Exploring the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge: Building Character and Community
- Michael D
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
If you’ve spent time in Scouting, you know that earning a merit badge isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about building skills that will stay with you for a lifetime. One of the newest and most meaningful Eagle-required badges in the Scouting program is the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge. This required badge challenges Scouts to think deeply about who they are, how they treat others, and how they can improve their communities.
Whether you’re a Scout preparing to earn this badge or a leader looking to guide your troop, let’s take a closer look at what it’s all about.
Why the Citizenship in Society Badge Matters
Unlike merit badges that focus on technical skills like camping or first aid, this one centers on values, empathy, and inclusion. It was designed to help Scouts explore essential questions:
How do we treat people who are different from us?
What role do fairness and respect play in leadership?
How can each of us contribute to a welcoming community?
The Citizenship in Society merit badge is not about giving “right” or “wrong” answers—it’s about discussion, reflection, and action.
What Scouts Will Learn
The Citizenship in Society merit badge is unique because it focuses on reflection and discussion, not just skills or checklists. Here are four powerful areas Scouts will explore:
Exploring Key Ideas: Scouts research important concepts like diversity, inclusion, equality, and ethical leadership, then connect them to the Scout Oath and Law. This builds a strong foundation for understanding how values guide actions.
Personal Ethical Choices: Every Scout reflects on an ethical decision they’ve faced in their own life, shares what they did, and considers how they might act differently in the future. This makes the badge deeply personal and meaningful.
Creating Welcoming Spaces: Scouts brainstorm ways to make their troop more inclusive, such as ensuring all voices are heard in planning or finding ways to welcome new members. It’s about putting leadership into action every day.
Challenging Stereotypes: Scouts discuss how stereotypes can harm others and explore positive ways to celebrate individuality. This teaches them to recognize prejudice and stand up for fairness in their communities.
How This Badge Is Different
Most merit badges include skills to master, books to read, or checklists to complete. The Citizenship in Society merit badge takes a different approach:
Every Scout’s journey will be unique; the requirements focus on their reflections and experiences.
It’s designed to be done thoughtfully, not rushed.
This approach ensures that every Scout has a personal, meaningful experience while working toward Eagle.
Tips for Scouts Earning the Badge
Here are a few ideas to help Scouts succeed with the Citizenship in Society merit badge:
Keep a journal. Write down your reflections, stories, and examples as you go.
Talk to role models. Ask parents, teachers, or community leaders about times they’ve had to stand up for what’s right.
Be honest. There are no “perfect” answers—counselors want to hear your genuine thoughts.
Take your time. This badge is about growth, not speed.
Earning This as an Online Merit Badge
Some Scouts complete this merit badge locally, but it can also be completed as an online merit badge at MeritBadgeCourses.com. Online sessions give Scouts the chance to:
Connect with trained counselors from across the country.
Participate in guided discussions with Scouts outside their local troop.
Work on requirements at their own pace while still staying accountable.
This makes the Citizenship in Society badge meaningful and accessible to Scouts everywhere.
Final Thoughts
The Citizenship in Society merit badge is more than just another requirement for Eagle; it’s a chance to pause and reflect on the person you want to be. In a world that sometimes feels divided, Scouts who take this badge seriously will walk away with empathy, respect, and leadership skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
If you or your Scout is ready to take the next step, consider signing up for an online merit badge session at MeritBadgeCourses.com. It’s a great way to grow, connect, and prepare for Eagle while building the society we all want to live in.
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