4. Orientation Merit Badge Counselor Many Waters District presents
The Path to a Quality Program in Scouting Lies in Training our Adult Leaders
Reference documents obtained from
Star.org
Photo of Lake Michigan at Sunrise by Holly Peirson 2008

5. 120+ Merit Badges Art, Hiking, Archery, Lifesaving, Citizenship in the World, Orienteering, Architecture, Cooking, Small-Boat Sailing, Public Speaking, Camping, Theater, Personal Management, Weather, Pets, Pioneering, Nature… New subjects such as Robotics, Scuba, GIS/GPS will soon be available!
Group 1: Agribusiness
Animal Science, Farm Mechanics, Plant Science
Group 2: Arts & Crafts
Art, Basketry, Bugling, Leatherwork, Metalwork, Music, Pottery, Sculpture, Theater, Woodcarving
Group 3: Business and Industry
American Business, Entrepreneurship, Pulp and Paper, Salesmanship, Textile
Group 4: Conservation
Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Mgmt, Forestry, Soil and Water Conservation
Group 5: Hobbies
Backpacking, Camping, Coin Collecting, Collections, Composite Materials, Cooking, Dog Care, Gardening, Hiking, Home Repairs, Indian Lore, Model Design and Building, Pets, Pioneering, Radio, Rowing, Stamp Collecting
Group 6: Natural Science
Archaeology, Astronomy, Bird Study, Geology, Insect Study, Mammal Study, Nature, Oceanography, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Weather
Group 7: Communications
Cinematography, Journalism, Photography
Group 8: Personal Development
American Cultures, American Heritage, Cit. in the Community, Cit. in the Nation, Cit. in the World, Communications, Disabilities Awareness, Family Life, Genealogy, Personal Fitness, Personal Mgmt, Public Speaking, Reading, Scholarship, Traffic Safety, Wilderness Survival
Group 9: Physical Science
Chemistry, Computers, Electricity, Electronics, Energy, Nuclear Science, Space Exploration
Group 10: Professions
Architecture, Dentistry, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine, Surveying, Vet. Medicine
Group 11: Public Service
Crime Prevention, Emergency Preparedness, Fingerprinting, Fire Safety, First Aid, Lifesaving, Public Health, Safety
Group 12: Sports
Archery, Athletics, Canoeing, Climbing, Cycling, Fishing, Fly-Fishing, Golf, Horsemanship, Motorboating, Orienteering, Rifle Shooting
Group 13: Trades
American Labor, Auto Mechanics, Drafting, Graphic Arts, Painting, Plumbing, Woodwork
Group 14: Transportation
Aviation, Railroading, Truck Transportation
keywords: bsa
merit badges
advancement

6. Objectives of this Orientation*
Discuss the Purpose of the BSA Advancement Program and how the Merit Badge Counseling Program fits within it
The Role of the Merit Badge Counselor
Learning, Testing, Reviewing
Before Beginning to Counsel
Qualifications and Paperwork
Individual vs. Group Counseling
Describe the Process
Roles of Scout, Scoutmaster, Counselor
How to Complete A Merit Badge Card
“Partial” Merit Badges
Troubleshooting
Considerations for Special Needs Scouts
Units’ “To Do” List
* This Orientation was written for Boy Scout Troops. Venturers and Varsity Scouts who obtain First Class rank may also earn Merit Badges until they turn 18.

7. 1a. The Purpose of the Program
The Merit Badge Program is an educational tool that is unique to Scouting. It is designed to help youth tackle new subjects with their mentors’ help. These new experiences help them grow into participating citizens and adults with good character.
The badge itself is just a small piece of cloth with a design embroidered in color, but its significance is huge…
The Aims & Methods of Scouting
The badge itself is just a small piece of cloth with a design embroidered in color, but its significance is huge. It represents that the Scout is working toward the goal of becoming a great citizen of the United States of America by…
The Aims of Scouting:
Growth in moral strength and character. This is defined as what the boy is: his personal qualities, his values, his outlook.
Participate in citizenship. This means the boy’s relationship to other people, to society, to government.
Develop physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and emotions (self control, courage and self-respect).
The eight Methods are designed to accomplish these Aims.
1: Advancement
Scouting provides a series of obstacles and challenges, with steps to overcome them, through the rank advancement process. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The ranks in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others. Earning Merit Badges allows the Scout to explore many fields, helps him round out his skills, and perhaps introduces him to subjects that may become life-long interests and rewarding careers.
2: Association with Adults
Boys learn from the examples set by their Adult Leaders. Association with adults of high character is encouraged at this stage of a young man’s development. Adults who are willing to listen to boys, encourage them, and take a sincere interest in them can make a profound difference in their lives.
3: Personal Growth
As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The ‘Good Turn’ concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Boy Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. Perhaps no other device is as successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn. The Religious Emblems program also is a large part of the personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine his growth toward Scouting’s Aims.
4: Ideals
The Ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. The Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what he becomes.
5: Patrol Method
The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating in citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to act in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine Troop activities through their elected leaders.
6: The Outdoors
Boy Scouting is designed to take place in the outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here where the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive. Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an appreciation for the beauty of the world around us. The outdoors is the laboratory in which Boy Scouts learn ecology and practice conservation of nature’s resources.
7: Leadership Development
Boy Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership roles of others and guides him toward the citizenship Aim of Scouting. Boys learn to be effective leaders…and to be good followers.
8: The Uniform
The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force of good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program. Wearing the uniform is an action that demonstrates each Scout’s commitment to the Aims and Purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals.

8. 1b. Aims & Methods of Scouting
METHODS (the process of growing into leaders)
Advancement: Work on self-reliance; meet challenges
Ideals: Live by the Oath - Law - Motto - Slogan
Patrols: A Peer Group with an elected leader; smaller group activities
Outdoor Program: Camping, hiking, Leave No Trace, high adventure, skills growth
Adult Association: Learning from role models
Personal Growth: Daily ‘Good Turn;’ service projects; religious emblems
Leadership Development: Practice good citizenship skills, hold elected positions, do an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project
The Uniform: Identify with larger group; shows commitment to the Aims
AIMS
(what the BSA hopes to accomplish)
Growth in moral strength and character
Learning and participating in citizenship
“Fitness” growth and development: physical, mental, and moral

9. 1c. The Advancement Program
4 Steps Learning - Testing - Reviewing - Recognition
Provides a unique educational tool to help young men grow into adults of character, ready to take their place as participating citizens in the World
Allows the Scout to progress at his own rate. Accepting the challenge of new subject matter encourages Scouts.
Recognizes the Scout, and rewards him for accomplishments*
Encourages Scouting ideals such as living by the Oath and Law, and doing a Good Turn daily
* The colorful patch is a source of pride, but should not be regarded only as a reward. It’s presence on a Scout’s sash also tells leaders and other adults that this Scout should be able to demonstrate the knowledge he has learned in the course of completing the badge. This is especially important for the Eagle Required badges, such as First Aid. Many a Scout and former Scout have used the skills they learned during Rank Advancement and the First Aid Merit Badge to help save lives.
(Their work on Rank Advancement and Merit Badges are their way of expressing interest and participation in the program. Adults must work hard to provide this challenging program. That’s where Counselors fit in.

10. 1d. Merit Badge Counselors…
...Offer our time, experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the Badges we Counsel
...May be college professors, teachers, clergy, coaches, career professionals, parents, grandparents, Troop leaders, former Scouts, astronauts, environmentalists, farmers, gardeners, hobbyists, IT professionals, great speakers, landscapers, musicians, naturalists, field guides, trades-people, transporters, retirees, artists, business owners, crafters, conservationists, actors, hunters, community leaders, Olympic athletes

11. 1e. Counselors help Scouts…
Develop character and self-confidence
Learn and practice communication skills
Overcome obstacles
Meet and work with new people
Research possible future careers
Develop physical fitness
Have fun (the best way to learn!)
Discover a lifetime of hobbies and interests
Put the Scout at ease
Review each requirement
Assistance when reviewing completed requirements
May teach more than required
Scout may do more than required
Practice while learning
KIS-MIF

12. 2a. Counseling Scenarios
There are Many Ways to Counsel Badges...
Scenario A: You are contacted by a Scout from a nearby Troop. He would like to work with you on an Eagle Required Badge. He has four months to complete the badge before his 18th birthday and is trying to juggle school, spring sports, work, and Scouts. He will need some great coaching!
Scenario B: A Patrol of five Scouts wishes to work with you at meetings for a month to complete a badge. With them, you plan what requirements they want to do at each meeting in order to complete the badge in time for their next Court of Honor. One of them is a Special Needs Scout. You work extra hard to devise ways to keep him interested so the whole Patrol can advance together.
Scenario C: The District Advancement Chair has asked you to do a Badge at their next one-day event. You have the option of deciding how many Scouts you’d like to work with. You will decide which of the requirements you will prepare for, and you may also tell the Chair which requirements the Scouts will need to do ahead of the day.
(For the purposes of this Orientation, we’ll use Scenario A: working with a single Scout, to show how the Program works. There are as many scenarios similar to these as there are Scouts in America...)
Introduce Self: Give reasons why you enjoy helping Scouts with this badge, relate your experience with the subject matter.

13. 2b. Counselor & Scout Meet
The Scout will contact you to schedule a meeting.
At this meeting
Introduce yourself to help put the Scout at ease. They text friends 10 times a day, but it’s not easy to call a total stranger. Warm them up by telling why you counsel this Badge, showing genuine interest and enthusiasm for your subject!
At the same time, interview the Scout to determine:
Preparedness: Does he have a signed Merit Badge Card? (If so, have him give it to you so you can keep it updated as you progress through the Badge. If not, ask him to get one from his Scoutmaster before you meet again.)
Has he read the Merit Badge pamphlet?
Determine interest level: What does he already know about the subject? Has he been researching possible projects?
Discuss which requirements he would like to complete. Set short- and long-term goals that include any time requirements and seasonal issues. Scouts may use classroom assignments to fulfill requirements if they ‘fit’ well.
Set the next meeting date.

14. 2c. The Counselor’s “Helps”
Merit Badge Worksheets, Passports, and etc., are optional.
Some think they make working on a Badge seem more like school. Some Scouts will not use them, others love them.
For many Scouts, worksheets help them understand and organize the subject matter.
If your Badge could benefit from a Worksheet, you may make your own, or ask the Scout to download one. Two good examples:
Sample Worksheets are available at Check out the ‘Resources’ section at the end of these Workbooks; they are worth the paper you’ve printed them on.
Sample Passports are available at These are smaller in size and scope. Perhaps better for younger Scouts and non-required Badges.
(If you know of other good resources, please contact District Advancement with the URL’s.)

15. 2d. Working on the Badge
During the time you are working with the Scout on the Badge:
Teach the required skills, and encourage Scout to do so as well
Work in opportunities to practice while learning
If a requirement asks the Scout to “show or demonstrate,” then telling about it is not enough. Likewise for: make, list, collect, identify, label, and in the field.
Expect “no more, no less” than is listed in the badge’s requirements list. However, if a Scout wishes to do more, then go for it!
Help the Scout evaluate his progress. This is best done when you date and initial completed req’s on the Merit Badge Card.
Follow-up on goals
When the Badge is complete, congratulate the Scout as you hand him the signed Card.
Keep the “Counselor’s Record” portion of the Card. Use a card file box or plastic baseball card collection sleeves.

16. 3a. Are You Qualified?*
Counselors must be 18. You must be registered with the BSA.
Counselors must be approved by District and Council before doing Badges (allow 3-4 weeks for applications to be received and for a background check)
It’s a good idea to have an interest in working with youth!
Have interest, skills, and education in the subjects you Counsel
There is no restriction on the number of Badges you may sign up to Counsel**
There is no limit on the number of Badges that may be earned from one Counselor**
Counselors may counsel any Scout, including sons and relatives. This is best done in a group setting.
Scouts may do Badges with Counselors anywhere in the U.S.A
* Info is from “Advancement Policies & Procedures Guidelines” (BSA #33088)
** Units may impose restrictions in their Policy Manuals but the BSA sets none
From “Advancement Policies & Procedures” booklet, p. 13: “Qualifications of Counselors”
Counselor MUST be currently registered with BSA: Both BSA and MBC Applications are required, with SSN given. Other requirements are:
Must be 18 years of age (exceptions are noted for camp counselors)
Have skills and/or education in the subject to be counseled
Must agree to follow established procedures when counseling
Must follow BSA youth protection policy (prohibits 1:1 counseling between Scout and adult), which must be updated every 2 years. The short training and certification course is online at Northern Star Council’s website at
There is no restriction on number of badges an individual may be approved for, but they must be approved with the District and Council before counseling a badge (cannot just DO a badge on the spur of the moment). Northern Star Council suggests that Counselors limit themselves to 6 badges at a time.
No Merit Badge may be taken away after it is earned, unless the Counselor was not registered to Counsel that badge. Exceptions may be noted if the Scout did not follow the procedures stated on the MB Card and in his Boy Scout Handbook (including getting the Scoutmaster’s signature ahead of working on the badge.)
There is no limit on number of badges a Scout may earn from one counselor
A Counselor may counsel any youth member, including his or her own son or other relative. However, it is recommended that additional Scouts take part in MB session involving a parent-son relationship
Scouts may earn MB’s from any registered Counselor. Counselor need not be listed in Scout’s home District Listing; Scouts may do MB’s anywhere in USA
Follow exact requirements. Scout is expected to do exactly what is stated: if it says “show or demonstrate,” that is what he must do. Just telling about it isn’t enough. The same thing holds true for
make
list
in the field
collect
identify
label
Follow current requirements. Merit Badge Requirements are updated every few years. The most current listing of requirements is found in the “Boy Scout Requirements” book, # However, if Scout has already been working on a badge when a new edition of a MB Booklet is printed, Scout should fulfill requirements listed in the Booklet he was using when he began.

17. 3b. Are You Current? For New Counselors or to Add New Badges:
BSA Adult Application (BSA # ) Please remember to sign the back of the 2nd page, which allows for a background check.
Merit Badge Counselor Application (BSA #34405)
Forms are online at
Forms need to be signed by District Advancement Chair. No Unit Leaders need sign.
There is no fee.
Before Badges are Counseled, fill out applications and give to District Advancement.
Follow BSA Policies when working with Scouts
Update your BSA “Youth Protection” training every two years.* This applies to anyone who works with Scouts, even if not associated with a Unit.
Renew your Registration yearly before May 31st
Please notify District Advancement when you decide to ‘retire’ from Counseling
* Online training is available at
Before beginning to Counsel Badges, fill out the Merit Badge Counselor Application.
Indicate which badges you would like to Counsel, and inlcude your expertise level for the badge.
A space on the application requires your SSN. If you don’t wish to write it on the form, you may call it in to the Council Registrar.

18. 3c. Are You Ready?
After you have filled out the Applications and been approved by the Council, what then?! Be Prepared, of course!
Keep a recent “Boy Scout Requirements” booklet (BSA #33215) on hand. It is updated every year and is usually more accurate than Merit Badge Pamphlets.*
Badge requirements are found in the front of Merit Badge Pamphlets. Pamphlets are available for purchase at area Scout Shops, or by going online to or by calling (Pamphlets older than © 2000 should not be used.)
Decide which of the req’s would be good to prepare for. For example, Oceanography 8b cannot be done in MN, but 8a or 8c may. Then prepare your project ideas, gather the necessary materials and references, search out and plan for off-site events as appropriate to the badge.
* If the requirements have recently changed for a badge, the Scout may decide to use the former requirements, depending on how much of the work he has already completed.

19. 3d. Buddies and Groups to work on appropriate equipment
As a Merit Badge Counselor, you may be asked to work with one Scout at a time, with a whole Patrol, or even with a large group.
It is especially important to give individual attention to each Scout during the badge.
The Counselor must meet with each Scout to make sure the Scout knows the subject matter before signing the Merit Badge Card
The Buddy System
Counselors must never meet alone with a Scout. The Scout should bring other Scouts, a parent, guardian, other relative, or a friend.
Group Counseling
(Meetings, Weekend Camp-outs, Summer Camp, High Adventure Trips, Jamborees, Camporees, Merit Badge Days, Walligaloo, Skills Seminars...)
Working in groups allows for use of specialized facilities:
to work on appropriate equipment
to tour businesses specializing in subject matter
to meet with expert personnel
to give Scouts in rural areas access to Counselors and Badges

20. 4a. The Process Begins
The Scout selects a Merit Badge, tells his Scoutmaster
The Scoutmaster gives the Scout a blank Merit Badge card
The Scout fills in personal data, name of badge
The Scoutmaster
Signs the front of the Merit Badge Card
Provides names and numbers of Counselors from District list, or directs Scout to Counselor available in Troop
Asks Scout to wear his uniform and take a buddy when he meets with his Counselor
The Scout studies Merit Badge pamphlet* and other resources as necessary to familiarize himself with the subject matter
* Pamphlets may be borrowed from the Troop Library, the Merit Badge Counselor, or purchased from the Scout Shop or online.)

21. 4b. The Process Continues
The Scout selects a Merit Badge Counselor, calls to introduce himself, and schedule a meeting.
Scout and Counselor set date, time, and place to meet.
The Counselor encourages Scout to bring:
A signed Merit Badge card
Merit Badge Pamphlet
Projects in progress, samples of school projects, ideas for which requirements he wants to work on, etc.
The Scout and the Counselor decide which requirements Scout will do, discuss projects, goals for completion.
The Scout does work on own or with other Scouts; with help from Counselor. May require several meetings, work days, tours, etc.
The Counselor tests each Scout individually.
The Counselor records completed requirements.

22. 4c. Filling out The Card
1) The Scout fills out the personal data on both sides of card
2) The Scoutmaster signs front of card before Scout begins to work on badge 1 2 3
3) The Counselor writes in the req. number, date, and initials whenever the Scout completes a requirement 1 1 1

23. 4d. Processing the Card 2 1 4 3 The Counselor
1. Fills in personal data
2. Signs and dates requirements as Scout completes them
3. Signs card when complete, or (after event is over, returns partially-completed card to Scout)
4. Keeps “Counselor Record;” gives card to Scout. 2 1 4 3

24. 4e. Completing the Card
1) The Scout gives remaining two portions of card to Scoutmaster
2) The Scoutmaster signs completed card, gives to Advancement Chair
3) Unit Advancement Chair records and buys badge, files left portion of card
4) Scout keeps center portion
The Scouts should receive their Merit Badges at the next Unit Meeting, and be recognized again at the Unit’s next Court of Honor. 1 2 4 3

25. This Scout has two requirements to complete.
4f. A “Partial” Card
Partially completed Merit Badge Cards are often brought back from Summer Camps, Merit Badge events, Camporees...
“Partials” never expire. The Unit Advancement Chair should keep them on file until the Scout is ready to complete the Badge or has turned 18.
A good way to organize them is to put each Scout’s partial cards into a plastic baseball card collection sleeve, and keep them in a 3-ring binder.
1a HP
1b HP 1c
1d HP HP HP 4a
4b HP
This Scout has two requirements to complete.

26. 5. Troubleshooting A Counselor Should Stop Work on a Badge if
A Scout has no Merit Badge Card, or it has not been signed by Scoutmaster
The Scout comes to the meeting alone.
The Scout did not get pre-approval. Some Badges require a parent or Counselor’s permission to proceed with requirements that include off-site visits, or using certain tools and weapons.
The Scout is “winging it.” Never say, “That’s good enough.” This gives the Scout false confidence that he has mastered the subject. Sign only the requirements he completes to your satisfaction. Encourage him to come back when he has mastered the next topic.
A Scout asks a Counselor to sign off on a Badge that was begun at summer camp. The Counselor may sign, but only after the Scout has demonstrated that he has met the requirements of the Badge.
A Scout wants a Counselor to begin a Badge 2-1/2 mo’s before his 18th birthday for a Badge with a 3-month long requirement...
Scout has made up the required charts, lists, or logs…
The Scout’s parent seems to be in control.

27. 6. Special Needs Scouts
Counselors may accept work from Special Needs Scouts in many ways. Some examples are: Oral, taking photos to illustrate things he may not be able to draw, recording or dictating to a helper.
Scouts may do alternate “Eagle Required” badges as noted in the Advancement Policies and Procedures Guidelines,” (BSA #33088).
The Scout or Unit must apply to Council Advancement before beginning these badges.
The “Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Award Merit Badges” must be completed, with possible alternate badges listed that have taken the Scout’s abilities into account. The alternates chosen must be as demanding of effort as other required badges.
A Doctor’s statement of disability must accompany the Alternate Badge Application
The Scout must do as many badges as possible before applying for alternates for those he cannot complete.
Any record of Alternate Badges must be submitted later, along with the Eagle Rank Application.

28. 7. Unit “To Do’s” Unit Advancement Chairs are Responsible for
Maintaining the Unit’s Merit Badge Counselor List, and making sure the Unit has a current District List
Working with the Troop Librarian to maintain the MB Pamphlet library. (There should be no Merit Badge pamphlets older than © 2000 in the Troop Library)
Making sure the Scouts are using Registered Counselors
Periodically asking parents to fill out a “Resources Survey,” available at under “Resources.” Ask parents of new Scouts to become Counselors: It’s a great introduction to the differences between Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. Make sure that parents of former Scouts (former Scouts, too!) know they are welcome to counsel badges.
Training the Unit’s MB Counselors:
Make the “Merit Badge Counselor Orientation” (BSA #34542) pamphlet available to all.
There are many websites designed to train Merit Badge Counselors. One of the better ones is at boyscouts/guideformeritbadgecounselors.aspx
Let Unit MBC’s know that this Orientation is available on the Many Waters District website at

29. © 2009, Many Waters District, Northern Star Council BSA
The Path to a Great Program Lies in Training our Adult Leaders
We hope this presentation has been helpful.
Feedback is always welcome. For questions and/or suggestions,
contact Many Waters District Advancement Chair Holly Peirson, at , or
© 2009, Many Waters District, Northern Star Council BSA
Reference documents obtained from
Star.org
Photo of Lake Michigan at Sunrise by Holly Peirson 2008
The End