Merit Badge Counselors

The merit badge counselor is one of the coolest jobs in Scouting. These volunteers introduce Scouts to a topic about which they are passionate and knowledgeable. At the very least, a merit badge counselor helps a Scout earn a merit badge for their sash and get one step closer to the next rank. At the most, a merit badge counselor introduces a Scout to a subject that could become a lifelong hobby or career. The role of the merit badge counselor is to join fun with learning.

Currently there are nearly 140 merit badges available for Scouts to explore. Check out the current BSA list of merit badges as some are added and some are removed after annual review.

Qualifications

• Be an individual of good character

• Be age 18 or older

• Registered with Boy Scouts of America

• Have the skills and education in the subject(s) you want to teach

• Have good rapport with Scout-age youths and their unit leaders

• Be approved by the local council for each specific merit badge

• Must complete Youth Protection Training every two years

• An individual may counsel for an unlimited number of merit badges.

• They must be approved by the committee for each badge specifically.

• A Scout may earn multiple badges from a single Counselor.

• A Counselor may work with any Scout including family members.

• Merit badge counselors never work one-on-one with a scout.  They always have a scout buddy or family member present.

How do I apply to be a Merit Badge Counselor?

1. Complete the Adult Application with no fee.  

   1. • The position code is 42 for Merit Badge Counselors.  

      • You do not need signatures of the  Unit Committee Chair or Charter or Representative are not required.

2. Complete the online Youth Protection Training.

3. Complete and attach the Merit Badge Counselor Application Supplement to include all merit badges that you are applying for approval to coach.

There is also position training that you will be asked to complete online to ensure that you are properly trained merit badge counselor, but that can be completed while your application is in process.

Merit Badge Counselor Resources

Understanding Merit Badges

Guide to Merit Badge Counseling

Merit Badge Counselor Orientation 

Guide to Advancement

Advancement Resources page

Step by step: How to be a merit badge counselor

Through your association with youth members, keep in mind you are assisting unit leaders in the advancement program. Leaders coach Scouts on the recognitions they will earn for a particular rank and provide them with the name and contact information of a counselor.

Whether a Scout earns the award or not, a volunteer should stay engaged in the Scout’s progress. A merit badge counselor may discuss the Scout’s work with their unit leader at any time.

Here is how the process typically works, starting with initial contact.

The Scout contacts you, often by phone. You may explain what is expected over the phone, or you may set an appointment to review expectations in person with the Scout and their buddy. Personal interaction improves the experience.

When working with a Scout, they must always have a buddy present. This buddy may be another Scout, a small group working on the same badge, a parent, or another adult. This is required under Youth Protection guidelines.

At the first meeting, the Scout should bring a merit badge application, known as the “blue card,” signed by their unit leader. This confirms the Scout has discussed the badge with leadership and is approved to begin.

Start by assessing what the Scout already knows. They may have completed some requirements before meeting with you. Before signing off, it is your responsibility to determine whether each requirement has been completed as written. Help the Scout complete remaining requirements and provide guidance as needed. Schedule follow-up meetings as appropriate, not just to evaluate progress, but to help the Scout understand the subject.

The Scout, along with their buddy, should schedule a follow-up meeting when they believe they are ready to demonstrate completion.

Some Scouts may approach this review with hesitation, similar to a test environment. Reduce that pressure. Have a conversation rather than an interrogation. Ask questions, observe, and evaluate understanding. Acknowledge effort and completed work. Positive reinforcement builds confidence.

At the review, the Scout should bring any required projects. If items cannot be transported, acceptable proof includes photos or verification from another adult. A unit leader, for example, may confirm completion of a project or activity. Your responsibility is to ensure the requirements have been met. If there is uncertainty, verify with the adult who signed off.

Once you confirm completion, initial each requirement. Do not sign the blue card until all requirements are complete.

You may work with many Scouts or only a few. Volume is not the measure of impact. The value is in the influence you have on each Scout you work with.

Requirements: No more, no less

One last reminder from the guide:

The Scout is expected to meet the requirements as stated — no more and no less. Furthermore, they is to do exactly what is stated. If it says ‘‘show or demonstrate,’’ that is what they must do. Just telling about it isn’t enough. The same thing holds true for such words as ‘‘make,’’ ‘‘list,’’ ‘‘in the field,’’ and ‘‘collect, identify, and label.’’

On the other hand, you cannot require more a Scout than stated. You must not, for example, say, ‘‘I want to be sure you really know your stuff, so instead of the 20 items in your collection, you must collect 50 to get my signature.’’ You can suggest, encourage, and help the Scout to get 50 things, but you must not require it.