Merit Badges
Merit Badges Offered by the Troop
The list of merit badges currently offered by the troop is available.  If you're interested in any of these merit badges, contact the Troop Merit Badge Coordinator. 
A complete list of all merit badges and requirements is available on-line.  The troop library also has a large collection of merit badge booklets that can be used for free.  Contact the Merit Badge Book Librarian to check if the merit badge booklet you want is available, or to contribute your used book for others.

Blue Cards
Merit badge blue cards are used to record completion of requirements for merit badges.  A scout must request a blank blue card from the Scoutmaster.  The scout then completes the requirements under the mentoring of a Merit Badge Counselor, who records the completed requirements and signs the blue card.  The scout then gives the blue card to the scoutmaster.  The Advancement Coordinator tracks the achievement and prepares the Court of Honor at which the merit badge is awarded to the Scout.

Official Records
While the troop and council keep records of each Scout’s achievement and advancement, there is only one official record of advancement; each boy’s Scout handbook. For merit badges, only the merit badge blue cards and advancement award cards serve as the official record. When applying for Eagle, the records that are accepted are the handbook and cards. Please take care of the book and cards!  (Tip: Get a three-ring binder with baseball card pocket inserts. The card inserts make excellent holders for blue cards and advancement cards.)

Rank Advancement
All boys are encouraged to regularly advance in rank and to earn merit badges.  Steady progress of one rank per year allows scouts the opportunity to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Once a boy has completed the requirements for a rank, he must schedule a Scoutmaster's Conference with the Scoutmaster and go through a Board of Review.  After successfully completing both, the Advancement Coordinator schedules the award of the rank for the next Court of Honor.

Scout Badge

This is the initial status of a scout after he is registered with the troop and has submitted all required paperwork and demonstrated some basic knowledge about Boy Scouts.

Tenderfoot through First Class
Upon joining Boy Scouts, boys work on the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. These ranks focus on Scouting skills - the outdoors, physical fitness, citizenship, patrol/troop participation, and personal development. After completing these ranks, a Scout should be adept at participating in all of the activities in the Boy Scout program, literally a First Class Scout.  During this phase, requirements for all three ranks may be worked on at the same time.
All boys are encouraged through the process of becoming a Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Scout.  For example, when new scouts "cross over" from a Cub Scout pack, they are assigned a patrol guide who teaches and reviews all of the things necessary to earn Tenderfoot using the New Scout Orientation Guide.  In addition, during a boy's first summer camp the troop schedules time and programs necessary to earn Tenderfoot.

It is important to note that the requirements for Tenderfoot through First Class changed on January 1, 2008.  Details of the new requirements are in new handbooks or can be read on-line.  If you have an old handbook, print the page containing the additional requirements. Your sign-offs must include the new requirements for any rank earned after January 1, 2008.

Star, Life and Eagle Scout
During the second phase, Scouts work on the Star Scout, Life Scout, and Eagle Scout ranks. These ranks are worked on one at a time and must be earned in order. Here the focus of advancement switches from Scouting skills to personal development and community service. Merit badges are an integral part of this part or rank advancement.
After earning the Eagle Scout award, a Scout still has the opportunity for advancement recognition by earning Eagle Palms.

Participation Policy
The troop has a participation policy for rank advancement.  There is additional information on the Parents page.

Community Service Projects
Community service projects are required for 2nd Class, Star, Life, and Eagle rank advancement.  Projects are listed on the Service Projects page

Year Round Camper
Most scouts earn the Year Round Camper patch offered through the Connecticut Yankee Council, which requires 12 consecutive months of camping overnight and making meals outdoors.  A copy of the 2007-2008 camping calendar is available if you need it to complete your award application

Deadlines
Documentation of advancement must be submitted to the Advancement Chairman no later than the meeting before the Court of Honor.

Hornaday Medal
Troop 42 is unique in the Northeast— one of the few to earn the Hornaday Medal as a troop.

Religious Awards
Religious awards can be earned at a variety of levels and a number of faiths.  Contact the Troop Chaplain or check the links page for more information.

Knot Craft
Scouts earn cords of different colors when they have mastered knots described in the Troop 42 Knot Craft booklet.