Dan Beard Council 2009 Merit Badge Challenge

It's time to sign up for Merit Badge Challenge 2009!  

Did you know that advancement beyond First Class is almost entirely dependent upon completing merit badges and service hours? 

How do you get merit badges? Scouts can earn merit badges on their own, wait for the troop to have a merit badge session or... the two most efficient ways of completing merit badges are at scout summer camp or by attending Merit Badge Challenge where you can earn up to three badges during the session.  

Talk to our senior scouts in Troop 6 (Andrew Lennard, Michael Moran, Kyle Hagerty, or Pat Driscoll), they all have taken advantage of the Merit Badge Challenge to advance in rank. 

We announced this year's merit badge challenge at the troop meeting on Monday evening, 9/29/09 and encouraged all of the boys to participate. The cost is $12.00 for the three weekend sessions (several of the merit badge classes have extra fees that you need to be aware of). Scouts who are First Class and above can earn three merit badges (two of which can be Eagle Required merit badges). If your son is not yet First Class, he can earn up to three merit badges (one of which can be an Eagle Required merit badge). 

Things to know about Merit Badge Challenge 2009

• You can sign up for Merit Badge Challenge on-line.  http://www.danbeard.org/Advancement_MeritBadgeChallenge.aspx

• You can enroll at any one of the three locations. Troop 6 has traditionally opted for classes at Sycamore High School.

• It takes work and a commitment to complete these merit badges. Most badges have pre-work assignments that must be completed before the first session.

• There are three Saturday sessions and you need to attend all three Saturdays to complete the requirements.

• Scouts should talk over their choice with Mr.Harris before signing up.  You should select badges that are appropriate for the age of your scout. 

• Enrollment is first come first served. Sign up NOW!!

• Remember everyone can select at least one Eagle-required merit badge.    

You can find out the what merit badges are offered, how to sign up on-line, and pre-work assignments at the following website:

We should have a great turn out for this year's sessions. If you have any questions, call me !   

I'll send out reminders and additional information in the coming weeks.  

Regards,
Rick Driscoll 
891-4936 (H)   Cdris@fuse.net
Merit Badge Challenge Coordinator,Troop 6 .