Earning your first few merit badges as a Scout can be both exciting and overwhelming. With over 135 merit badges to choose from, it’s easy to wonder: Which ones should I start with?
In this guide, we’ll break down the best merit badges for first-year Scouts — badges that are fun, achievable, and great for building confidence as you begin your Scouting journey.
What Makes a Good First-Year Merit Badge?
Not all merit badges are created equal — especially for new Scouts. The best early merit badges typically:
- Don’t require a lot of advanced skills
- Can be completed in a troop setting or at home
- Involve hands-on activities instead of long reports
- Are taught frequently at summer camps and troop events
Pro tip: Start with badges that line up with your hobbies or school subjects. You’ll stay motivated and enjoy the process more.
Top Merit Badges for New Scouts
Here are the top beginner-friendly badges for Scouts in their first year:
1. First Aid
- Why it’s great: Teaches essential safety skills, often required for rank advancement.
- Pro tip: Earn this alongside your First Class rank first aid requirements.
2. Cooking
- Why it’s great: Every Scout eats—so why not learn to cook? Combines home and camp meal prep.
- Pro tip: Start with the home cooking requirements to build momentum.
3. Swimming
- Why it’s great: A core life skill and required for Eagle (if chosen).
- Pro tip: Many summer camps offer this badge with instructors on hand.
4. Camping
- Why it’s great: Reinforces Scout skills like setting up tents, packing, and camp safety.
- Pro tip: You’ll likely complete parts of this badge naturally just by going on campouts.
5. Environmental Science or Sustainability
- Why it’s great: Fulfills Eagle requirements and introduces Scouts to conservation.
- Pro tip: Choose the one that better fits your interests — both count for Eagle.
6. Nature
- Why it’s great: Encourages observation and learning in the outdoors.
- Pro tip: You can earn parts of this badge just by going on a hike and keeping a notebook.
7. Citizenship in the Community
- Why it’s great: Helps Scouts connect with their local town and government.
- Pro tip: Pair this with a troop service project to knock out multiple requirements.
8. Art
- Why it’s great: Great for creative Scouts and an easy badge to earn at home.
- Pro tip: This is often available at merit badge clinics or virtual classes.
9. Chess
- Why it’s great: A fun, accessible badge that builds problem-solving skills.
- Pro tip: Many troops already have chess boards—host a mini tournament!
10. Fingerprinting
- Why it’s great: Super quick—many Scouts complete it in under an hour.
- Pro tip: Keep an eye out for this one at local merit badge fairs.
Tips for Picking the Right Merit Badge
- Start with fun, manageable badges before tackling harder ones like Personal Management or Family Life.
- Ask older Scouts or your Scoutmaster for suggestions.
- Don’t rush — merit badges are meant to be learned, not just checked off.
- Pair with rank advancement — some badge requirements overlap with Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks.
Bonus: Merit Badges That Are Great but Better for Later
- Personal Management – Very helpful, but better with some maturity
- Citizenship in the Nation/World – Excellent Eagle-required badges, but research-heavy
- Family Life – Easy to delay; long timelines involved
- Emergency Preparedness – Requires First Aid as a prerequisite
Final Thoughts
Your first year in Scouts is all about learning new skills, having fun, and building confidence. The merit badges above are perfect for first-year Scouts who want to start strong. Whether you’re earning them at summer camp, during troop meetings, or at home, these badges will help lay the foundation for your future success — all the way to Eagle Scout.
