Requirement

6. At least four hours of service. Do ONE

Required Often forgotten

With your counselor's and parent or guardian's permission. The badge states the choice of five activities. Discuss your participation with your counselor.

Deadline. Get your counselor's and your parent or guardian's permission for the activity first, then give it at least four hours. The hospital, library or group you serve sets when you can come, so arrange it early. The requirement ends with discussing your participation with your counselor.

What this is made of

6(a). Read to a sick, blind or homebound person
6(b). Volunteer at your school library or a public library
6(c). Read stories to younger children
6(d). Organize a book swap
6(e). Organize a book drive and donate the books

Where this step comes from

Reading Merit Badge Requirements (Merit Badge Hub, last modified 2025-12-31), Requirement 6 · States "choose ONE of the following activities" and at least four hours of service, with your counselor's and parent or guardian's permission.

Notes and warnings

What this is made of

Where this step comes from