Scouting/BSA/Collections Merit Badge

The requirements to this merit badge are copyrighted by the Boy Scouts of America. They are reproduced in part here under fair use as a resource for Scouts and Scouters to use in the earning and teaching of merit badges. The requirements published by the Boy Scouts of America should always be used over the list here. If in doubt about the accuracy of a requirement, consult your Merit Badge Counselor.

Reading this page does not satisfy any requirement for any merit badge. Per National regulations, the only person who may sign off on requirements is a Merit Badge Counselor, duly registered and authorized by the local Council. To obtain a list of registered Merit Badge Counselors, or to begin a Merit Badge, please contact your Scoutmaster or Council Service Center.

NOTE: Stamp Collecting and Coin Collecting do NOT qualify for this badge.

Requirement 1

Prepare a short written report or outline for your counselor, giving a detailed description of your collection,* including a short history. Be sure to include why you chose that particular type of collecting and what you enjoy and have learned from your collection.

Requirement 2

Explain the growth and development of your collection.

Requirement 3

Demonstrate your knowledge of preserving and displaying your collection:

A. Explain the precautions that you need to take to preserve your collection, including

1. Handling

2. Cleaning

3. Storage

B. Explain how best to display your collection, keeping in mind preserving as discussed above.

C. Explain to your counselor the events available for a hobbyist of this collection, including shows, seminars, conventions, contests, and museum programs or exhibits.

Requirement 4

Demonstrate your knowledge of collecting and investing. Discuss with your counselor:

A. How investing and speculation would apply to your collection

B. What you would look for in purchasing other collections similar to yours

C. What you would expect in return value in the event you decided to sell all or part of the collection

Requirement 5

Do the following:

A. Discuss with your counselor at least 10 terms commonly used in your collection and be prepared to discuss the definition of each.

B. Show your counselor any two groups from your collection. Explain how you organized your collection and why you chose that method. (Note: if your collection is too large to transport and your counselor is unable to view your collection directly, photographs should be available to share.)

C. Explain how your collection is valued by other collectors and display to your counselor any price guides that may be available.

D. Explain how your collection is graded for value, physical defects, size and age. Show the various classifications or ratings used in your collection.

E. List the national, state, or local association responsive to your collection.

F. Show the location of and explain to your counselor the identification number (if applicable), series, brand name (if any),and any special identification marks.

Requirement 6

Discuss with your counselor the plans you have to continue with the collection in the future.

Requirement 7

Discuss with your counselor why and how collecting has changed and how this applies to your collection.

Requirement 8

Find out about career opportunities in collecting. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.

External links

• Collections Merit Badge with Workbook PDF, current requirements, and resources.