How a Blue Card Works

 

 

  1. The scout informs the scoutmaster that he wants to work on a particular merit badge.
    If the scoutmaster approves, he will give the scout an Application for Merit Badge a.k.a. "blue card."
    There are three parts to the blue card. The scout fills in his personal information on all sections.
    The scoutmaster signs where it says "unit leader" on the section titled "Application for Merit Badge."
    He does NOT yet sign the section titled "Applicant's Record." That will happen at the end of the process.

  2. The scout takes the signed blue card to the merit badge counselor.
    The merit bade counselor should not start working with the scout until the scout brings a signed blue card, showing the scoutmaster's approval.

  3. The counselor holds the blue card until he is finished working with the scout.

    SCENARIO 1: All requirements were completed.
  4. On the section titled "Counselor's Record," the counselor fills in the date completed and retains that section for his records.
    On the section titled "Applicant's Record," the counselor signs where indicated.
    On the back of that section, the counselor writes "All Requirements Completed" diagonally if the scout did all the requirements with one counselor.
    On the backside of the section titled "Application for Merit Badge," the counselor fills in his personal information and signs where indicated.

  5. The scout takes the two remaining sections to the scoutmaster.
    The scoutmaster signs the Applicant's Record, which the scout now retains.

  6. The scout takes the one remaining section titled "Application for Merit Badge" to the Advancement Coordinator.
    The merit badge is not completed until the scout gives the completed blue card to the Advancement Coordinator.

    OR SCENARIO 2: Not all requirements were finished when the scout stops working with this counselor.
  1. On the section titled "Applicant's Record," the counselor does NOT sign where indicated.
    On the back of that section, the counselor indicates which requirements were completed.

  2. The scout retains all sections of the blue card to give to the next counselor he works with on the badge.
    Don't lose it! Having no blue card is like the work never happened.