During the week-long experience at Boys State, Scouts will have the opportunity to work on seven merit badges. These badges, several of which are required for achievement of the Eagle Scout rank, will be offered under the supervision of individuals who are counselors of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, as well as past and current registered adult leaders in the Scouts BSA program. To augment the merit badge process, Delegates/Scouts will benefit from the tutelage of subject matter experts in the field of communications, education, public service, government, and the legal profession.

The badges that can be complete in whole or in part are:

• American Heritage
• Citizenship in Community
• Citizenship in Nation
• Citizenship in Society
• Communications
• Law
• Public Speaking 

The merit badges will only be offered to Scouts who are also registered delegates of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas. Scouts will be provided with a link from Boys State to register for the merit badges before arriving at the session in Manhattan. Staff at Boys State will provide Blue Cards for documentation of progress on the badges, as well as any materials necessary for completion of the badges. However, Scouts/Delegates are encouraged to bring notebooks or other means to document what they learn during their Boys State experience and merit badge classes.

At the conclusion of the weeklong Boys State session, Scouts/Delegates will receive documentation of the work they have completed toward achieving the merit badges. It is possible that additional work for some requirements will be necessary upon return to their Troops.