Merit Badges and Counseling
Purpose of the Merit Badge Program
The merit badge program is one of Scouting’s basic character developing tools for Boy Scouts. Earning merit badges gives a boy the kind of self-confidence that comes only from overcoming difficult obstacles to achieve a goal. Through the merit badge program, a Scout is introduced to skills which may help him choose his adult vocation. Other merit badges help a boy develop physical fitness, or discover “outside” interests and hobbies, encourage citizenship and generally become a more well-rounded person.
Many youth are uncomfortable dealing with adults they are not familiar with. Working on a merit badge with an adult, the Merit Badge Counselor, should provide a super environment to help youth overcome this discomfort. It can be an excellent opportunity to help the youth build confidence.
Each merit badge has a pamphlet. These pamphlets describe not only the requirements but also provides information to help the Scout understand the requirements. The Scout will usually either purchase the pamphlet or check it out of the Troop’s library. The counselor may expand on the material covered in the pamphlet to increase the Scout’s knowledge of the merit badge, but cannot expand on the requirements. Requirements of the merit badge may change, so it is necessary to verify that the pamphlet is current. The Scout is required to complete the current requirements.
Remember, no council, district, unit, or individual may take away a merit badge from a Scout, provided the counselor is a registered counselor for that merit badge.
Merit Badge Counselor
Role: The Merit Badge counselor’s role is to bring about learning on the part of the Scout.
The counselor’s job is to act as coach and examiner. As a coach you help the Scout over the hurdles of the requirements for a merit badge developing his self-confidence as you proceed. Through your expertise and experience, you also make him aware of the broader and deeper aspects of the subject, developing in him an interest which may lead to further explorations on his own. As an examiner you satisfy yourself that each Scout who comes to you meets all the requirement for the merit badge and that all boy are treated equally. A merit badge is an invitation to explore an exciting subject. With more than 100 to choose from Scouts can increase skills, be challenged, provide service to others, take part in outdoor adventures to better understand the environment, and play a valuable role in the community. Earning a merit badge can lead a Scout to a lifelong hobby or set the Scout on his way to a rewarding career.
How to become a Counselor:
Merit Badge Counselors must be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America. Even if you are already registered in another position, you must still complete a BSA Adult Application #28-501V form with the Position Code “42”(no charge). Note: Effective April 1, 2003, the Social Security Number on all adults is required by the National Boy Scouts of America.
Qualifications:
- Be of good character.
- Be 18 or older.
- Recognized as having the skills and education in the subject of the merit badge.
- Have the ability to work with Scout-age boys.
- Be approved by the Council or District Advancement Committee.
- Be registered with the Boy Scouts of America.
- Review the requirements for the Merit Badge that you are interesting in being a Counselor.
- Complete the Merit Badge Counselor Information form. It is important to provide detailed qualifications for each merit badge on the back of the form.
- Complete the Adult Application form. Payment of a fee is not required. Please include your current e-mail address so we can keep in touch. Unit leaders are not required to approve the application since merit badge counselor is a Council position.
- Submit the completed forms to the District Advancement Committee. Upon acceptance as a counselor, you will be notified by the Advancement Committee and your name and merit badges entered on the Counselor Roster.
- Complete the Youth Protection Training within 90 days after registering. This training is available on the Council website.
Don't want to be a Counselor any longer:
If at any time a counselor decides they no longer wish to be a counselor or would like to drop a merit badge(s), notify the Advancement Committee so the name may be removed from the Roster.
Merit Badge Counselor Roster
A roster of merit badge counselors is maintained by the Advancement Committee. To maintain the privacy of counselor information this roster is only available to the Troops, and is not published for public information, nor will it appear on this web site. Scouts may obtain the name of a specific counselor from their unit leaders.
The roster is updated periodically by adding new counselors and deleting counselors who are no longer available to be a counselor.
Updated rosters are E-mailed to all Scoutmasters at least twice a year.
Take A Look At The New 100th Anniversary Merit Badges
100th Anniversary Merit Badges