Collections and the Trail to Eagle
Collections is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Collections Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 4 main requirements for Collections. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Prepare a short written report giving a brief history of the collecting hobby.
- 2
Explain how to properly preserve, display, and store items in your collection.
- 3
Collect and mount 10 items in a collection related to a topic approved by your counselor.
- 4
Show your collection at an exhibit or present it to a group.
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 Collections Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Collections, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Collections 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 6 weeks for a easy 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 4 Collections requirements for you.
Collections Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Collections merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Collections is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Collections merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Collections in about 6 weeks, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Collections merit badge?
Collections is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Collections can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Collections merit badge have?
Collections has 4 main requirements, for 4 items in total.
