One of the purposes of the merit badge program is to instill initiative and self-confidence in the Scout. The Scout makes progress toward this goal when he contacts a counselor, plans his project, executes the plan, and demonstrates his project to the counselor.

Troop 80 encourages Scouts to have positive interaction with many adults. Consequently, a Scout should pass no more than five merit badges from the same counselor. Many of the merit badges a Scout earns should be done with counselors from outside Troop 80. Parents are to be discouraged from acting as counselors for their own sons.

When visiting any Counselor, a Scout should not be left alone. He is to go with a "buddy" or with his parent. However, the parent should not interfere with the session.

The purpose of the merit badge program is to provide:

1. Opportunities for Scouts to plan and carry out projects for their own growth and development.
2. Chances for Scouts to learn from a wide variety of able, concerned adults about a number of interesting subjects.
3. Orientation in these fields to serve as a springboard for further exploration and to help Scouts discover their talents.
4. Useful skills in many subjects leading to capable, confident, participating citizenship.
5. Involvement in activities of great interest to boys.

The procedure for earning merit badges is as follows:

1. The Scout informs the Scoutmaster of the merit badge he wants to earn. He obtains a merit badge card signed by the Scoutmaster. Work done on any merit badge requirements prior to "pulling the card" does not count.
2. The Scoutmaster or Advancement Chair gives the Scout the name (or names) of approved merit badge counselors from the approved merit badge counselor list.
3. The Scout makes an appointment with the counselor. This may result in a series of interviews as the counselor advises and coaches the Scout. Work on a merit badge may not take place before meeting with the counselor.
4. After the completion of the requirements to the satisfaction of the counselor, the Scout returns the merit badge card signed by the counselor to the Scoutmaster.
5. The Scoutmaster will see that it is forwarded to Advancement Chair, who sends it to the Council office on an official advancement report, with the merit badge card attached.