Aids for the Boy-Led Scout Troop Reading Merit Badge is one of the easiest programs available in scouting - So make the most of it!

Most young love to read, and many have probably had to do lots of reading already for school requirements. Highly recommend for young scouts and it is quite easy for scouts to complete without much assistance.

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A) Program Teaser
Special audio visual presentation for the start of program or even one week in advance.

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!

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B) Patrol Leader Plan & Setup Aids
Prepare Your Patrol Plan - FUN Starts Here:

1. Review Official Requirements
Easy Printable Version

2. Prepare Draft of Activity Plan

3. Find and Meet the Merit Badge Counselor
Coordinate all events and activities with your counselor. Show him your activity plan.
10 Tips for Merit Badge Counselors

4. Patrol Leader Council
Present Activity Proposal to your fellow patrol leaders and scoutmaster.

5. Study Hall Preparation

6. Field Trip Plan
Discuss with your Scoutmaster and Counselor what your group can do to cover two or more of the requirements from below.
Field Trip Group RSVP -

7. Merit Badge Booklet
- Secure Merit Badge Study Guide (Librarian)

8. Find Local Extra Credit Options

9. Announce Event
- Prepare Event Flyer (See Example Here) (Scribe)
Each Participant to be notified that he needs:
- Event Dates / Places / Dress Code / Etc.
- Printed copy of worksheet
- Blue Card

10 Tips for Merit Badge Counselors
Get the most from your Merit Badge Adventure.

This is a popular topic for registering Scout Moms or any one with experience in as a school teacher. Related companion merit badge topics include Scholarship and American Heritage.

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

Print Merit Badge Workbook - One for each scout.
Complete Req #1d - Read six books of four different types - Use the worksheet to track your reading.
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.
Complete Req #2 - Read about the world around you from any two sources: : Maybe begin with your Boy Scout Handbook and the morning newspaper. Record what you read.
Select Field Trip Goals - Patrol Leader Council Meeting - several options to choose from here!

The purpose of this section is to facilitate an opportunity for scouts to research and learn about key concepts relevant to this subject. They need to be prepared to explain these to the counselor.

While some scouts may be adept at self-study, others may do better in a small group setting and taking notes on worksheets. You can facilitate discussion by asking them why each of the principles intruduced here would be relevant.

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.

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

After completion of the above activities you may need a work session to finish completion of the merit badge worksheet to document the results of your activities.

We read to know we are not alone.” - C.S. Lewis
“No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” - Confucius
“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” - Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"
“Reading without reflecting is like eating without digesting.” - Edmund Burke