Merit badge counselors are the key to success in the merit badge plan. They offer their time, experience, and knowledge to help guide Scouts in one or more of the merit badge subjects.

The counselor's responsibility is to:

• Assist the Scout as he plans the assigned projects and activities to meet the merit badge requirements.
• Coach Scouts through interviews and demonstrations on how to do the required skills of the craft, business, or hobby.
• Certify the Scout after determining whether he is qualified for the merit badge.

Most local councils list merit badge counselors by district so that Scouts may call for appointments. Troop 586 has several counselors within the Troop the Scout may call.

The number of Scouts requesting help is usually no burden to the counselor, since the number of counselors is normally determined by the popularity of the badge. Counselors schedule appointments at their convenience.

As a merit badge counselor, I agree to:

• Follow the requirements of the merit badge, making no deletions or additions, ensuring that the advancement standards are fair and uniform for all Scouts.
• Have a buddy present with each Scout at all instructional sessions.
• Renew my registration as a merit badge counselor annually if I plan to continue serving as a merit badge counselor.

Earning a Merit Badge

Working on merit badges is especially enjoyable when Scouts work together. The BSA encourages this by making the buddy system a part of the merit badge program. Together the two meet with merit badge counselors, plan projects, and keep their enthusiasm high.

The requirements for each merit badge appear in the current BSA merit badge pamphlet for that award and in the book Boy Scout Requirements, available at Scout shops and council service centers. When a Scout has decided on a merit badge he would like to earn, he must follow these steps:

• Obtain from his Scoutmaster a signed merit badge application and the name of a qualified counselor for that merit badge. (A counselor must know the subject well, be able to work effectively with Scouts, and be currently registered as a merit badge counselor with the Boy Scouts of America.)
• 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.
• Complete the requirements, meeting with his counselor whenever necessary until he has finished working on the badge.

The advancement program allows the Scout to move ahead in his own way and at his own speed. Rather than competing against others, he challenges himself to go as far as his ambition will carry him. The rate of advancement depends upon his interest, effort, and ability.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MERIT BADGE COUNSELORS

To qualify as a Merit Badge Counselor, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be proficient in the merit badge subject by vocation or avocation.
• Be able to work with Scout-age boys.
• Be registered with the Boy Scouts of America

Complete and submit the BSA Merit Badge Counselor Information Form (No. 33405), indicating which Merit badges you wish to counsel.

As a Merit Badge Counselor, you must agree to:

• Follow the requirements of the merit badge, making no deletions or additions, ensuring that the advancement standards are fair and uniform for all Scouts.
• Have a Scout and his buddy present at all instructional sessions.
• Renew your registration annually if you plan to continue as a Merit Badge Counselor.