge. Lack of timely completion of this
Prework is the number one complaint by our counselors. As the time for the first Saturday
approaches, please verify your Scouts are prepared.

How is the Merit Badge Challenge structured?

Each Merit Badge Challenge follows a standard format and offers counseling for 30-50 merit
badges.
The event is held at four high schools (Dixie Heights, Fairfield, Sycamore, and Williamsburg)
with varying dates in January February and March. The event is structured for a Scout to have
the opportunity to earn up to 3 merit badges by:
1. Attending the event held on all 3 Saturdays
2. Completing the Prework and Homework between sessions
3. Passing a written exam on the last Saturday.

Are all merit badges the same time duration at the Challenge?

Most of the badges offered are for a single session on each of the 3 Saturdays.
Here are the exceptions.
The following merit badges are scheduled for all three sessions. If a scout is assigned this
merit badge, it will be the only badge he will have the opportunity to earn.
First Aid Emergency Preparedness
The following merit badges are normally scheduled for 2 of the 3 sessions.
Astronomy Railroading Aviation Electronics

What determines what merit badge a Scout is assigned?

First, a Scout selects a 1st choice for each of the three sessions, and provides three alternate
badges. His 1st choice indicates to the Registrar those badges that he most wants to earn, and the
Registrar uses this fact to first determine if this badge is still available. If the class is filled, the
Registrar moves to the second choice and attempts to give him this badge. If both are filled for a
given session, the Register will contact the scout via email or phone to determine a satisfactory
badge based on availability.
Remember merit badge assignments are made on a first come, first serve basis. Therefore, the
earlier the Registration form is received at Council, the greater the probability the Scout will
receive his 1st Choice. Scouts registering in September and early October generally have no
Net, register early.

How many Eagle required merit badges may a Scout take?

If a scout has not attained the rank of First Class at the time of sending in his Registration, he
may take up to one Eagle required badge. He should list no more than one Eagle badge on his
Registration Form as his 1st choice, and no more than one Eagle badge as an Alternate.
If a scout has attained the rank of First Class at the time of registration, he may take up to two
Eagle required badges. He should list no more than two Eagle badges on his Registration Form
as his 1st choice, and no more than two Eagle badges as an Alternate.
No scout may take three Eagle required badges.

Can I change my merit badge selection after completing my Registration?

Generally not, but here are two exceptions that can be discussed with the MBC Event Registrar.
• If the Scout completes a merit badge that he signed up to take, he will be granted a
change provided an alternate badge can be found at the same time.
• An extenuating circumstance dictates a change. For example, the Scout has signed
up for Dog Care and his dog died since sending in the form, then efforts will be made.

Can a Scout register after the Council deadline?

Limited Late Registrations will be accepted for the event after November 13, 2009 based on the
following:
• The Paper Registration form must be complete with required signature and legible.
• Event fee will be $25
• The Event can not guarantee the youth a patch
• The Event cannot guarantee the youth his selections in merit badges, but the MBC Event
Registrar will work with the youth to find appropriate badges.
• No Late Registrations can be accepted for the event after December 18, 2009.
• No "walk-ins" allowed at the events. Registrations are not transferable.

Special note on Music Merit Badge
MUSIC Merit Badge: The playing and reading skills needed for the Music Merit Badge would
suggest at least two years of playing with individual lessons. You must be able to sight read a
song chosen by the counselor, therefore if you can't read music you can not pass. You must also
demonstrate good technique, phrasing, tone, rhythm and dynamics which all are not normally
acquired by beginners (those with less than 2 years experience).
Net, musical training is not provided at the Merit Badge Challenge. A Scout should register for
one of these badges only if adequate musical proficiency can be demonstrated. The Merit Badge
Challenge staff and the music counselors strongly suggest the Scout first review the requirements
with an adult knowledgeable in his musical abilities before committing to either of these badges.