Signs, Signals, and Codes Merit Badge

1. Why signs, signals and codes matter, and their history Requirement

Discuss with your counselor their importance and why people need these different methods of communication. Briefly discuss their history and development.

2. Emergency and distress signals Requirement

Explain the importance of signaling in emergency communications. Discuss signals to attract airborne search-and-rescue if lost outdoors or summoning help in a disaster, illustrated with photos or drawings.

3. Morse code and American Sign Language Requirement

Two parts, each with a message.

2 parts

• 3(a). Morse code
• 3(b). American Sign Language

4. Semaphore and nautical flags Requirement

Three parts; the third comes after the first two.

5 parts

• 4(a). Semaphore: why, how and where it is used
• 4(b). Semaphore flags and nautical flags
• 4(c). After 4(a) and 4(b): a semaphore message and nautical flags Usually comes after 4(a). Semaphore: why, how and where it is used and 4(b). Semaphore flags and nautical flags.
• 4(c)(1). Semaphore: your first name and a message
• 4(c)(2). Ten nautical flags

5. Braille Requirement

Explain the braille reading technique and how it helps individuals with sight impairment to communicate. Then two parts.

2 parts

• 5(a). Read braille: your name and a message
• 5(b). Create a braille message

6. Sound signals and silent Scout signals Requirement

Two parts.

2 parts

• 6(a). Six sound-only signals in use today
• 6(b). Six silent Scout signals, used with your patrol or troop Often forgotten

7. Lay out a trail of at least a mile on a Scout outing Often forgotten Requirement

For your patrol or troop to follow, with at least six different trail signs and markers. After the Scouts finish, follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code by replacing or returning the markers to their original locations.

8. Five signals each for THREE activities Requirement

Demonstrate them, and tell what they mean and why they are used. The badge states the choice: three of five activities.

5 parts

• 8(a). Sports official's hand signs or signals Optional May not apply
• 8(b). Heavy-equipment operator's hand signals Optional May not apply
• 8(c). Aircraft carrier catapult crew signals Optional May not apply
• 8(d). Cyclist's hand signals Optional May not apply
• 8(e). An activity selected by you and your counselor Optional May not apply

9. Symbols, and a symbol of your own Often forgotten Requirement

Share 10 examples of symbols used in everyday life. Design your own symbol, share it with your counselor and explain what it means. Then three parts.

3 parts

• 9(a). Ten traffic signs
• 9(b). A map legend and 10 map symbols
• 9(c). Ten text symbols or emoticons

10. Cryptography, and a secret code of your own Requirement

Briefly discuss its history. Make up a code and write a message of up to 25 words in it. Share the message with a friend or fellow Scout, then the message and code key with your counselor, and discuss how effective it is.

Counselor signs it off Milestone

The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.

Usually comes after 1. Why signs, signals and codes matter, and their history, 2. Emergency and distress signals and 8 others.

Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.