Merit Badges
Become a Merit Badge Counselor
A Merit Badge Counselor is a member of a local District and once registered may work with any Scout in the Country. To learn how to register as a Counselor and get started and Trained read the Guide to Merit Badge Counseling.
Registered Unit Scout Leaders who have completed Youth Protection within the last year may add a District Merit Badge Counselor position to their Registration by submitting a Merit Badge Counselor Information Form to their District Merit Badge Counselor Coordinator or the Council Registrar.
Merit Badge Counselors serve for the Period of July 1 to June 30 annually. Counselors may renew by keeping their Youth Protection Training current and replying to the renewal request they receive in May and June annually.
Finding a Merit Badge Counselor
Scouts BSA Members may go to their Unit Leader to find a Counselor and be approved to begin work on a Merit Badge. Counselors are listed in Scoutbook and Scoutbook manages a digital “Blue Card” where Individual Merit Badges requirements can be approved by Counselors connected to work with the Scout. More on Merit Badges and Scoutbook.
Many District Merit Badge Counselor Coordinators publish Merit Badge Counselor lists by territory that may include a Counselors unit affiliation.