[…] November 2013 Last Chance: Sea Base Conference on Education for Advancement Administrators January 2013 Last Chance for Philmont Advancement Training June/July 2012 M Title Month/Year Merit Badges: Merit Badge Counselor Lists: A Primer November/December 2019 Merit Badges: Plan Ahead for Merit Badge Counselors to Serve Scouts September/October 2019 Merit Badges: National Merit Badges Subcommittee Works for […]

UPDATED 02/23/22 – The most recent updates are indicated by a diamond in front of the question. In-Person Unit Activities ♦ Q: Should we hold in-person Scouting meetings, outings, or activities? We expect everyone in Scouting to follow the measures listed below, based on CDC guidance. Members, staff, and volunteers must also follow all federal, […]

[…] knowledge in their merit badge subjects and are interested in helping you. Scout Buddy System You must have another person with you at each meeting with the merit badge counselor. This person can be your parent or legal guardian, or another registered adult. Call the Merit Badge Counselor Get a signed Application for Merit Badge, No. […]

[…] Office of Diversity and Youth Development Office, with input from a dedicated group of Scouting volunteers, BSA youth and professional staff, the merit badge pairs Scouts with merit badge counselors who will help guide Scouts on their journey of self-discovery and facilitate discussions as Scouts seek to further understand the diverse world we live in. “The […]

[…] section will guide you through most advancement situations involving special needs, outlining the procedures to follow for advancement flexibility, registering beyond the age of eligibility, and alternative merit badges. The GTA is a great resource and should not be ignored.     Another resource to check out is the Abilities Digest. This is a quarterly newsletter put out […]

[…] BSA, and Venturing? How do I know what to do with the Scouts? How can I become an adult volunteer? Must individuals who are serving as a merit badge counselor register as a merit badge counselor with the Boy Scouts of America? What is the minimum age requirement for merit badge counselors? Once a volunteer is […]

[…] presentation to counselors of any experience level and takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete. Download PowerPoint Presentation The Merit Badge Program This presentation, for unit leaders, merit badge counselors, advancement administrators, and parents, addresses the merit badge program and it’s benefits to Scouting. It includes the procedures for earning merit badges, merit badge counselor qualifications, […]

[…] Summit Award Service Project Workbook, No. 512-938 Venturing Summit Award Application, No. 512-941 Merit Badges A Guide for Merit Badge Counseling, No. 512-065 Best Practices for Approving Merit Badge Counselors Merit Badge Counselor Information, No. 34405 Merit Badge Group Instruction Guide, No. 512-066 Merit Badge List Reporting Merit Badge Counseling Concerns, No. 512-800 How to Propose […]

[…] Scout, they weren’t there at your unit activities to get used to your Scout and understand his or her uniqueness.  Day Camp staff, summer camp staff and merit badge counselors are obvious examples, but there are others too.  If your Scout is going to a training course like NYLT, the course director and staff will want […]

[…] position in which the individual wants to serve. The application allows only one position per form. For instance, an individual who wants to serve only as a merit badge counselor will need to complete only one application. However, a Scoutmaster or assistant Scoutmaster who wants to serve as a merit badge counselor must complete two applications—one […]

Merit Badge Counselor Guides Citizenship in Society Merit Badge The Citizenship in Society merit badge counselor guidelines include learning objectives for the merit badge, recommended approaches for counseling, including ideas on facilitation, ground rules, examples for use in discussion and more, as well as Scout requirements for fulfillment. Access the counselor guide and the Citizenship […]

[…] Scouts BSA Position-Specific Training This training is intended to provide the following positions with the information and tools they need to conduct a successful program: Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Merit Badge Counselor (for teaching Citizenship in Society Merit Badge please take the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Scouting Volunteer Training – click here to go to the course.) […]

Merit badge counselors may be approved for as many badges as they are qualified. However, the local council’s approving body may impose a limitation based upon the needs of the local council and individual districts.

[…] is expected that the instructor will schedule a follow up fishing trip to a pond to allow the Scouts to apply what they have learned.  FISH ON!  Merit Badge Counselor Resources BSA Beginner’s Fly Tying Handbook BSA Fly Tying Handbook, Third Edition 220208 BSA Fishing Knots Handbook 220427 Fish-and-Wildlife-Management-MB-Counselor-Guide Fishing Merit Badge Counselor Guide Fishing Merit […]

In fairness to all Scouts, additions, deletions, or other modifications to the requirements are not permitted. The requirements are to be completed exactly as written. However, merit badge counselors may share additional information and resources that Scouts could use on their own to learn more and challenge themselves.

[…] Scouting programs A one-page, customizable document you can use at parent orientation A troop resource survey, which lets you learn the skills of each troop parent to identify potential merit badge counselors and volunteers The latest requirements for every merit badge The complete script for an orientation for new Scout parents Resources to help you plan better troop meetings Information on […]

[…] Merit Badge Requirements Met by JOTI Participation Participation in JOTI can help meet certain merit badge requirements! Below are some suggestions, but be sure to consult the merit badge counselors for final approval. Citizenship in the World 7.c. Visit with a student or Scout from another country and discuss the typical values, holidays, ethnic foods, and […]

[…] any Scouting-related activity must be either currently certified by a recognized agency or enrolled in an instructional scuba program, such as Scuba BSA or the Scuba Diving merit badge, which must be conducted by an insured recreational diving instructor in good standing with a recognized agency and approved by the council. Recreational diving activities […]

[…] the Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Award, for a total of eight different topics. (Note: These awards may be earned at any time after becoming a Venturer.) Additional merit badges earned while a Boy Scout may not be used in lieu of the STEM explorations required for this award. Complete TWO additional Supernova activity topics, one each in the two STEM areas not completed for the Harris Supernova Award. (Note: The intent is that upon completion of the Wright Brothers Supernova Award, the Venturer will have completed one Supernova activity topic in each of the four STEM areas.) Participate in a local, state, or national science fair or mathematics competition OR any other equally challenging STEM-oriented competition or workshop approved by your mentor. An example of this would be an X-Prize type competition. (Note: The intent is that, upon completion of the Wright Brothers Supernova Award, the Venturer will have participated in two such events.) Working with your mentor, organize and present a Nova award or other STEM-related program to a Cub Scout den or pack meeting. Be sure to receive permission from the appropriate unit leader. If a Cub Scout den or pack is not available, your presentation may be given to another youth group. (Note: The intent is that upon completion of the Wright Brothers Supernova award the Venturer will have completed two such presentations.) Research a scientific, technical, engineering, or mathematical breakthrough or invention of the past 100 years that has affected our society in a meaningful way. Develop your hypothesis on how this invention might further affect our society during your lifetime. Present either a 30-minute oral report or a 1,500-word written report to your mentor. Submit an application to the district or council Nova or advancement committee for approval. Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova Award NOTE: A youth must be a registered Venturer or Sea Scout when this work is completed in order to this award. Third-Level Supernova Award for Venturers and Sea Scouts Earn either the Thomas Edison Supernova Award while a registered Boy Scout or the Wright Brothers Supernova Award while a registered Venturer. Complete FOUR additional Supernova activity topics, one in each of the four different STEM areas. (Note: The intent is that upon completion of the Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova Award the Venturer will have completed two Supernova activity topics in each of the four STEM areas for a total of eight.) Create and propose a new Nova awards topic for any program (Cub Scout, Webelos, Boy Scouts, or Venturing) comparable to the existing Nova awards topics at that program level. Prepare a written outline for this proposed Nova awards topic and submit it to your mentor. With guidance from your mentor, select an area of current STEM-related concern and develop a research project or experiment related to that area. Prepare a one-page written proposal detailing your scientific hypothesis or engineering objective and your proposed experimental methods, which must be approved by the National STEM in Scouting Committee before you begin work (einstein@scouting.org).  This research project or experiment should be challenging and should require a significant investment of time and effort on your part. (A guideline would be approximately 100 hours.) If your mentor is not a specialist in the area of your project or experiment, he or she will solicit assistance from a specialist who to serve as a STEM consultant. Execute the project or experiment. Prepare a complete and well-documented written report AND an oral presentation. Present both to your mentor and your local council STEM in Scouting committee. Submit an application to the national STEM in Scouting committee for approval. A guide to earning and mentoring the Dr Albert Einstein Supernova Award is available (updated 2020 Feb 05).  Supernova Activity Topics Each STEM field—science, technology, engineering, mathematics—offers a choice of three Supernova activity topics. These are two-part, hands-on, high-level activities created to challenge you and help you continue along your STEM journey to excellence. Part 1 involves research, preparation, set up, coordination, and/or organization. Part 2 includes elements such as analysis, reflection, experimentation, design, or invention, and culminates in a report created by you. Click here to get started. STEM Exploration Requirements Science Technology Engineering Mathematics –> The following requirements apply to any specific STEM field of interest chosen by a Venturer or Sea Scout in the course of completing a Nova or Supernova […]

[…] to be an excellent candidate for council commissioner, where she has continued to apply her passion for serving youth through Scouting. She continues to serve as a merit badge counselor, believing it enables her to maintain a direct connection with the youth we all serve that leaves her better equipped to provide leadership at the council […]

[…] of any other Scouting form not listed below, contact your local council service center. Membership Applications Youth Application: English and Spanish Adult Application: English Member Transfer Form Merit Badge Counselor Information Registration Resources The 2024 Registration Guidebook can be found by logging in to MyBSA>Resources>BSA Resources>Registration Resources> Manuals, Resources & Reference Guides. Eagle Rank Eagle Scout Application for youth who completed requirements before July 1, 2022, No.512-728 Eagle Scout Application for youth who completed […]

Adults who deliver the STEM Nova Awards program are referred to as STEM Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors.  These are registered positions within the BSA.   Approval of these positions is done through the local council.  Those who are interested in serving as a STEM Nova Counselor or Supernova Mentor must submit an adult application […]

[…] Award Complete any three of the Scouts BSA Nova awards. (Note: These may be done at any time after becoming a Scouts BSA member.) Earn the Scholarship merit badge. Earn four of the Supernova approved merit badges from the above list. (Note: These may be earned at any time after becoming a member of […]

An individual must be at least 18 years of age to serve as a merit badge counselor.

Approvals for merit badge counselors and all other adult volunteer positions are valid for one year only and must be renewed annually.

[…] Tigers (First Grade)? A: No.  The Nova Awards for Cub Scouts begins with the Wolf (Second Grade) year. Q: Can youth get credit for a previously earned merit badge, belt loop, or pin? A: Yes, but we do encourage Scouts to consider earning new ones so they can explore new interests. Q: Can youth […]

[…] BSA Position-Specific Training https://vimeo.com/903794833https://vimeo.com/903794853https://vimeo.com/903794809 This training is intended to provide the following positions with the information and tools they need to conduct a successful program: Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Merit Badge Counselor (for teaching Citizenship in Society Merit Badge please take the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Scouting Volunteer Training – click here to go to the course.) […]