Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why put pamphlets online?

  1. Troops attempting to maintain their own library must annually update their collection, often with multiple pamphlets per badge. This can be very expensive. Some recommend stretching the purchases out over time, but $50 of pamphlets is the same purchased at once or across the whole year.
  2. Troops may not have enough copies of a particular badge for the number of Scouts.
  3. There are many Scouts who simply can't afford to purchase pamphlets. To say it's only $3.50 is wrong.
  4. Many public library systems do not maintain their own collection or the library is too far away.
  5. There are no local Scout shops or other authorized distributers.
  6. There are no up to date pamphlets locally available.

 

Q: Should troops get rid of their collections?

A: Absolutely not. There are many reasons to maintain a library. What we hope to do is provide an additional service to troops, especially when multiple copies are required. Having a printed copy of the pamphlet saves the troop from having pamphlets destroyed, damaged, dogeared or written on.

 

Q: Doesn't BSA make money on merit badge pamphlets?

A: The inside cover of pamphlets hold this statement: "This merit badge pamphlet is one in a series of more than 100 covering all kinds of hobbies and career subjects. It is made available for you to buy as a service of the national and local councils, Boy Scouts of America. The costs of the development, writing, and editing of the merit badge pamphlets are paid for by the Boy Scouts of America in order to bring you the best book at a reasonable price." (italics added)

Pamphlets don't earn BSA a profit -- they are subsidized so you only pay for the price of printing and distribution.

 

Q: Does BSA have them online?

A: Not at this time. We would love it if they did. Besides saving BSA millions in printing and distribution costs, it would make all badges available to troops and Scouts, regardless of location or money.

 

Q: Aren't they copyrighted?

A: BSA allows free copy of all their copyrighted materials. We want to be clear that we are not trying to sell pamphlets, as that would violate the copyright. We accept optional donations to help us recoup the cost of purchasing pamphlets and maintaining this site.

 

Q: Isn't this costing you money?

A: Yes. We are purchasing the pamphlets ourselves as a service that hopefully many will benefit from. We would very much appreciate your donations. We also accept contributions of scanned pamphlets.

 

Q: If I make a donation, it is tax-deductible?

A: No, we are not an organization with 501(c)(3) status or anything. Just fellow Scouters.

 

Q: I submitted a pamphlet and it's not up there. Where is it?

A: Please be patient. This isn't our day job. :)

 

Q: How do I contact you via email?

A: