Courtesy photo

Bugling merit badge is the rarest of Scouting’s merit badges. Only 375 bugling merit badges (7.5 per state) were awarded in 2024. Recenty, 12 Scouts from central Pennsylvania participated in the first of two Bugling Merit Badge classes at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hollidaysburg. Shown are (from left): John Elder (Merit Badge counselor), Seth Caldwell, Andrew Lloyd, Bryleigh Holcomb, Alex Runk, Reiley Helsel, Will Stuckey, Simon Stephens, Calum Noonan, Jacob Pochak, Owen Jancula, Dean Pochak, Michael Elder (bugling instructor) and Avery Smith.