Today, The Boy Scouts of America (BSA), one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, announced the launch of the Citizenship in Society merit badge, its newest merit badge for youth in the Scouts BSA program (ages 11-17). The new merit badge encourages Scouts to explore important topics around diversity, equity, inclusion and ethical leadership and learn why these qualities are important in society and in Scouting. Beginning July 1, 2022, the Citizenship in Society merit badge will be required for any youth seeking to achieve the prestigious Eagle Scout rank.
The requirements and a merit badge counselor guide are here.
The badge is now in Scoutbook. Internet Advancement and the other tools should support the new badge by Nov 2nd.
A Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Counselor Guide is here.
Scouting magazine article on the new badge is here.
ScoutNET is now supporting the new badge.
- Eagle Scout candidates will continue to use the current rank requirements until June 30, 2022 and will not be required to complete the new Citizenship in Society Merit Badge as long as they complete all of the current Eagle Rank requirements before July 1, 2022 . They do not have to submit their final Eagle Scout application nor complete their Eagle Scout Board of Review prior to July 1, 2022, but must complete all current Eagle Scout requirements before then.
- Starting July 1, 2022, Eagle Scout candidates will be required to complete all Eagle Scout requirements including the new Citizenship in Society merit badge.
- As has been the practice, the Local Council will be responsible for verifying in the system the Eagle Scout candidate and their completion of the Eagle Scout requirements. The Local Council will determine those Scouts that meet all requirements before July 1, 2022 under the current requirements, and those Scouts that fall under the new Eagle Scout requirements as of July 1, 2022.
