Scouts can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business and future careers as they earn merit badges. There are more than 120 merit badges which any Scouts BSA member can earn at any time.
Requirements and counselors are on all available merit badges can found on Scoutbook by Scouts and leaders.
Merit Badge Counselor
The merit badge counselor is a key player in the Scouts BSA advancement program.
Do you have a hobby, skill, or career that you love? Do you enjoy working with youth? Scouting is always looking for counselors to teach the over 130 merit badges offered by BSA.
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 youth
- Be registered with the Scouting America (as a Merit badge Counselor)
Merit Badge Counselor Annual Renewal
Each year merit badge counselors must renew for merit badges they wish to counsel for the upcoming calendar year.
How to register as a Merit Badge Counselor
Merit Badge Counselor registration is independent from any other BSA registered position you may hold. It requires a separate BSA Adult Application, even if you are already registered for a different position.
Registration as a Merit Badge Counselor requires of the following items in California:
- BSA Adult Application – Completed and signed (see below).
- Merit Badge Counselor Information form (with list of badges)
- Proof of current Youth Protection Training (taken within last 20 months)
- Completion of Merit Badge Counselor training (classroom or online)
- Completion of California AB-506 Volunteer Mandated Reporter training, and submittal of a Live Scan fingerprints for a Background Check.
The BSA Adult Application & Merit Badge Counselor Information forms are available at: https://www.scouting.org/resources/forms/
The following items on the BSA Adult Application must be completed:
- Full name and address – Use the exact same name you use on your other BSA registrations. Otherwise, you may end up with multiple registration records.
- Primary phone number – Enter the phone number you want scouts to use to contact you for counseling appointments.
- Date of Birth, Gender, and Social Security Number
- Position code: 42
- Position description: Merit Badge Counselor
- Email address – IMPORTANT. We need your Email address to send you confirmation once your registration is processed. We also use it to send MBC Renewal letters annually.
- All questions on the right side of the form must be completed, including #6a-f.
- Read and initial the 2 items near the bottom left, sign and date the form – MBC is a District position and does not need Committee Chair or Charter Representative Signature.
- Fill in the Unit type, Unit No. and District – The unit should be the Troop that you are associated with. If you are not associated with a specific unit, please include at least your district.
- Complete, sign and date the Background Check Authorization on page 9. Return the following items to the Council office:
- The BSA Adult Application sheet
- The Background Check Authorization sheet
- A copy of your Youth Protection Training card showing it is current.
- A completed Merit Badge Counselor Information sheet.
Applications cannot be processed if they have incomplete information, are missing forms, are missing signatures, or your Youth Protection Training has expired. Incomplete applications will be returned to you, delaying your registration as a counselor. We now accept photocopies, Email copies or Faxes of the signed forms. Also, e-signatures.
BSA requires that all registered adults take Youth Protection Training at least every two years. If your training has expired, please refresh it at my.scouting.org before turning in your application.
Merit Badges: See the complete list of topics and requirements please click the merit badge list here and select those in which you have training and interest. There is no limit to the number of badges you may counsel.
