Energy and the Trail to Eagle
Energy 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.
Energy Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 6 main requirements for Energy. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Find an article about an energy-related topic. Discuss the article with your counselor.
- b.Discuss with your counselor the importance of energy conservation.
- 2
Explain what energy is. List 10 different forms of energy.
- 3
Explain how energy can be converted from one form to another. Give five examples.
- 4
Discuss with your counselor the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources.
- 5
Conduct an energy audit of your home or a building near you.
- 6
Find out about three career opportunities in the energy industry.
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 Energy Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Energy, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Energy 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 a month for a moderate 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 8 Energy requirements for you.
Energy Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Energy merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Energy 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 Energy merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Energy in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Energy merit badge?
Energy is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Energy can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Energy merit badge have?
Energy has 6 main requirements with 2 sub-requirements, for 8 items in total.
