Merit Badges

The merit badge program is a key part of the advancement in the upper ranks of Scouts BSA (Star, Life, and Eagle). The program builds self-confidence through achieving a goal; provides interaction with knowledgeable adults; provides the opportunity for a Scout to learn scoutcraft skills, be exposed to various careers, develop physical fitness, participate in hobbies, and develop citizenship.

Earning Merit Badges

Earning merit badges gives a Scout the self-confidence that comes from overcoming obstacles to achieve a goal. The steps to follow in the merit badge program are:

  1. A Scout expresses an interest in a merit badge
  2. The Scoutmaster (or designee) provides the name of a counselor from the approved merit badge counselor list and signs the Merit Badge Application (aka blue card) indicating the Scout has approval to work on the merit badge.
  3. The Scout contacts the counselor
  4. The Scout works with the counselor on completing the requirements
  5. The counselor signs the application in the appropriate locations and retains his/her portion of the card.
  6. The Scout turns in the complete application and the Scoutmaster (or designee) signs in the appropriate location acknowledging the merit badge has been earned and returns the Scout’s portion of the card to the Scout.
  7. The unit turns in the completed Unit Advancement Report and obtains the merit badge
  8. The Scout receives the merit badge.

Merit Badge Counselor List

The Council Advancement Committee has been working for some time to make the list of registered Merit Badge Counselors available online to troop leadership so they can better support their Scouts in the Merit Badge Program.

 

The list of all registered Merit Badge Counselors has been posted, once you receive the password from your unit, click here to access. 

 

In accordance with BSA policy, the list is password protected. Scoutmasters and unit advancement chairs can get the user ID and password from their district advancement chairs, merit badge deans, or district professionals. If any errors are discovered, please notify your district advancement chair so he or she can work with you to register or re-register any individuals who should be listed.

 

Scouts who wish to reach out to a merit badge counselor should contact their Scoutmaster or Scoutmaster’s designee within their troop, as prescribed in the BSA Advancement Guidelines.

Become A Merit Badge Counselor

The qualifications of a merit badge counselor are:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Have knowledge and proficiency in the subject through vocation, hobby, or special training,
  • Have knowledge of BSA Guidelines
  • Have an ability to work with Scouts
  • Take youth protection training
  • Be approved by the district advancement committee

For more information, click here