80 merit badges updated for 2026

There’s a tuneup, which includes new spark plugs, maybe a fuel filter. Then there’s an overhaul, which replaces the camshaft, lifters, piston rings and more.

Scouting America sent 80 merit badges to the shop in time for 2026, and a few stayed there awhile.

Arden Dougan, chair of the merit badge committee, says the goal is to modernize and refresh the merit badge program so it runs more efficiently. That includes updating requirements, especially because of constant technology changes.

“That’s particularly true in a merit badge like Model Design and Building, for example,” she said during the latest #TroopTalkLive episode on Facebook. “It now includes computer design and digital fabrication tools, which are really just big words for 3D printing. For the Radio merit badge, we were missing modern wireless technologies like Bluetooth, 5G and RFID [radio-frequency identification], so we added those.”

Dougan notes that though some merit badges were simply tweaked, others, like the Personal Fitness merit badge, was completely reworked. Here are some highlights in effect as of January 1:

Key points and overall changes

• Careers and Hobbies: Several merit badges have been upgraded to include both a career option, like home repairs or automobile maintenance, and a hobby option, like birding or astronomy. Some have only one of the two options.
• Physical Examination: This is no longer required for Personal Fitness, Athletics or Multisport merit badges. Instead, Scouts will discuss the importance of having an annual physical examination and why overall health, immunizations, medications, allergies and medical history are covered during an examination. (Scouts BSA still requires a physical exam to take part in certain activities.)
• Leave No Trace Principles: These have been integrated into a few more badges — Exploration, Geology, Mammal Study, Insect Study, Nature, Plant Science and Bird Study.
• Consistency: Requirements in some badges have been reordered to fit a common pattern. Safety issues first, first aid second and careers/hobbies last.

A few merit badges had significant updates

• Archery: Recurve bow “Option A” requirements are now to be applied when using Genesis bows. (A Genesis bow is a simplified type of modern compound bow that’s widely used at Scouting America camps.)
• Chess: This extensive revision now includes an introduction to chess openings, chess traps, time management and tournaments.
• Model Design and Building: Revisions include computer design and digital fabrication tools. (Think 3D printing.)
• Personal Fitness: This is probably the biggest overhaul. For instance:
  —Scouts are now required to work with their counselor to establish appropriate, meaningful measures of physical fitness with clear guidance on what must be measured.
  —The requirements are now accessible for wheelchair users and other Scouts with disabilities, making this important badge earnable by nearly all youth.
  —The nutrition-related elements were reworded to be more sensitive to Scouts with eating disorders or self-image issues, using improvement goals.
  —The requirement of a 12-week fitness and nutrition program has been clarified to be consecutive (a period shown to be important for instilling new habits). But the requirement is flexible in recognizing extenuating circumstances, such as illness or family emergencies.
  —See all the new Personal Fitness merit badge requirements.
• Radio: Major updates include adding modern wireless technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 5G and RFID. There’s a new option for family radio service and general mobile radio service walkie-talkies.
• Safety: New requirements have been added for safety in public places, covering “If You See Something, Say Something.” Other new information relates to Safeguarding Youth, safety from assault and travel safety. Online safety was also updated to address scams, identity theft and online bullying.
• Scouting Heritage: This change expanded a requirement about the history of your local unit, council, summer camp or Order of the Arrow lodge. This merit badge now also has a career/hobby option for being a Scouting professional or Scouting volunteer.
• Search and Rescue: Updates clarify and amplify the important skill of staying put, ways to get found when lost and how to properly signal to rescue teams.
• Traffic Safety: This update includes distracted and fatigued driving issues, flat tire management and the safe recognition of blind spots.
• Weather: A new requirement identifies two sources of weather forecasts to check before outdoor activities.
• Wilderness Survival: Following the seven priorities of survival, these updated requirements now ask Scouts to think about how their gear would help them deal with outdoor hazards. They also ask Scouts to consider how mistakes in planning and decision-making can lead to search-and-rescue or survival situations.

 Learn more in the merit badge section of the Scouting America website. See a list of all merit badges, learn which are Eagle-required and check out the information for counselors.