Pottery and the Trail to Eagle
Pottery 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.
Pottery Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 8 main requirements for Pottery. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Explain the precautions for the safe use and operation of a potter's tools, equipment, and other materials.
- 2
Do the following:
- a.Explain the properties and ingredients of a good clay body.
- b.Tell how three different kinds of potter's wheels work.
- 3
Make two drawings of pottery forms, each on an 8.5-by-11-inch sheet of paper.
- 4
Explain the meaning of pottery terms.
- 5
Do the following: Make a slab pot, a coil pot, a pinch pot, a human or animal figurine, and throw a functional form on a potter's wheel.
- 6
Explain the scope of the ceramic industry in the United States.
- 7
With your parent or guardian's permission and your counselor's approval, do ONE of the following: visit a kiln yard, visit a museum, or learn about the cultural importance of pottery.
- 8
Find out about career opportunities in pottery.
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 Pottery Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Pottery, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Pottery is usually earned summer camp or outdoor event. Summer camp and merit badge weekends are the most common places to finish it.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 2 weeks 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 10 Pottery requirements for you.
Pottery Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Pottery merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Pottery 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 Pottery merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Pottery in about 2 weeks, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Pottery merit badge?
Pottery is most often earned summer camp or outdoor event. Any registered merit badge counselor for Pottery can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Pottery merit badge have?
Pottery has 8 main requirements with 2 sub-requirements, for 10 items in total.
