Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

Citizenship in the Community and the Trail to Eagle

Citizenship in the Community is one of the 13 Eagle-required merit badges. There is no substitute for it. Every scout who earns Eagle must complete Citizenship in the Community, along with the other 12 required badges and 8 electives, for 21 merit badges in total. See the full breakdown in our Eagle Scout requirements guide.

Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 7 main requirements for Citizenship in the Community. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1
Discuss with your counselor what citizenship in the community means and what it takes to be a good citizen in your community.
2
On a map of your community, locate key government buildings, fire station, police station, schools, hospital, supermarkets, places of worship, library, and nearest Scouting facility. Chart the organization of your local or state government.
3
Attend a meeting of your city, town, or county council or board; OR attend a meeting of your school board.
4
Choose an issue that is important to residents of your community. Find out the different sides of this issue.
5
With the approval of your counselor, choose a charitable organization outside of Scouting that serves your community.
6
With your counselor's and your parent's or guardian's approval, plan and carry out a project that benefits the community.
7
Identify three charitable organizations outside of Scouting that interest you. Identify an issue in your community that you believe needs to be addressed.

Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.

How to Earn the Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

1. Get a blue card and a counselor

Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Citizenship in the Community, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.

2. Plan around the setting

Citizenship in the Community is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.

3. Budget the time

Expect about 2 months for a challenging badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.

4. Track every requirement

Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 7 Citizenship in the Community requirements for you.

Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge FAQ

Is the Citizenship in the Community merit badge required for Eagle Scout?

Yes. Citizenship in the Community is one of the 13 Eagle-required merit badges every Eagle Scout must earn.

How long does the Citizenship in the Community merit badge take?

Most scouts finish Citizenship in the Community in about 2 months, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.

Where do scouts usually earn the Citizenship in the Community merit badge?

Citizenship in the Community is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Citizenship in the Community can sign off requirements.