Merit badges refers to awards earned by youth members of Scouting Ireland, the Irish national Scout organisation, based on activities within an area of study by completing a list of periodically updated requirements. These are different to Attainment badges, also awards earned by youth members of Scouting Ireland, based on activities in 14 different areas of outdoor activities.
Merit badges are a universal award for achievement wihin the Scouting movement. The purpose of the merit badge programme is to allow Scouts to examine subjects to determine if they would like to further pursue them as a career or as a vocation. Originally, the programme also introduced Scouts to the life skills of contacting an adult they hadn't met before, arranging a meeting and then demonstrating their skills, similar to a job or college interview. Increasingly, though, merit badges are earned in a class setting at troop meetings and summer camps.
Many of the badges are more advanced versions of Cub Scout (Macaoimh) badges.
| Name | Section | Further reading |
|---|---|---|
| Map-maker | Scoutcraft | Cartography |
| Pioneering | Scoutcraft | Pioneering |
| Signalling | Scoutcraft | Signalling |
| Camper | Camping | Camping |
| Camp Chef | Camping | Camping |
| Campfire Leader | Camping | Campfire |
| Quartermaster | Camping | Quartermaster |
| Camp Leader | Camping | |
| Hiker | Adventure | Hiking |
| Hike Leader | Adventure | |
| Hill Walker | Adventure | |
| Orienteer | Physical Ability | Orienteering |
| Cyclist | Physical Ability | Cycling |
| Athlete | Physical Ability | Athletics |
| Sports | Physical Ability | Sport |
| Self Defence | Physical Ability | Self Defence |
| Electrician | Electronics | |
| Electronics | Electronics | |
| Radio | Electronics | |
| Computer Applications | Electronics | |
| Computer Programmer | Electronics | |
| Computer Skills | Electronics | |
| Car Mechanic | Skills | |
| Home Manager | Skills | |
| Metal Worker | Skills | |
| Woodworker | Skills | |
| Woodcarver | Skills | |
| Bookbinder | Crafts | |
| Artist | Crafts | |
| Printer | Crafts | |
| Photographer | Crafts | |
| Basketry | Crafts | |
| Leathercraft | Crafts | |
| Collector | Crafts | |
| Equestrian | Nature | |
| Sea Fishing | Nature | |
| Pet Keeper | Nature | |
| Gardener | Nature | |
| Angler | Nature | |
| Archaeologist | Natural Sciences | |
| Geologist | Natural Sciences | |
| Farmer | Natural Sciences | |
| Naturalist | Faith and Environment | |
| Observer | Faith and Environment | |
| Forester | Faith and Environment | |
| Civics | Faith and Environment | |
| Scripture | Faith and Environment | |
| Faith | Faith and Environment | |
| Bell ringer | Entertainment | |
| Bugler | Entertainment | |
| Musician | Entertainment | |
| Entertainer | Entertainment | |
| Irish Dancer | Entertainment | |
| Fire Safety | Public Service | |
| Emergency | Public Service | |
| Guide | Public Service | |
| Interpreter | Public Service | |
| Life Saver | Public Service | |
| Advanced Life Saver | Public Service | |
| Home Maintenance | Public Service | |
| Public Health | Public Service | |
| Public Speaking | Public Service | |
| Consumer | Public Service | |
| Secretary | Public Service | |
| Librarian | Public Service | |
| Social Awareness | Social awareness | |
| World Friendship | Social awareness | |
| Conservation | Social awareness | |
| Gaeilge | Languages | Gaeilge |
Famous quotes containing the words merit and/or badge:
“What I shall have to say here is neither difficult nor contentious; the only merit I should like to claim for it is that of being true, at least in parts.”
—J.L. (John Langshaw)
“Signor Antonio, many a time and oft
In the Rialto you have rated me
About my moneys and my usances.
Still have I borne it with a patient shrug,
For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe.
You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog,
And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine,
And all for use of that which is mine own.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)