1. Merit Badge Orientation
Boy Scout Troop 1257
Merit Badge Orientation

2. Merit Badge Orientation
Scout Buddy System
Purpose of the Merit Badge Program
The Merit Badge Process
The Role of the Counselor
Registration Process
Pause for all to read.

3. Buddy System
A Scout must have a buddy with him at each meeting with a Merit Badge Counselor (MBC)
Buddies may be:
Another scout working on the same merit badge
A parent, guardian, brother, sister, or relative
A friend
Review the “Guide To Safe Scouting”
No one on one meetings without others nearby AND in plain sight.
No closed door meetings

4. Purpose of Merit Badges
Basic character-developing tool
Scouts learn career skills
Scouts develop physical fitness and hobbies that give a lifetime of healthful recreation
Contact with adults with whom they might not be acquainted
One day these contacts might make that first job interview easier and more successful

5. “To the fullest extent possible, the merit badge counseling relationship is a counselor-Scout arrangement in which the boy is not only judged on his performance of the requirements, but receives maximum benefit from the knowledge, skill, character, and personal interest of this counselor. Group instruction and orientation are encouraged where special facilities and expert personnel make this most practical, or when Scouts are dependent on only a few counselors for assistance. However, this group experience should be followed by attention to each individual candidate's projects and his ability to fulfill all requirements."
Read It

6. The Merit Badge Process
Scout selects a merit badge
Subject that interests the Scout
Eagle required merit badge
First he selects an area of interest or challenge OR one of the Eagle Required merit badges.

7. The Merit Badge Process
Scout indicates interest to Scoutmaster who interviews and signs application
Scoutmaster evaluates whether the Scout is prepared (by age, experience, prerequisites) to work on the particular Merit Badge.
If so, the Scout is referred to the person(s) that maintain the Counselor lists.
Scoutmaster also encourages the Scout to wear his uniform while working on his merit badge.
The Scout approaches the Scoutmaster (or your Scoutmaster may designate a Scoutmaster Assistant to handle this responsibility.
I’m still struggling with public posting with the Counselor lists.
The Scouts should be following the BSA process.
Not having their parents pick out a counselor off the elist.
The Scout should first see the Scoutmaster then the Advancement Chair, then the counselor. Once the badge is complete: the Scout returns to the Scoutmaster for signature then takes his “blue card” back to the Advancement Chair.

8. The Merit Badge Process
The Scout obtains the name & phone number of MBC.
Scouts should be encouraged to seek counselors outside of the Troop.
Mr. DeGaetano has a list of District Merit Badge Counselors.
Scouts should use as many different counselors as possible. No more than 2 or 3 merit badges per counselor.

9. The Merit Badge Process
Scout gets MB book
Purchase at the Scout Store at the Council office.
Purchase at some JCPenney stores, Sunny’s Outdoor, Rider’s Hobby, and other stores.
Scouts may “recycle” used books to other Scouts.
Troop Library
Regardless where the book is obtained …
It must be the current edition!

10. The Merit Badge Process
Scout calls counselor
Most, if not all, contact should be initiated by the Scout.
Skills learned in this process could make that first job interview a lot easier.
Scout should use appropriate language.
Use “yes sir/maam”
Slang and other loose language should be discouraged.
These meetings should be handled in a business-like or professional manner.

11. The Merit Badge Process
Counselor sets date, time and place, encourages Scout to bring:
MB book
A buddy
Signed application “Blue Card”
Started projects
Other indications of preparedness

12. The Merit Badge Process
At first interview decide upon
Projects
Goals
The entire merit badge book should be read.
Planning future interviews/sessions

13. The Merit Badge Process
Scout does work on his own and with help from the counselor
Some “homework” should be done to prepare
Some work with the counselor should be done to perfect work and refine technique
Testing of Scouts is done individually
If more than one Scout is working on the merit badge at the same time, evaluation of each Scout should be done independently of other Scout’s efforts.

14. The Merit Badge Process
Just the Requirements (No more - No less)
With the exception of accommodation made for handicapping conditions, ALL requirements must be completed. Counselors MAY NOT add requirements. Scouts MAY do more if THEY wish to.
Consult the BSA’s published guidelines for accommodating Scouts with special needs.

15. The Merit Badge Process
Test as you go
Scouts need not meet all requirements at one time. They may be signed off as they complete each one.
Merit Badge Counselor helps the Scout
Don’t be a judge or evaluator only.
Be a friend, advocate, resource, teacher

16. The Merit Badge Process
The Merit Badge Counselor may keep the records (blue card.)
The Scout may keep the blue card
Once the merit badge work has been completed, the counselor will give the signed blue card (two parts) back to the Scout

17. The Merit Badge Process
Scout turns in completed blue card
Scout return both portions (unit and applicant) intact for advancement record keeping. Scout copy will be presented to him with the merit badge insignia at the next troop meeting.
Blue card may be turned in to Scoutmaster, Committee Chair or the Advancement Chair
Scout keeps his copy
When the Scout gets his portion of the blue card, he should find a safe place to keep it.

18. The Merit Badge Process
Youth Protection
Don’t overlook this!!
Require the buddy system.
This can help keep the counselor out of trouble.
Reduce the chances of misunderstanding
where you met
when
language used

19. The Role of the Counselor
The counselor should not be learning the badge with the Scout. Be Prepared!

20. Duties as a Counselor Interview the Scout to determine Follow up
Preparedness
Knowledge
Interest
Goals
Follow up
Evaluate progress
Offer assistance

21. Counselor's Role Duties as a Coach Teach required skills
Opportunity to practice
Genuine interest
Enthusiasm

22. Counselor's Role Duties as an Examiner Duties to the Troop and BSA
Current Requirements
NO MORE, NO LESS
Duties to the Troop and BSA
Renew registration
YPP
Follow BSA policies

23. The Forms Adult Application Form
Merit Badge Counselor Information Form (#34405)
Troop Re-charter Form (adult portion)

24. Adult Application
Provides important information about an adult that wishes to work directly with Scouts.
This information must be filled out carefully and completely and verified by Troop leadership.

25. Merit Badge Counselor Information Form
A BSA form that collects information about a counselor and the merit badges to be counseled. It also asks the candidate what level of involvement the candidate has with the subject matter.

26. Registration Process
All merit badge counselors must be registered through the District
The merit badge counselor candidate must completely fill out and sign an Adult Application and a Merit Badge Counselor Information Form.
The Troop Committee Chair and COR are responsible for checking references and “vouching for” the candidate.
The District Merit Badge Dean reviews the forms (completeness and clarity.) The information is then entered into “The Database.”
Not just a rubber stamp.