 Communications 
This Merit Badge requires 2 sessions to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the Communications merit badge are: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
Communications Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
1. |
Do ONE of the following: |
| a. |
For one day, keep a log in which you describe
your communication activities. Keep track of the
time and different ways you spend communicating,
such as talking person-to-person, listening to
teachers, listening to the radio or podcasts,
watching television, using social media, reading
books and other print media, and using any
electronic communication device. Discuss with
your counselor what your log reveals about the
importance of communication in your life. Think
of ways to improve your communication skills. |
| b. |
For three days, keep a journal of your listening
experiences. Identify one example of each of the
following, and discuss with your counselor when
you have listened to: |
| 3. |
Appreciate or enjoy something |
| 4. |
Understand someone’s feelings |
| c. |
In a small-group setting, meet with other Scouts
or with friends. Have them share personal
stories about significant events in their lives
that affected them in some way. Take note of how
each Scout participates in the group discussion
and how effectively each Scout communicates
their story. Report what you have learned to
your counselor about the differences you
observed in effective communication. |
| d. |
List as many ways as you can think of to
communicate with others (face-to-face, by
telephone, letter, email, text messages, social
media, and so on). For each type of
communication, discuss with your counselor an
instance when that method might not be
appropriate or effective. |
2. |
Do ONE of the following: |
| a. |
Think of a creative way to describe yourself
using, for example, a collage, short story or
autobiography, drawing or series of photographs,
or a song or skit. Using the aid you created, make
a presentation to your counselor about yourself. |
| b. |
Choose a concept, product, or service in which
you have great confidence. Build a sales plan
based on its good points. Try to persuade the
counselor to agree with, use, or buy your
concept, product, or service. After your sales
talk, discuss with your counselor how persuasive
you were. |
3. |
Write a five-minute speech. Give it at a meeting
of a group. |
4. |
Interview someone you know fairly well, like, or
respect because of his or her position, talent,
career, or life experiences. Listen actively to
learn as much as you can about the person. Then
prepare and deliver to your counselor an
introduction of the person as though this person
were to be a guest speaker, and include reasons
why the audience would want to hear this person
speak. Show how you would call to invite this
person to speak. |
5. |
Attend a public meeting (city council, school
board, debate) approved by your counselor where
several points of view are given on a single
issue. Practice active listening skills and take
careful notes of each point of view. Prepare an
objective report that includes all points of
view that were expressed, and share this with
your counselor. |
6. |
With your counselor’s approval, develop a plan to
teach a skill or inform someone about something.
Prepare teaching aids for your plan. Carry out
your plan. With your counselor, determine whether
the person has learned what you intended. |
7. |
Do ONE of the following: |
| a. |
Write to the editor of a magazine or your local
newspaper to express your opinion or share
information on any subject you choose. Send your
message by fax, email, or regular mail. |
| b. |
Create a webpage or blog of special interest to
you (for instance, your troop or crew, a hobby,
or a sport). Include at least three articles or
entries and one photograph or illustration, and
one link to some other webpage or blog that
would be helpful to someone who visits the
webpage or blog you have created. It is not
necessary to post your webpage or blog to the
internet, but if you decide to do so, you must
first share it with your parents and counselor
and get their permission. |
| c. |
Use desktop publishing to produce a newsletter,
brochure, flier, or other printed material for
your troop or crew, class at school, or other
group. Include at least one article and one
photograph or illustration. |
8. |
Plan a troop or crew court of honor, campfire
program, or interfaith worship service. Have the
patrol leaders’ council approve it, then write the
script and prepare the program. Serve as master of
ceremonies. |
9. |
Find out about three career opportunities in
communication. 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. |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2025"
Download the workbook for the
Communications Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
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