Merit Badge Counselors

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BEING A MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR

What is a merit badge counselor?

A merit badge counselor is a responsible adult with knowledge and enthusiasm about a career, hobby or other subject who is willing to share that knowledge and enthusiasm with Scouts.

How much time does it take?

It varies. Some merit badges can be completed in a few hours. Others require field trips, outings and excursions (like, say a visit to a museum or historic site) that are carried out over a period of weeks, or even months, in between other Scouting activities.
The job of the merit badge counselor is not to go on every single outing or excursion with a Scout. It’s to make sure the Scout knows what is required of them to earn the badge, and to help them with any requirements that can be completed in a group setting.
Unlike other adult volunteers, merit badge counselors do not register with specific units. Though you might be a registered adult in your child’s troop, merit badge counselors must submit a separate application to their local council.

What kind of support is available to merit badge counselors?

A lot! Start with the online Guide for Merit Badge Counseling. There is also online training available at my.Scouting. (You can create a free account if you don’t already have one.) If they haven’t already done so, merit badge counselors must complete the BSA’s Youth Protection Training.
The biggest help for merit badge counselors is, however, the merit badge pamphlet. Every badge has a pamphlet that serves as both a textbook for the youth and a guide for the counselor. The pamphlet lists each requirement for each badge, along with suggestions and instructions on how to get them done.
 Click here for more details on the merit badge process.

ALL Merit Badge Counselors expire on December 31st of each year. Please renew your Merit Badges at the first of the year.  Click here for a new application.

Email links are provided by written authorization only. If you would like your email added, updated, or removed, please contact nwtc.guestservice@scouting.org

Scouts, please remember you MUST have a “blue card” signed by the Scoutmaster BEFORE contacting a counselor!

To become a Merit Badge Counselor, you must complete a Merit Badge Counselor application and return it for approval to the Council office. If you are not currently registered, you must also complete and return an Adult Volunteer Application.