What are the kinds of Boy Scout merit badges available?

There are over 130 different Boy Scout merit badges available in the areas of science, business, art, crafts, sports, trades and future careers. Once the merit badge is achieved, the scout sews the appropriate patch on his uniform sash.

Badges include a diverse range of subjects, including graphic arts, medicine, scuba diving, radio, chess, law, sculpture, welding and athletics. The first step in getting a new merit badge is contacting a Merit Badge Counselor and devising a trajectory to successfully achieve the badge. Each badge has different requirements that must be met in full before the badge is awarded to the scout.