Collections Merit Badge Workbook
This Scoutmaster Bucky Merit Badge Workbook is based off the current Scouts BSA Requirements.
Type your work on this page or download the Collections Workbook PDF.
Consider also using the Collections merit badge class preparation page for clarification and expections when participating in a Scoutmaster Bucky merit badge opportunity (online or in-person).
Scout's Name:
Requirement 1: Prepare a short written report or outline for your counselor, giving a detailed description of your collection,* including a short history, why you enjoy your collection, and what you have learned from collecting. Be sure to include why you chose that particular type of collection/collecting method.
* <a href="/merit-badges/stamp-collecting/">Stamp</a> and <a href="/merit-badges/coin-collecting/">coin collecting</a> are excluded from eligibility for this merit badge.
Detailed description of your collection
Short history
Why you enjoy your collection
What you have learned from collecting
Why you chose that particular type of collection/collecting method
Requirement 2: Explain the growth and development of your collection.
Requirement 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of preserving and displaying your collection.
Requirement 3 a: Explain the precautions you need to take to preserve your collection, including
1. Handling
2. Cleaning
3. Storage
Requirement 3 b: Explain how best to display your collection, keeping in mind preserving as discussed above.
Requirement 3 c: Explain to your counselor the events available for a hobbyist of this collection, including shows, seminars, conventions, contests, and museum programs and exhibits.
Shows
Seminars
Conventions
Contests
Museum programs and exhibits
Requirement 3 d: Explain to your counselor how you keep track of your collection. Describe your cataloging method.
How you keep track of your collection
Describe your cataloging method
Requirement 4: Demonstrate your knowledge of collecting and investing. Discuss with your counselor:
Requirement 4 a: How investing and speculation would apply to your collection
Requirement 4 b: What you would look for in purchasing other collections similar to yours
Requirement 4 c: What you would expect in return value if you decided to sell all or part of the collection
Requirement 5: Do the following:
Requirement 5 a: Discuss with your counselor at least 10 terms commonly used to describe your collection and be prepared to discuss the definition of each.
Requirement 5 b: Show your counselor any two groups from your collection. Explain how you organized your collection and why you chose that method. (Note: If your collection is too large to transport and your counselor is unable to view your collection directly, photographs should be available to share.)
Requirement 5 c: Explain the monetary value of your collection and where you learned about those values.
Requirement 5 d: Explain how your collection is graded for value, physical defects, size, and age. Show the various classifications or ratings used in your collection.
Explain how your collection is graded for value, physical defect, size, and age
Various classifications or ratings used in your collection
Requirement 5 e: List the national, state, or local association(s) related to or associated with your collection.
Requirement 5 f: Explain to your counselor the purpose of and reason for the identification number (if applicable), series, brand name (if any), and any other special identification marks.
Requirement 6: Discuss with your counselor the plans you have to continue with the collection in the future.
Requirement 7: Find out about career opportunities in collecting. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.
Career opportunities in collecting
Education, training, and experience for one profession
