# Teamwork Through Participation

Part of the Scholarship Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/scholarship/guide/index.md)

*4. Teamwork at School*

> **4.** Do ONE of the following:

This requirement focuses on teamwork in a school setting. You must complete exactly **one** option, and both ask you to do more than simply show up. They ask you to notice what participation taught you about working with other people.

## Your Options

- **[Req 4a — Join an Activity](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/scholarship/guide/req4a/)**: Use an extracurricular activity to show what you learned from participation and teamwork.
- **[Req 4b — Contribute to a Team Project](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/scholarship/guide/req4b/)**: Reflect on a team-based school project and explain the positive contribution you made.

## How to Choose

| Option | Best fit for | Evidence you can show | What you will gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Req 4a | A Scout involved in a club, sport, band, theater, robotics team, or similar activity | Your participation and examples from the activity | A clearer view of how ongoing involvement builds teamwork |
| Req 4b | A Scout who worked on a strong classroom or school project with others | A recent project and the role you played in it | Practice naming your contribution inside a team effort |

**What Both Options Have in Common** — These are the ideas your counselor will probably care about

- [ ] **Participation**: You were actually involved, not just listed on a roster.
- [ ] **Teamwork**: Other people depended on you in some way.
- [ ] **Benefits**: You can explain what the experience gave back to you.
- [ ] **Reflection**: You can describe what you learned, not just what happened.

> **Tip**
>
> Choose the option where you can tell the clearest story with real examples. A small but genuine contribution is stronger than a vague claim about being “part of the team.”

Teamwork is a major part of scholarship because school is full of shared work: labs, presentations, performances, practices, and projects. Learning how to contribute well is part of becoming a stronger student.

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- Previous: [Character, Leadership, and Service](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/scholarship/guide/req3/index.md)
- Next: [Join an Activity](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/scholarship/guide/req4a/index.md)