Discontinued merit badges (Boy Scouts of America)

In the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), certain merit badges have been discontinued over the organization's history. These badges, once part of the program, are no longer offered and cannot be earned by Scouts. The reasons for discontinuing a merit badge vary, including changes in societal needs, advancements in technology, shifts in program focus, or overlap with other existing merit badges.

While no longer actively offered, discontinued merit badges represent a significant part of BSA history and provide insight into the evolving priorities and values of the organization. Some collectors and historians specialize in collecting and studying these badges and related memorabilia. Information regarding the requirements, design, and history of discontinued badges is often available in archival materials, older merit badge pamphlets, and through scouting historical societies.

A Scout who began working on a discontinued merit badge before its discontinuation date may, in some circumstances, be allowed to complete the requirements and earn the badge, subject to BSA policies at the time. The local council or advancement committee typically makes the final determination in these situations.

The specific list of discontinued merit badges changes over time as the BSA program evolves. Consulting official BSA historical records and reputable scouting resources is recommended for the most accurate and up-to-date information on discontinued badges.