What is a Merit Badge Counselor?

    A Merit Badge Counselor is a registered Scouting America volunteer who shares their personal knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm about a particular subject with Scouts to help them earn merit badges. These adults act as both teachers and mentors, guiding Scouts through the requirements for various merit badges, which can cover a wide range of topics from hobbies and crafts to professions and life skills. Counselors must be at least 18 years old, have specific knowledge in the subject they wish to teach, have good rapport with youth, and complete mandatory youth protection training and registration with our local council.

    Merit Badge Counselor Application

    Click Here to download the Application.  Follow the instructions below and send forms for reviewing and approval to: thartman@socal.rr.com.  In addition to the current Merit Badge Counselor application, you will need to have the following:

    • BSA Adult Application (If never registered as an MBC, must fill our adult registration and apply for the position of merit badge counselor (MBC) – position code 42)
    • Verification of online MBC BSA training
    • Verification of YPT
    • Verification of AB 506 Online Volunteer Course Completion
    • Verification of AB 506 Live Scan completion
    • Verification of AB 506 Consent Form Completion / AB 506 Disclosure Form
    • Payment to become a Merit Badge Counselor (if registration fees not already paid)

    Role of a Merit Badge Counselor

    • Share Expertise:
      Counselors share their knowledge and experience in a specific subject, like cooking, engineering, or personal management, to help Scouts learn and grow.
    • Mentor Scouts:
      They mentor Scouts, offering encouragement and helping them gain confidence as they work to meet the merit badge requirements.
    • Guide Learning:
      Counselors guide Scouts through the requirements for a specific merit badge, satisfying themselves that the Scout has met all conditions.
    • Ensure Safety:
      For certain merit badges, such as those involving firearms, the counselor ensures all activities are supervised and conducted according to safety regulations.

    Qualifications and Registration

    • Age & Character:
      Must be at least 18 years old and of good moral character.
    • Knowledge & Skills:
      Possess specific knowledge, skills, or educational background in the subject they wish to teach.
    • Rapport with Youth:
      Good communication skills and the ability to relate well to Scouts and their leaders.
    • Registration & Training:
      Must be registered with Scouting America as a Merit Badge Counselor, have completed the required Youth Protection Training, and potentially other specific training for the badge they wish to offer.
    • Council Approval:
      Approved by the our council for the specific merit badges they wish to counsel.
    Merit Badge Counselor Patch