Stamp Collecting Merit Badge
Eight requirements, with the ten examples of requirement 3 drawn as steps, requirement 5 (at least three of seven tools) and requirement 7 (two of six activities) drawn as multiple-choice questions, and requirement 8 (one of five collections) drawn as a question. The 30-day mail collection in 8(e) carries a deadline notice and needs the types listed in requirement 3.
9 steps (34 parts inside them). 18 parts depend on questions you have not answered yet. · Version 1, published 8 October 2026 · About Stamp Collecting Merit Badge
No questions answered
This is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering the 3 questions at the address above takes out the parts that are not for you.
Which of this applies to you
You have not answered anything yet, so this is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering 3 short questions will take out the parts that are not for you.
Your progress
39 steps can be started now; 2 are waiting on something else.
Clear ticksYour ticks are kept in this browser, so they will still be here next time. They are in the address as well, so a link to this page carries them to another device.
The steps
Stage 1 of 9
1 step
Stage 2 of 9
1 step
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2. Topical collecting, and three other types of collection Requirement
Define topical stamp collecting. Name and describe three other types of stamp collections.
Stage 3 of 9
1 step
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3. Show an example of each of ten kinds Requirement
At least ONE example of each of (a) to (j).
10 parts, 1 ticked
Stage 4 of 9
1 step
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4. Catalogs, condition and value Requirement
Two parts.
2 parts
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4(b). What condition means, with examples Often forgotten
Stage 5 of 9
1 step
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5. Collector's tools. Demonstrate at least THREE Requirement
The badge states the choice: at least three of seven tools.
7 parts
Stage 6 of 9
1 step
Stage 7 of 9
1 step
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7. Stamp activities. Do TWO Requirement
The badge states the choice: two of six things to design, visit, review, research, describe or display.
6 parts, 1 ticked
Stage 8 of 9
1 step
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8. Mount and show a collection in an album. Do ONE Requirement
In a purchased or homemade album. The badge states the choice: one of five collections.
5 parts
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8(e). Postal items from your own mail, over 30 days Optional May not apply Often forgotten Usually comes after 3. Show an example of each of ten kinds. Thirty days of watching your mail. It cannot be hurried, so start as soon as you choose this route, and keep what arrives. The collection must include at least five different types listed in requirement 3.
Stage 9 of 9
1 step
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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. What stamps teach, and the U.S. postal system, 2. Topical collecting, and three other types of collection and 6 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.
This plan is a planning aid: the current Boy Scouts of America publication is always the authority, and the sources used here are listed in full. Each step names its own.