The Story Behind EPIC Badges

Born in a Crisis. Built for the Future.

When the world shut down in 2020 and Scouting activities across the nation came to a halt, two Scout leaders in Hawaiʻi saw a challenge—and stepped up.

One is a lifelong Scouter, Eagle Scout (Class of 1995), Silver Beaver recipient, and proud father of three Scouts (including one Eagle Scout). The other is a dedicated Scout volunteer who shared the same unwavering commitment to the mission of Scouting. Together, they refused to let the pandemic stop Scouts from growing, learning, and advancing.

With in-person meetings canceled and advancement opportunities frozen, they asked:
“What if we could take merit badges online—and do it the right way?”

From their homes in Hawaiʻi, they launched what would become the first nationwide online merit badge program, supported by registered counselors and aligned with official Scouting requirements. At a time when no other options existed, EPIC Badges was the only program actively teaching Scouts across the country.

What began as a small effort for local Scouts quickly grew into a national movement. Families enrolled from across the U.S., counselors joined the mission, and word spread. EPIC Badges earned recognition from numerous local councils and national leadership at Scouting America.

Today, EPIC Badges is a trusted source for on-demand, counselor-supported merit badge programs that meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and accessibility.

We were born out of adversity—but we’ve grown into a platform that empowers Scouts everywhere to keep moving forward, one badge at a time.