1. Merit Badge Counselor Training
University of Scouting
Baden Powell Council
March 24, 2012
Tim Nord
Taughannock District Advancement Chair

2. Why does Boy Scouts have Merit Badge Counselors
The Scouting program emphasizes helping young men develop character, citizenship, and mental and physical fitness. Among the handful of methods used to build on these aims of Scouting are adult association, leadership development, and advancement.
A Scout's association with his merit badge counselors provides an excellent way for him to grow and gain confidence through exposure to quality adults who serve as positive role models and mentors to him. Meeting people from business and community leaders to trained specialists and enthusiastic hobbyists, a Scout can experience a chance for personal growth and a positive life-altering experience while in pursuit of a merit badge.
By Reducing the Number of Different Merit Badge Counselors, Reduces the Adult Association and Leadership Development.
Why is this important to Boy Scout Program
Character Development, Adult Association, Leadership Development, and Advancement
Adult Association – Positive Role Model, Gain Confidence, Mentor, Career Exploration, Hobby, Positive Life Altering

3. Merit Badges Advantages Supports Advancement
Keeps Older Scout Interested
Troop Program
Adult Utilization
Convenience
Supports
To Build Citizenship & Responsibility.
To Foster Citizenship. Development.
To Develop Fitness.
Merit Badges are one of the Most Unique Educational Tools Ever Devised.
Over 120 Merit Badges Offered

4. What does the Scout Gain by Arranging/ Working Different Merit Badge Counselors
Confidence
Leadership
New Mentor
Business/Career Opportunity or Contact
Planning Skills
Organizational Skills
Presentation Skills
Confidence - Speaking in front of some one else – Interviews College Job. Working under pressure. Presentation Skills
Leadership - The way the scout handles himself
New Mentor – career Business -
Planning Skills – Time Mgt & Schedule Juggling – individual responsibility Rubber meets the road
Organizational & presentation skills - use in business and college.

5. Merit Badges Benefits Experience Confidence New Mentor Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Self Improvement
Career Exploration
Experience
New Mentor
New Learning Experience
Adult Association
Exposure to New Ideas, Methods
If the scout is getting all the Merit Badges in the unit and at summer camp, the scout loses out. Boy Run Unit Emphasis is on getting the boys to do things on their own – to lead. This is integral part of the scout growth. While Some Merit Badges it makes sense to earn at camp due to facilities or time required. Unit should make it too convenient.

6. Merit Badge Counselor Requirements
Subject Knowledge by Vocation, Avocation, Special Training, Lifetime Hobby, etc.
Review Merit Badge Requirements.
Willing to work with 11 – 18 year old scouts.
Submit Completed Merit Badge Counselor Application and BSA Adult Registration.
Have current Youth Protection Certification
As a Counselor
Keeps Current on Approved Merit Badges.
Merit Badges Started before Requirement Update should be finished using the older requirements.
Follow BSA Youth Protection and Buddy System.
Must Not Meet Individually with Scout.
Meet in Public and/or with Others.

7. Merit Badge Counselor Requirements
Willing to Mentor a particular subject by vocation, avocation, etc.
Does Not Add, Delete or Change Requirements.
Demonstrates Means Demonstrates.
List Means List.
Show Means Show.
Find means Find.
“Positively reinforce the subject matter”
Mentor, Guide, or Instruct.
Scout Does the Work.
Yearly Renewal.
Baden Powell Council Policy - There are no Unit Only Counselors.

8. Merit Badge Process Scout Interest/Need Determined.
Scout obtains a Scoutmaster Signed Merit Badge “Blue Card”.
Scout obtains Merit Badge Counselor Names and Contact Information from Current Approved List.
Determines who his Buddy will be
Scout makes initial appointment with Counselor.
Scout should bring latest Merit Badge Pamphlet and signed application card.
Any Work or Projects they started.

9. First Meeting Counselor & Scout(s) – Number of Sessions determined by
Select multiple choice requirements to be completed.
Determine Short & Long Term Goals.
Dates and Times for future sessions.
Number of Sessions determined by
Subject
Difficulty
Scout Ability and Preparation.

10. Counselor Commitment To Assist Scout in Learning.
Listen, Coach & Mentor Scout.
Expand His Interest.
Ensure Scout meets Merit Badge Requirements.
No Addition or Deletions
Show means Show. Write means Write.
Demonstrate mean Demonstrate.
Stay Current on Requirements.

13. Merit Badge Worksheet

14. Counselor Responsibility to Scout
Make sure Scout understand what they must do.
Coach Mentor through Interviews, Demonstrations, Practice Sessions, etc.
Certify Scout as Completed Merit Badge Requirements By Signing “Blue Card”.
Encourage Scout to ask for help.

15. Merit Badge Blue Card

16. How to Fill Out Blue Card
Mark Complete Requirement #
Date & Initial

17. Back of Blue Card Counselor Dates Counselor Signs Dates

18. Merit Badge Completion
Scout must meet all Requirements.
Some Requirements require acceptable skill
Example CPR.
Scout does not complete Requirements for being part of a group. Must Participate.

19. After Completion
Keep the Counselor Part of the Blue Card for 7 Years max.
Self Evaluate
Note what Positive Interactions
Note where Improvements can be made

20. Merit Badge Counselor Approval Process
Complete Current BSA Adult & Merit Badge Applications
Must be Over 18 years Old.
Subject Proficient.
Work with Scout Aged Boys.
Be BSA Registered.
Must have current Youth Protection Certification.
Select Merit Badges based on your Qualifications
Current Completed Forms to Baden Powell Council.
Council Advancement Committee Reviews application after Background Check Completed.
Letter Mailed/ ed to applicant.