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1. Choose a Merit Badge (MB) that interests you or is necessary for Eagle rank and check the Troop library for a MB book.
   If our Troop does not have the MB book you need, you can:
• Request that the Troop purchase the book and add it to the library.
• Check with the Public Library.  Be sure you have the most recent edition of the MB book.
  Call the NCAC Scout Shop (301-564-1091).  They can tell you if your copy is current. 
• Order the MB book from the BSA Scout catalog or NCAC Scout Shop.  MB books cost about $2 plus shipping. 
  Ordering from the NCAC Scout Shop is faster than ordering from the BSA catalog.
• Visit the NCAC Scout Shop at 9190 Rockville Pike, Bethesda (near Bethesda Naval Hospital).
  
  
2. Next, get a blue card from the Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster and have him sign it.
   
   
3. Check the Troop Merit Badge list for a counselor.  If there is no Troop Counselor, ask an Assistant Scoutmaster for assistance
   in selecting a counselor from the Black Hill District MB counselor list. 
   
   
4. Check the Troop Merit Bage list on the Troop web site to see what other Scouts in the Troop may have already earned this merit badge. 
   Discuss the merit badge requirements with them for background information.
   
   
5. Carefully read the merit badge requirements.  Some requirements require your counselor’s approval first.
   Write down any questions you might have so you can discuss them with your counselor.
   
   
6. Call the MB counselor and ask if they will be your counselor.
   
   
7. Once you have a MB counselor, let him/her know you are beginning work on the MB and ask if they wish to give you instruction.
   Ask any questions you may have.  If preapproval is necessary for any requirement, ask the counselor how he/she wants you to obtain it.
   
   
8. Work on the Merit Badge.  Arrange for meetings with the counselor to review your work as required.
   Once you are finished, request an appointment with your counselor.  REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR BLUE CARD. 
   BSA encourages the “buddy system” for MB counseling, so do not be surprised if your counselor requests that you bring a buddy or parent
   when meeting with the counselor.
   
   
9. Once the counselor has “signed off” on the merit badge, the counselor will keep his/her portion of the blue card. 
   Return the other two parts of the blue card to your ScoutMaster for his signature and unit recording.
   The ScoutMaster will arrange to present the merit badge to you at the next Court of Honor. 
   
   
10. The “Applicant” portion of the blue card will be returned to you.
    Be sure to keep the Applicant section of the MB card for your records.
    The Eagle Scout Board of Review will ask to see all of your blue cards.