Requirements
1. Prepare a short written report or outline for your counselor,
giving a detailed description of your collection,* including a
short history. Be sure to include why you chose that particular
type of collecting and what you enjoy and have learned
from your collection.*
2. Explain the growth and development of your collection.
3. Demonstrate your knowledge of preserving and displaying
your collection.
a. Explain the precautions you need to take to preserve
your collection, including
(1) Handling
(2) Cleaning
(3) Storage
b. Explain how best to display your collection, keeping
in mind preserving as discussed above.
c. Explain to your counselor the events available
for a hobbyist of this collection, including shows,
seminars, conventions, contests, and museum
programs and exhibits.
4. Demonstrate your knowledge of collecting and investing.
Discuss with your counselor:
a. How investing and speculation would apply to
your collection
b. What you would look for in purchasing other
collections similar to yours
c. What you would expect in return value if you
decided to sell all or part of the collection
5. Do the following:
a. Discuss with your
counselor at least 10
terms commonly used
in your collection and
be prepared to discuss
the definition of each.
b. Show your counselor
any two groups from
your collection. Explain
how you organized
your collection and
why you chose that
method. (Note: If your
collection is too large to transport and your
counselor is unable to view your collection directly,
photographs should be available to share.)
c. Explain how your collection is valued by other
collectors, and display to your counselor any price
guides that may be available.
d. Explain how your collection is graded for value,
physical defects, size, and age. Show the various
classifications or ratings used in your collection.
e. List the national, state, or local association
responsive to your collection.
f. Show the location of and explain to your counselor
the identification number (if applicable), series,
brand name (if any), and any other special
identification marks.
6. Discuss with your counselor the plans you have to continue
with the collection in the future.
7. Discuss with your counselor why and how collecting has
changed and how this applies to your collection.
8. Find out about career opportunities in collecting. Pick one
and find out the education, training, and experience
required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor,
and explain why this profession might interest you.
*Stamp and coin collecting are excluded from eligibility for this merit badge.
Resources:
Scouting.org Merit Badges - Requirements
boyscouttrail.com Merit Badges