A program update from Scouting America affects the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge, which has officially been discontinued effective February 27, 2026.
Beginning on that date, Scouts are no longer able to start requirements for the merit badge. However, Scouts who had already begun work and completed at least one requirement before the discontinuance date will have the remainder of 2026 to finish the badge. If completed by December 31, 2026, the merit badge may still count toward the rank of Eagle Scout. This transition period follows the standard practice used for past changes to Eagle Scout requirements.
With this update, the rank of Eagle Scout will now include 13 required merit badges instead of 14. The remaining Eagle-required badges stay unchanged. Scouts will now earn 8 elective merit badges instead of 7, keeping the overall Eagle Scout requirement at 21 total merit badges.
Council and district advancement leaders, along with council registrars who process Eagle Scout applications, will continue to verify and approve cases where Scouts began Citizenship in Society prior to the discontinuance date and complete the badge within the 2026 grace period.
Leaders, Scouts, and families can review the full details and official guidance on the Scouting America program updates page.
