BSA Merit Badge Counselor Training

Merit badge counselors guide Boy Scouts in meeting requirements and learning about new topics of interest.

Merit badge counselor training with the Boy Scouts of American provides prospective merit badge counselors with essential information about the role that they intend to fulfill. Reviewing the BSA's counselor training can help you decide whether you fit the requirements of a merit badge counselor. It will also detail the responsibilities you will assume in taking this position in the organization.

Basics

According to Scoutmaster.org, "A merit badge is an award that is presented to a Scout when he completes the requirements for one of the merit badge subjects. The badge is only a small piece of khaki 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." A Boy Scout can earn merit badges in more than 100 subjects. Some are required for advancing to the rank of Eagle Scout.

Responsibilities

A merit badge counselor has several responsibilities. Scoutmaster.org lists them as follows: "1. Assist the Scout as he plans the assigned projects and activities to meet the merit badge requirements. 2. Coach Scouts through interviews and demonstrations on how to do the required skills of the craft, business or hobby. 3. Certify the Scout after determining whether he is qualified for the merit badge." Like most counselor roles, a merit badge counselor's task is similar to that of a teacher and involves using expertise to guide Scouts in gaining their own knowledge.

Qualifications

Merit badge counselors are required be members of the BSA and, as Scoutmaster.org clarifies, "A counselor must have approval from the BSA local council, but there is no cost to serve. All volunteers are expected to complete BSA Youth Protection training within 90 days of assuming a leadership position. This training is available online at http://olc.scouting.org." Furthermore, you must be at least 18 years of age and have "proficiency" in the subject of the merit badge you will teach about. Scoutmaster.org defines "proficiency" for merit badge counseling as either "vocation," "avocation" or "special training."

Scout's Obligations

Boy Scouts are responsible for finding, through their Scoutmaster, merit badge counselors. Next, the Scout must, as Scoutmaster.org stipulates, "Along with another Scout, a relative, or a friend, set up and attend the first appointment with his merit badge counselor. The counselor will explain the requirements for the badge and help the Scout plan ways to fulfill them so that he can get the most out of the experience." After the initial meeting, the Scout must "Complete the requirements, meeting with his counselor whenever necessary until he has finished working on the badge."

Counselor Duties

After the initial meeting with the Scout and the required buddy, friend or parent, the merit badge counselor will wait for the Scout to make contact again. The Scout might need an additional meeting with the counselor to learn additional information about the subject. Finally, once the Scout has fulfilled the requirement for the merit badge, a review session is scheduled. Scoutmaster.org explains that "When he meets you, he should bring with him the projects required for completion. If these cannot be transported, he should present satisfactory evidence, such as a photograph of the project or adult certification." Additionally, you need to "satisfy yourself that the requirements have been met. Question the Scout and, if you have any doubts, contact the adult who signed the statement." Finally, Scoutmaster.org states, "When you are satisfied that the Scout has met the requirements, you sign his merit badge application."

References

• Scoutmasters: A Guide for Merit Badge Counseling
• Scoutmasters: Merit Badge Counselor Orientation