Signs, Signals, and Codes Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   Discuss with your counselor the importance of signs, signals, and codes, and why people need these different methods of communication. Briefly discuss the history and development of signs, signals, and codes.
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Explain the importance of signaling in emergency communications. Discuss with your counselor the types of emergency or distress signals one might use to attract airborne search-and-rescue personnel if lost in the outdoors or trying to summon assistance during a disaster. Illustrate these signaling examples by the use of photos or drawings.
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 3.a
      Describe what Morse code is and the various means by which it can be sent. Spell your first name using Morse code. Send or receive a message of six to 10 words using Morse code.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 3.b
      Describe what American Sign Language (ASL) is and how it is used today. Spell your first name using American Sign Language. Send or receive a message of six to 10 words using ASL.
4. # Copy link to requirement 4
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 4.a
      Give your counselor a brief explanation about semaphore, why it is used, how it is used, and where it is used.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 4.b
      Explain to your counselor the difference between semaphore flags and nautical flags.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 4.c
      After 4(a) and 4(b) have been completed, do the following:
      1. # Copy link to requirement 4.c.1
         Spell your first name using semaphore. Send or receive a message of six to 10 words using semaphore.
      2. # Copy link to requirement 4.c.2
         Using illustrations or photographs, identify 10 examples of nautical flags and discuss their importance.
5. # Copy link to requirement 5
   Explain the braille reading technique and how it helps individuals with sight impairment to communicate. Then do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 5.a
      Either by sight or by touch, identify the letters of the braille alphabet that spell your name. By sight or touch, decode a braille message at least six words long.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 5.b
      Create a message in braille at least six words long, and share this with your counselor.
6. # Copy link to requirement 6
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 6.a
      Describe to your counselor six sound-only signals that are in use today. Discuss the pros and cons of using sound signals versus other types of signals.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 6.b
      Demonstrate to your counselor six different silent Scout signals. Use these Scout signals to direct the movements and actions of your patrol or troop.
7. # Copy link to requirement 7
   On a Scout outing, lay out a trail for your patrol or troop to follow. Cover at least one mile in distance and use at least six different trail signs and markers. After the Scouts have completed the trail, follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code by replacing or returning trail markers to their original locations.
8. # Copy link to requirement 8
   For THREE of the following activities, demonstrate five signals each. Tell what the signals mean and why they are used:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 8.a
      Sports official’s hand signs/signals
   2. # Copy link to requirement 8.b
      Heavy-equipment operator’s hand signals
   3. # Copy link to requirement 8.c
      Aircraft carrier catapult crew signals
   4. # Copy link to requirement 8.d
      Cyclist’s hand signals
   5. # Copy link to requirement 8.e
      An activity selected by you and your counselor.
9. # Copy link to requirement 9
   Share with your counselor 10 examples of symbols used in everyday life. Design your own symbol. Share it with your counselor and explain what it means. Then do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 9.a
      Show examples of 10 traffic signs and explain their meaning.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 9.b
      Using a topographical map, explain what a map legend is and discuss its importance. Point out 10 map symbols and explain the meaning of each.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 9.c
      Discuss text-message symbols and why they are commonly used. Give examples of your favorite 10 text symbols or emoticons. Then see if your parent, guardian, or counselor can identify the meaning or usage of each symbol.
10. # Copy link to requirement 10
    Briefly discuss the history of secret code writing (cryptography). Make up your own secret code and write a message of up to 25 words using this code. Share the message with a friend or fellow Scout. Then share the message and code key with your counselor and discuss the effectiveness of your code.