To our Scouting Community:
Scouting America announced today (02/27/2026) an agreement with the Department of War finalized a commitment to strengthen our longstanding partnership with the U.S. military.
As part of Scouting America’s commitment to the agreement, we will be discontinuing the Citizenship in Society merit badge, effective today. It is important to note that the lessons found in this merit badge are found throughout the Scouting program. Scouting has always taught respect for others, leadership, and consideration of diverse perspectives through the ideals enshrined in the Scout Oath and Law. Scouting America’s mission remains unchanged and is reinforced across our advancement, leadership development, and outdoor experiences.
For additional details, please see this update: Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Discontinuance | Scouting America
This merit badge is no longer required for advancement and may not be started after today. As described in the update, Council & District Advancement Chairs as well as Council Registrars (Eagle Scout app processors) will be able to count the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge towards Eagle Scout for those Life Scouts who have already started the merit badge, have completed at least one of the requirements for the merit badge before today, and will have completed all of the requirements of the merit badge before 12/31/2026. This has been standard practice for Eagle requirements and other advancement changes in the past.
Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to delivering a strong Scouting program for our youth.
