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Edition 2026Active Merit Badge
Signs Signals and Codes
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Signs, Signals, and Codes covers communication methods that transcend spoken words. You will learn international emergency signals, semaphore flags, Morse code, American Sign Language, and Braille. Requirement 7 takes it to the trail, where you lay out a track using trail markers, track signs, and cryptic blazes for others to follow.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Morse Code, Sound & Light Signaling
- American Sign Language (ASL) Communication
- Semaphore & International Maritime Flags
- Trail Blazes, Ciphers & Cryptography
6Printable Pages
10Requirements
2026Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Signs Signals and Codes Requirements
Every requirement for the Signs Signals and Codes merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
1Why Signs, Signals, and Codes Matter
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.
2Signaling in Emergencies
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.
3Morse Code and American Sign Language
Do the following:
- 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.
- 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.
4Semaphore
Do the following:
- a Give your counselor a brief explanation about semaphore, why it is used, how it is used, and where it is used.
- b Explain to your counselor the difference between semaphore flags and nautical flags.
- c After 4(a) and 4(b) have been completed, do the following:
5Braille
Explain the braille reading technique and how it helps individuals with sight impairment to communicate. Then do the following:
- 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.
- b Create a message in braille at least six words long, and share this with your counselor.
6Sound and Silent Scout Signals
Do the following:
- 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.
- 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.
7Lay a Trail to Follow
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.
8Hand Signals in Everyday Activities
For THREE of the following activities, demonstrate five signals each. Tell what the signals mean and why they are used:
- a Sports official's hand signs/signals
- b Heavy-equipment operator's hand signals
- c Aircraft carrier catapult crew signals
- d Cyclist's hand signals
- e An activity selected by you and your counselor
9Symbols, Signs, and Map Legends
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:
- a Show examples of 10 traffic signs and explain their meaning.
- 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.
- 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.
10Cryptography and Your Own Code
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.
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Signs Signals and Codes requirements in 2026. 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/signs-signals-and-codes/ 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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