Reading Merit Badge is a great program for newer scouts! Most young love to read, and many have probably had to do lots of reading already for school requirements.

Sample Activity Plan

A. Make Your Plan - What will you do?
B. Plan Presentation - Tell Your Patrol
C. Homework / Prerequisites - Req #1D & #2
D. Study Hall - Req 1A,1B,1C,3
E. Field Tour - Req #4 - Service Project - Requires Counselor Advanced Approval

1. Merit Badge Activity Preview

• Review Official Requirements - Activity Basics
• Merit Badge Booklet - Learn More About this Subject
• See Also : 10 Tips for New Patrol Leaders
• See Also : 10 Tips for New Scoutmasters
• See Also : 10 Tips for New Merit Badge Counselors

2. Sample Plan Outline
Note: This Plan is a Draft - Some dates, events and activities may change after reviewing it with your leaders.

• Make draft of Event Flyer (See Example Here).
• Each Participant to be notified that he needs:
• Event Dates / Places / Dress Code / Supplies / Etc.
• Pre-requisites (ie worksheet, blue card, research materials)
• Homework Requirements
• Service Project Opportunities? (See Extra Credit)
• Outdoor & Camping Opportunities? (See Extra Credit)
• Other Related Scouting Activities? (See Extra Credit)

3. Meet the Merit Badge Counselor
Review your plan with the merit badge counselor. Some activities require his advance approval. The Scoutmaster should be able to recommend a counselor to you.

4. Patrol Leader Council
Present Activity Proposal to your fellow patrol leaders and scoutmaster. Make assignments as needed.

5. Field Trip Plan

• Contact the destination venue. Confirm that they can assist with the Field Trip Requirements. Reserve your Event Dates.
• Troop Historian should be ready to take pictures on this activity to report back on the next troop blog, newsletter or court of honor.

6. Announce & Start Activity

• Get final approval from your scoutmaster.
• Update event flyer (#2) above.
• Distribute event flyer / Begin Introduction

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. - Sir Richard Steele, English Playwright	Reading is Fun! Show on Laptop or portable TV & crank up the sound!

C) Prerequisites - Scouts
Start working your Merit Badge here:

Getting Started:
Print Merit Badge Workbook - One for each scout.

Req #1D: Read Six Books:
Read six books of four different types - Use the worksheet to track your reading:


With the assistance of your merit badge counselor or a librarian, select six books of four different types (such as poetry, drama/plays, fiction, nonfiction, biographies, etc.). Read each book. Keep a log of your reading that includes the title of the book, the pages or chapters read, the date you completed them, and your thoughts about what you have read so far. Discuss your reading with your counselor. Using your log as a reference, explain why you chose each book and tell whether you enjoyed it and what it meant to you.
WeirdUnsocializedHomeSchoolers.com: Recommended List of popular books for young teens.
American Library Association List of award winning books.
Reading Merit Badge Official Pamphlet - also a big listing of great reading material appropriate for Boy Scouts.

Req #2: World News


Read about the world around you from any two sources: books, magazines, newspapers, the Internet (with your parent's permission), field manuals, etc. Topics may include sports, environmental problems, politics, social issues, current events, nature, religion, etc. Discuss what you have learned with your counselor.

Purpose: Help each Patrol Member learn key concepts on this subject. Include the following resources:

• Merit Badge Workbook
• Merit Badge Booklet -
• Discussion session with your Merit Badge Counselor.

Primary purposes of Reading:

• Pleasure
• Self Development
• Acquire Information
• To Analyze and Evaluate

Req #4: Patrol Planning Meeting:
Patrol leaders meet to plan details for Patrol Activity and Field Trip suggested below.

Req #1a : Library Catalog - School
Many boys attend a special orientation on the first day of school.

Req #1a : Library Catalog - Online
Many public library systems now have their complete catalog online in searchable format. Here is One Example.

Req #1a : Dewey Decimal Chart
Link to a colorful chart on how this common library catalog system is organized.

Req #3a : Online Order Form
Here is a link to order a free Hawaii Travel Guide to plan your next high adventure trip.

Req #3b : Find Five Scouting Websites
As easy as "Googling" Scouting on a Scoutmaster's iphone.

Req #4 : Reading Service Project

With your counselor's and parent's permission, choose ONE of the following activities and devote at least four hours of service to that activity. Discuss your participation with your counselor.

a. Read to a sick, blind, or homebound person in a hospital or in an extended-care facility.
b. Perform volunteer work at your school library or a public library.
c. Read stories to younger children, in a group or individually.

Hospital / Extended Care : Reading stories at a hospital or old folks home.
Library : Service Project
Children Group : - Reading bible stories at a Junior Sunday School group for your local church

Never add to or take away from the stated merit badge requirements. The material presented below is intended only to add fun for the patrol by way of either activity or community service.