Everything you need to know about being a merit badge counselor
Everything you need to know about being a merit badge counselor
The BSA’s merit badge program is designed to teach Scouts about a wide variety of topics, with the hopes they’ll discover new interests, new hobbies, or maybe even a future career. But the merit badge program doesn’t work without merit badge counselors.
What is a merit badge counselor?
A merit badge counselor is a responsible adult with knowledge and enthusiasm about a career, hobby or other subject who is willing to share that knowledge and enthusiasm with Scouts.
Don’t Scouts BSA troops already have adult leaders who are merit badge counselors?
Each Scouts BSA troop has a Scoutmaster, the adult leader who ensures the rules of the BSA are being followed; a chartered organization representative, the adult who serves as the direct contact between the troop and the chartered organization; and a committee chair, who serves as the leader of the committee of adult volunteers that supervises the troop.
Additionally, there might be assistant Scoutmasters, a treasurer, a secretary, and other adult volunteers.
Some of these adults might also be merit badge counselors, but there are more than 135 merit badges out there. They can’t do them all!
They need the support of other merit badge counselors dedicated to teaching one or more merit badges.
How much time does it take?
It varies. Some merit badges can be completed in a few hours. Others require field trips, outings and excursions (like, say a visit to a museum or historic site) that are carried out over a period of weeks, or even months, in between other Scouting activities.
The job of the merit badge counselor is not to go on every single outing or excursion with a Scout. It’s to make sure the Scout knows what is required of them to earn the badge, and to help them with any requirements that can be completed in a group setting.
Unlike other adult volunteers, merit badge counselors do not register with specific units. Though you might be a registered adult in your child’s troop, merit badge counselors must submit a separate application to their local council.
Can I be a counselor for more than one merit badge?
Yes! Let’s say you work as an auto mechanic but have adopted photography as a hobby. You could sign up to be a counselor for both Automotive Maintenance and Photography. Some merit badges require a knowledge of outdoor skills such as Camping, Hiking and Backpacking. There is not a limit to the number of badges an individual may serve as a counselor for, but the local council will review your qualifications for each badge along with their current needs.
What kind of support is available to merit badge counselors?
A lot! Start with the online Guide for Merit Badge Counseling. There is also online training available at my.Scouting. (You can create a free account if you don’t already have one.) If they haven’t already done so, merit badge counselors must complete the BSA’s Youth Protection Training.
The biggest help for merit badge counselors is, however, the merit badge pamphlet. Every badge has a pamphlet that serves as both a textbook for the youth and a guide for the counselor. The pamphlet lists each requirement for each badge, along with suggestions and instructions on how to get them done.
You can buy pamphlets online or at your local Scout Shop. Click here for more details on the merit badge process.
Sounds great! What else do I need to know about being a merit badge counselor?
Like all Scouting activities, the merit badge process must abide by the rules listed in Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse. One-on-one contact between adult leaders and youth members is prohibited, either in person, online, over the phone or via text. Two-deep adult supervision by registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required for all Scouting activities, including merit badge classes and related outings, trips or excursions.
I’m sold! How do I sign up to be a merit badge counselor?
Fill out a Merit Badge Counselor Information form and submit it to your local council. If you are not already a registered member of the BSA, you will also have to submit an adult application along with your registration fee. Enter 42 for the Scouting Position Code. The council or district advancement committee will review your information form and contact you regarding approval status.
