MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR INFORMATION
(1). Decide which badges you are qualified to counsel.–> Read all the requirements for any badge that may interest you, or that you feel you are qualified to teach – through your own education, experience, or knowledge. Choose the ones that you would like to counsel from this link: https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/
–> Check out what is involved in counseling at this link: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-065.pdf
— > There is NO charge for counselors, and the form is found at this link:https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/524-501.pdf?_gl=1*1fcddfy*_ga*MTYxMzgyNzk0Ny4xNjQ1NzE0ODE4*_ga_20G0JHESG4*MTY0NTcxNDgxNy4xLjEuMTY0NTcxNTkzMC41
–> This application is available from your troop or Council office and needs only your signature on both the application and the Disclosure/Authorization Form.
(3). Complete the BSA Youth Protection Training from this link:https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/
–> The Boy Scouts of America seeks to create a safe environment for young people and adult leaders to enjoy the program and related activities. BSA Youth Protection Training helps preserve that environment.
–> After completing the training, be sure to print a copy in Adobe.PDF format of your BSA Youth Protection Training completion certificate – to create an electronic copy for your use. (You must have completed Youth Protection training within the past two years at the time of application).
–> For creating an account in my.scouting.org and taking YPT training see this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64ZtPfOC71M
(4). If you reside in Pennsylvania you will need the Act 153 clearances:
–> These three clearances can be obtained through the Five Rivers Council website link: https://fiveriversbsa.org/youth-protection/pennsylvania-act-153-background-checks-information/
–> The (4)(c) Disclosure statement can be found at this link: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Resources/Documents/Disclosure%20Statement%20for%20Volunteers.pdf
(5). Complete/sign the BSA Merit Badge Counselor Information Form at this link: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34405.pdF
–> You may request up to 12 merit badges with no more than 3 Eagle-required. (The spirit of the program is to expose the Scout to a wide circle of adults to help broaden their perspectives).
–> There are specific requirements for counselors who desire to counsel merit badges for shooting sports (Archery, Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting), waterfront sports (Canoeing, Kayaking, Lifesaving, Rowing, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Whitewater), Climbing, or Snow Sports. Applicants for these badges should attach copies of their licenses or certifications to support their knowledge/training in the subject. Details on specific qualifications/certificates can be found in the2021 Guide to Advancement, Section 7.0.1.1 at this link: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf
(6). Return all your applicable forms only to your District Advancement Chair:
Andaste – Andrew Wales dr.andrewwales@gmail.com (570) 882-8734
Indian Waters – Michael MacDougall macdougall.m.iw.bsa@gmail.com (607) 378-9173
Thunderbird – Nancy Potter npotter50@stny.rr.com607-698-4038
Williamson Road – Connie Cummings irrdesign@verizon.net 814-367-8093
–> Once the advancement chair has received merit badge application paperwork, it will be reviewed to assure it is complete. A common error is the failure to list the applicant’s qualifications to counsel each particular merit badge. This is a critical factor in the application. Please take the time to list your detailed qualifications on this form or an additional sheet, as the form has very limited space. You will be contacted directly should there be any questions or missing data.
–> New Merit Badge counselors may not begin working with Scouts until approval is received from the District Advancement representative and also the BSA. You may begin counseling after you have been notified that your application has been processed and accepted by the BSA.
–> As your acceptance, you will receive an email from Scoutbook asking you to create an account. You must use the same name and password with Scoutbook that you used with my.scouting.org to take your YPT training. You will then be asked to fill out your preferences. You should then set up your profile in Scoutbook. Instructions can be found at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUNU_URIT94
MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR TRAINING
This is training is required within the first year for all counselors: Directions for taking Merit Badge Counselor Training through My.Scouting.org:
BELOW ARE LINKS TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR COUNSELORS:
Guide to Safe Scouting: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34416.pdf
Merit Badge Counselor Orientation: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/18-125.pdf
Merit Badge Counselor Group Instruction Guide: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-066_web.pd