1. Explain to your counselor what the words genealogy, ancestor, and descendant mean.

Scouts will find using the merit badge pamphlet helpful, if not easiest, to prepare for this requirement. It is highly recommended that Scouts make notes to help prepare themselves for discussion during the class on this requirement.  It is not acceptable to try and wing-it or fake their way through answering this requirement and Scouts should be ready to show that they understand the meaning of these genealogical terms.

2. Do ONE of the following:

a. Create a time line for yourself or for a relative. Then write a short biography based on that time line.

b. Keep a journal for six weeks. You must write in it at least once a week.

This requirement will NOT be done in the class as this requirement is personal to the Scout and should be done ahead of time in preparation for the class.  Scouts having done the work for this requirement prior to the class will be given the opportunity to share their work with the counselor and other participants for consideration of being signed off on this requirement.  Be prepared.

3. With your parent's help, choose a relative or a family acquaintance you can interview in person, by telephone, or by email or letter. Record the information you collect so you do not forget it.

Scouts will need to do this requirement prior to the class for consideration of being signed off.  It is important to note that the requirement clearly states that the Scout must record the information they collect from the relative they interview.  Only Scouts who can show record of their findings will have the opportunity to be reviewed for sign off on this requirement during the class.  Just saying that you did the interview is not enough as the requirement states you must record your work.  It is strongly recommended that Scouts consider utilizing a merit badge workbook or other accessible media to help organize their notes and recording.

4. Do the following:

a. Name three types of genealogical resources and explain how these resources can help you chart your family tree.

Scouts will find reviewing the merit badge pamphlet will be their best resource for identifying genealogical resources and understanding how they can help in their genealogical work.  Scouts should be prepared to share at least three types of resources they could use and give explanation to their helpfulness.

b. Obtain at least one genealogical document that supports an event that is or can be recorded on your pedigree chart or family group record. The document could be found at home or at a government office, religious organization, archive, or library.

c. Tell how you would evaluate the genealogical information you found for requirement 4b.

Components b and c will be reviewed in the class for all Scouts who come to the class having done preparation work.  It is recommended that Scouts bring a copy (no originals please) of their selected document for use during the class.  Because this requirement is associated a Scout's personal pedigree chart or family group record, Scouts will need to be able to show one of these items as well.  Scouts will have some time during the class to create a pedigree or family group sheet but must come to the class minimally with the information needed to fill these out.  Only Scouts who have accurately prepared for this requirement prior to the class will have the opportunity of being considered for sign off during the class.

5. Contact ONE of the following individuals or institutions. Ask what genealogical services, records, or activities this individual or institution provides, and report the results.

a. A genealogical or lineage society.

b. A professional genealogist (someone who gets paid for doing genealogical research).

c. A surname organization, such as your family's organization.

d. A genealogical educational facility or institution.

e. A genealogical record repository of any type (courthouse, genealogical library, state or national archive, state library, etc.)

While the merit badge counselor MAY be able to assist with helping fulfill this requirement during the class, Scouts should not rely upon this possibility if they want to ensure sign off on this requirement during the class.  Scouts should contact one of the organizations listed in the components of this requirement prior to the class to gather the required information.  Scouts attending the class will have an opportunity to share their results during the class for consideration of sign off by th merit badge counselor.  Scouts must positively and actively participate in class discussion as well as be prepared for this consideration to exist.

6. Begin your family tree by listing yourself and include at least two additional generations. You may complete this requirement by using the chart provided in the Genealogy merit badge pamphlet or the genealogy software program of your choice.

Scouts are encouraged to do this prior to the class, however some time will be allotted to work on this requirement during the class.  Scouts should come prepared with information that will help them fulfill the requirement.  Scouts attending the class without this information or having done preparation work will find it difficult to complete this requirement during the class.

7. Complete a family group record form, listing yourself and your brothers and sisters as the children. On another family group record form, show one of your parents and his or her brothers and sisters as the children. This requirement may be completed using the chart provided or the genealogy software program of your choice.

Scouts should at a minimum gather the required information asked for in this requirement.  The merit badge counselor will help facilitate discussion and education on family group sheets as it pertains to genealogy.  Scouts should do their best to prepare for this requirement ahead of time to get the most our of the class discussion and education.  Scout without the required information for filling in the family group sheet will not be able to finish or be signed off on this requirement during the class.

8. Do the following:

a. Explain the effect computers and the Internet are having on the world of genealogy.

b. Explain how photography (including microfilming) has influenced genealogy.

The merit badge counselor will help facilitate discussion on this requirement, however Scouts must review the merit badge pamphlet prior to the class to have an understanding of the requirement.  Scouts not having reviewed the merit badge pamphlet or other sources may find it difficult to complete this requirement.  Active participation in the class discussion is also required for consideration in being signed off on this requirement.

9. Discuss what you have learned about your family and your family members through your genealogical research.

The merit badge counselor will help facilitate the discussion for completing this requirement.  As the requirement states, Scouts will need to share what they learned in completing the other previous requirements.  Only Scouts who actively participate in the discussion AND have met most of the previous requirements will be qualified for being signed off on this requirement during the class.