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Edition 2026Active Merit Badge
Bugling
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Bugling is one of Scouting’s oldest traditions, giving voice to the daily rhythm of camp life from Reveille to Taps. You will learn the history and acoustic physics of the instrument, compose an original call for your unit, master and sound 10 official calls, and serve as your troop's bugler for three months.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Bugle History & Brass Maintenance
- Embouchure & Playing Technique
- Official Military & Scout Bugle Calls
- Ceremonial Troop Performance
6Printable Pages
6Requirements
2020Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Bugling Requirements
Every requirement for the Bugling merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
1History of the Bugle
Give a brief history of the bugle.
2Acoustics and Original Composition
Do the following:
- a Explain and demonstrate how the bugle makes sound, and explain how the bugle is related to other brass wind instruments.
- b Compose a bugle call for your troop or patrol to signal a common group activity, such as assembling for mealtime or striking a campsite. Play the call that you have composed before your unit or patrol.
3Sounding 10 Bugle Calls
Sound 10 of the following bugle calls: "First Call," "Reveille," "Assembly," "Mess," "Drill," "Fatigue," "Officers," "Recall," "Church," "Swimming," "Fire," "Retreat," "To the Colors," "Call to Quarters," and "Taps."
4Purpose and Timing of Calls
Explain when each of the calls in requirement 3 is used.
5Care and Maintenance
Explain how to care for, clean, and maintain a bugle.
6Troop Bugler Service
Serve as bugler in your troop for three months.
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Bugling requirements in 2020. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.
Verbatim Fidelity & Verification
This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/bugling/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.
Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.
Spotted a discrepancy on this sheet? Tell us and we will re-check it against the official requirements.
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