Guidance. BSA’s guidance to administering the merit badge program can be found in the Guide to Advancement – The Merit Badge Program
Requirements. Current information on the program, including an overview of the steps to earning a merit badge, and the most current requirements for each merit badge can be found at this link: Merit Badges
Counselors. For merit badge counselors:
Application. In order to serve as a merit badge counselor, the council advancement committee must approve an application for each merit badge. The form for individuals to apply to add or drop merit badges for which they request to serve as a counselor can be found at this link: application. Submit the form to the Council service center.
Please carefully read the information on both sides of the form.
In order for a request to be complete, the merit badge counselor must provide a list of qualifications for each merit badge for which the counselor requests approval. The list must provide specific information that demonstrates the individual’s qualifications in the subject of the merit badge, such as training or education completed, certifications received, and experience (work or personal activity). The counselor should use as much space as necessary to provide their qualifications (such as using additional lines on the form or attach an extra page). The counselor must provide copies of appropriate certificates with the Information form.
Policies and Procedures. Please read the council’s policies and procedures that apply to merit badges counselors, Section 3 {click here}.
Training. All merit badge counselors are required to take the on-line training “Merit Badge Counselor Position Specific Training” or attend an in-person training for counselors. It is important that all counselors have a full and current understanding of their responsibilities and the recommended practices for quality counseling. A foundational aspect of the scouting program is having trained leaders.
The training is available on my.scouting.org under the “BSA Learn Center.” The training includes the following:
- A module entitled “Merit Badge Counselor – Before the First Meeting”. This module has three lessons with a quiz at the end of each. Each lesson is a stand-alone lesson and can be completed at different times (the individual does not have to do them all at the same sitting). It takes a total of about 25 minutes to complete all three lessons.
- A module entitled “Merit Badge Counselor – Position Trained.” This module has one lesson with a quiz at the end. It takes a total of about 10 minutes to complete the module.
If it has been more than two years since you have taken this training, it is suggested that you complete the training again.
Additional Resources
- Reporting merit badge counseling concerns. Use this form to submit any concerns about merit badge counseling. Send it to a member of one of the advancement committees or a District Executive.
