 Collections
This Merit Badge requires 1 session to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the Collections merit badge are: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
Collections Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
1. |
Prepare a short written report or outline for
your counselor, giving a detailed description of
your collection, including a short history, why
you enjoy your collection, and what you have
learned from collecting. Be sure to include why
you chose that particular type of collection/
collecting method. Stamp and coin collecting are
excluded from eligibility for this merit badge. |
2. |
Explain the growth and development of your collection. |
3. |
Demonstrate your knowledge of preserving and
displaying your collection. |
| a. |
Explain the precautions you need to take to preserve
your collection, including |
| 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. |
| d. |
Explain to your counselor how you keep track of
your collection. Describe your cataloging method. |
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 if you
decided to sell all or part of the collection |
| a. |
Discuss with your counselor at least 10 terms
commonly used to describe 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 the monetary value of your collection and
where you learned about those values. |
| 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(s)
related to or associated with your collection. |
| f. |
Explain to your counselor the purpose of and reason
for the identification number (if applicable),
series, brand name (if any), and any other special
identification marks. |
6. |
Discuss with your counselor the plans you have to
continue with the collection in the future. |
7. |
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. |
* Stamp and coin collecting are excluded from
eligibility for this merit badge.
* Bring in your collection to show your counselor. |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2026"
Download the workbook for the
Collections Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
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