Meet Jacob from Troop 610
When Jacob set out on his journey in Scouting, he wasn’t chasing a number. He wasn’t even trying to stand out. What inspired his goal to earn all 142 merit badges was something far greater: the desire to discover what the world had to offer.
“What inspired me to earn every single merit badge isn’t just the goal to get every merit badge, but it’s the different life experiences these merit badges offer… they give me real life lessons and real jobs you can have.”
Now 16 years old, Jacob has already earned 106 merit badges, and he’s not slowing down. From whitewater rafting to fishing, from rifle shooting to citizenship, each badge has taught him something different—about life, leadership, and himself.
Not Just Camping: A World of Opportunity
Many people associate Scouting with tents and campfires. And while those are part of the experience, merit badges open the door to so much more. With topics ranging from personal fitness, law, and digital technology to public speaking, animation, and American business, the merit badge program is a deep dive into real-world skills and career exploration.
“The most meaningful merit badge I have obtained was probably one of the water sports ones, or fishing, because I go fishing around every month and I love canoeing, whitewater rafting, and kayaking. I just do these in my normal day life now because of Scouting.”
Inspiration in Action
Jacob’s drive has become contagious. At Troop 610’s Court of Honor, fellow Scouts are often seen comparing badge counts and asking Jacob how he earned certain badges. According to his Scoutmaster (and dad), Scott, “He’s inspired others to attend merit badge academies, and he’s become a teacher to the younger scouts—helping them learn skills and challenging them to grow.”
“What I would tell younger Scouts about starting a goal like this is it doesn’t come easy. You have to be persistent in how you do it. Start early if you can, because once you get further down along the road, it only gets more difficult because you only have less and less time to get it done.”
Scoutmaster Scott also emphasized how this goal has helped Jacob push past his comfort zone. “The neat thing is, I see him kind of being forced to get out of his comfort zone and do things he normally would not do. And some of them, he’s really finding out that he likes it—fishing, fly fishing—and now he loves fishing.”
It’s Not Easy. But It’s Worth It.
“It’s never too early to start this goal, because I didn’t start this goal until I was like 14 or 15, and now I’m getting a little pressured now that I’m 16 and going on 17 in July.”
Even the toughest badges have left their mark. For Jacob, Citizenship in the Community stood out as the most difficult.
“The original plan was to get that one on the front of the sash, so we can have all my Eagle-required badges on the front of the sash. But after that didn’t happen, we were like, [badge] 100 is right around the corner. Might as well make it that.”
A Troop that Grows Together
Jacob’s story has impacted more than just his own growth. His troopmates describe being challenged and inspired by his dedication:
- “He could have chosen anything like completing his Eagle rank as soon as possible, but instead he chose getting all the merit badges. That’s actually pretty hard.”
- “He shows up and shares his progress, and it makes me want to do more.”
- “My favorite adventures have been things I never thought I’d do—like ocean snorkeling at Sea Base. Scouting pushes us all.”
Other Scouts in Troop 610 are discovering their own passions—from skateboarding and backpacking to environmental science and leadership. The culture of curiosity and commitment that Jacob helped foster is shaping future Eagle Scouts one adventure at a time.
A Legacy in the Making
“This goal has changed me as a person. Not just like getting every merit badge, but it’s also inspired me to help other people get interested in collecting merit badges. Because when you have someone like me who’s got a lot of them, I can provide like real details on what they’re about, how I did them. And also doing all these helped me find real life things I enjoy doing, like fishing and kayaking and canoeing, whitewater rafting.”
Jacob’s father is no stranger to Scouting. A lifelong Scout himself, Scott grew up in the program, attended the 1981 National Jamboree, and advanced to the rank of Life Scout.
“Life for life,” he says with a smile.
“When Jacob gets his Eagle, it’ll feel like we both earned it.”
Scouting Builds More Than Campfires
Whether you’re into tech, trades, law, or leadership, Scouting has a path for you. Jacob’s story is a reminder that merit badges aren’t just awards—they’re windows into the future.
Ready to start your own journey? Explore all that Scouting offers beyond the woods: www.tampabayscouting.org/beascout
