STEP 1: Find a merit badge you are interested in earning – look on the internet or at the Boy Scout Shop. You can work individually or in a small group. Note: Procedures for obtaining a merit badge at summer camp differ from those noted.

STEP 1a: If you find yourself with a ‘partial’ blue card (not everything signed off), you will either: follow the underlined steps below or wait until the next year’s summer camp to sign up for the same badge and complete the tasks.

STEP 2: Schedule an appointment with the current Troop Scoutmaster.  Discuss with the Scoutmaster why you want to earn the badge and obtain a ‘Blue Card’.  Fill in your name, address, check ‘boy scout’, write in ‘Troop’ on the line, write in under district ‘ River City District;, write in under council, ‘Golden Empire Council’.  The Scoutmaster will sign and date it, write in the merit badge you want to earn, and assign you a Merit Badge Counselor. Do not lose the ‘blue card’.

STEP 3: Go to the Boy Scout Shop located at 251 Commerce Cir.
Sacramento, CA 95815,  Telephone (916) 649-1800, and purchase the book for your merit badge, OR you can check one out from the Troop Librarian.  Ask your Senior Patrol Leader for the name of the current Librarian.
As of October 9, 2008, the Scout Hours of Operation:
Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri. 9a.m. - 5p.m.
Wed. 9a.m. - 6:30p.m.
Sat. 10a.m. - 4p.m.

STEP 4: Call your assigned Merit Badge Counselor and schedule a ‘get started’ meeting.  They may tell you to read the merit badge book first. Meet with your counselor and determine what work you need to complete. When you have completed the requirements, your counselor will sign the ‘blue card’ and will tear off one section of the card to keep for their records.

STEP 5: Call the Troop Scoutmaster and let them know you have completed all the requirements and need to have your ‘blue card’ signed off. The Scoutmaster will keep your ‘blue card’; it will be turned into the advancement committee.