Merit Badge Counseling

The merit badge program is part of the advancement plan of the Boy Scouts of America. It has guided the interests and energies of Boy Scouts for 85 years and is one of the most unusual educational programs ever devised. A merit badge is an award that is presented to a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout when he has completed the requirements for one of more than 100 subjects in a wide variety of art, craft, hobby, sport, trade, profession, agribusiness, service, or self-improvement areas. The badge is only a small piece of cloth with a design embroidered in color -- but its significance is as large as the interest of the merit badge counselor who helps a Scout earn it. This could not have happened without the service of thousands of merit badge counselors -- like yourself -- expert in a particular subject and interested in helping Scouts grow into men of character, ready to take their place in the world of work as participating citizens. You're probably saying, "That's all great, but what do I do, and how do I do it?"

REQUIREMENTS FOR MERIT BADGE COUNSELORS

To qualify as a Merit Badge Counselor, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be proficient in the merit badge subject by vocation or avocation.
• Be able to work with Scout-age boys.
• Be registered with the Boy Scouts of America
• Complete and submit the BSA Merit Badge Counselor Information Form (No. 33405), indicating which Merit badges you wish to counsel.
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As a Merit Badge Counselor, you must agree to:

• Follow the requirements of the merit badge, making no deletions or additions, ensuring that the advancement standards are fair and uniform for all Scouts.
• Have a Scout and his buddy present at all instructional sessions.
• Renew your registration annually if you plan to continue as a Merit Badge Counselor.

TO REGISTER AS A SCOUTER

For administrative purposes, Boy Scouts of America requires all merit badge counselors to register with their local council, by submitting an Adult Registration Application, No. 28-501. If you are registering solely to serve as a merit badge counselor, there is no fee. You may also become a full member of the Boy Scouts of America by paying the $7.00 annual registration fee, which includes a subscription to Scouting magazine. This bimonthly publication will keep you updated on developments in the merit badge program and many other aspects of Scouting.. Simply call or write your local council (most of them are listed in your telephone directory under "Boy Scouts of America").

The information above is based on the 2000 printing of
"A Guide to Merit Badge Counseling" (BSA Publication No. 34532A
and "Merit Badge Counselor Information" (No. 34405).

Introduction to Merit Badge Counseling

What's the Job

Orientation for Merit Badge Couselors - Training

Training Course for Merit Badge Counselors