1 The Essentials of Merit Badge Counseling

This Training Will Cover Scouting overview: mission, aims, and methods Merit badge program role and benefits Merit badge counselor qualifications How to become a counselor The merit badge counseling process Merit badge requirements: fulfill as written Effective counseling Optional: Group instruction and camp settings

Boy Scouts of America Mission Statement The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Aims of the Scouting Program Character development Citizenship training Mental and physical fitness Every activity in Scouting should support one or more of these aims. Guide to Advancement topic

Methods of Scouting Scouting ideals Patrol method Advancement Association with adults Outdoors Leadership development Uniform Personal growth Guide to Advancement topic

Four Steps in Boy Scout Advancement The Scout learns. The Scout is tested. The Scout is reviewed. The Scout is recognized. Guide to Advancement topic Merit badge counselors are directly involved in the first two steps.

Merit Badges: Their Role in Advancement Merit badges are integral to the advancement program. Any Scout may earn them at any time, including qualified Venturers and Sea Scouts. Merit badges are required for Star, Life, and Eagle Scout ranks. A total of 21 are required for Eagle. Some merit badges are “elective”; some are “required.” Thirteen specific merit badges are required for Eagle Guide to Advancement topic

Broad Range of Subjects Agribusiness Arts and crafts Business and industry Communications Conservation Hobbies Natural science Personal development Physical science Professions Public service Sports Trades Transportation More than 130 merit badges in 14 subject areas: Guide to Advancement topic

Benefits of Merit Badges Contribution to the aims of Scouting: citizenship, character, and fitness Development of confidence, self-reliance, and social skills Physical fitness and healthy lifestyles Career and hobbies choices may result Exposure to positive role models:You! Guide to Advancement topic

At least 18 years of age Person of good character Recognized as having skills and education in the subject area Capable of having good rapport with leaders and Scout-age youth Must be BSA-registered (code 42) Includes Summer Camp MBCs, and MBCs offering Web-based opportunities Qualifications to Become a Merit Badge Counselor Guide to Advancement topic

Merit Badge Counselor Registration Complete Youth Protection Training (my.scouting.org)my.scouting.org o Access under Home -> Dashboard o Add membership id to my.scouting.org profile o include paper copy /w adult application o Annual renewal requirement(Council policy) Complete Adult Application using position code 42 (MBC) o Include signature authorizing background check o Do not register multiple positions on the same application Setup account on ScoutCommunity.comScoutCommunity.com o No more purple sheet! o Council/district approves merit badges requests

Adult Application Merit Badge Counselor Guide to Advancement topic

Use Position Code 42 No fee position

Web-based system for tracking and sharing MBC information (contact info, MBs, YPT status, etc) Unit leaders can access MBC information from any internet- connected device anywhere, anytime Automatic notification of YPT renewal and MBC re-registration All MBCs must have an account on o “How to setup account” video o Select MBs, indicate qualifications and include certifications, as necessary New Online MBC Information System

Merit Badge Counselor Limitations Is there a limit to the number of merit badges an individual may counsel? No, but… o Should have adequate skills and education in the subjects o Councils have authority to set local policy limiting the number of MBs one person counsels Is there a limit to the number of merit badges a scout may earn from an individual MBC? No, but…. o Unit Leader may limit the number of merit badges a Scout may earn from a single counselor (policy must apply to all scouts in the unit) Is there a limitation on MBCs working with their own children, ward or relative? No, but… Can registered MBCs counsel Scouts in other Councils? Yes Guide to Advancement topic

Finalizing Registration Submit completed Adult Application and copy of YPT certification to District Advancement Chairman, District MBC Coordinator or designee o If everything is correct the Adult Application and YPT certification will be submitted to the Council Registrar When the application is processed the applicant profile on ScoutCommunity.com will be updated from Pending to BSA Registered o Applicant can/should select merit badges to counsel while in Pending status Important final step: Get trained!

MBC Re-registration Done annually, during District volunteer renewal(June) o YPT must be current by June 30 Process managed through ScoutCommunity.com o Re-registration alert sent through o MBC replies indicating desire to re-register

Merit Badge Counselor Lists ScoutCommunity.com website eliminates the need for creating and distributing MBC lists o Unit leaders can access information for unit and district MBCs  Provide the Scout only with name of a MB Counselor and his/her phone number o Do not give the Scout an electronic or paper copy of MBC information reports  Protect privacy of personal data Guide to Advancement topic

Guide to Advancement topic General Supervision Requirements MBs involving Swimming/Watercraft activities must be in accordance with guidelines described in Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat o Activities supervised by Adult (21 years old) MBs involving physical activities in accordance with guidelines described in “The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety” CPR Instructors must have training from a nationally-certified provider (refer to Guide to Safe Scouting)

Special Certifications and Trainings CPC provides training for a limited set of certifications (Rifle Shooting, Climbing, COPE) Specific training is required for some BSA activities, including merit badges. Guide to Advancement topic

Guide to Advancement topic Merit Badges Requiring Special Qualifications or Current Certifications by MBC or Supervisor Archery Canoeing Climbing Kayaking Lifesaving Rifle Shooting Rowing Scuba For details refer to Guide to Safe Scouting and the 2015 Guide to Advancement Shotgun Shooting Snow Sports Swimming Whitewater Counselor must hold the specific certification, or commit work with someone who does (tracked on ScoutCommunity.com)

Specifying Qualifications & Certifications on ScoutCommunity.com For MBs that require it, Counselor must hold the specific certification, or commit work with someone who does (tracked on ScoutCommunity.com)

The Process of Counseling A Scout develops interest in a merit badge and may begin working on requirements Scout discusses interest with his unit leader. The unit leader signs a blue card and provides at least one counselor to contact. Scout can choose a different counselor, but must ensure the counselor is BSA-registered The Scout contacts the counselor. The Scout, his buddy and the counselor meet— often several times. Counselor considers whether to accept any work completed prior to initial meeting with unit leader Guide to Advancement topic

The Process of Counseling The requirements are fulfilled. The counselor approves completion and signs the blue card (keeps the counselor record). The Scout returns the signed blue card to his unit leader for signature. The unit leader gives the Scout the applicant record section. The unit reports the merit badge as advancement. The merit badge patch is presented to the Scout. Guide to Advancement topic

The unit leader signature: Required for Scouts to work with counselors Does not indicate unit leader “approval” Evidence of discussion between unit leader and Scout Indicates registered counselor has been recommended Not required for Scout to get started on requirements Guide to Advancement topic Application for Merit Badge The Blue Card “I have discussed this merit badge with this Scout and recommended at least one merit badge counselor.”

Application for Merit Badge The Blue Card Record of completed requirements Scout’s information Guide to Advancement topic

Counselor’s information 1/3 goes to Scout for his records Unit leader’s second signature Counselor signs in two places once all requirements are complete Guide to Advancement topic Application for Merit Badge The Blue Card – Reverse Side 1/3 goes to the counselor’s records 1/3 goes to the unit as application for the badge

Completing the “Partial” Blue Card The merit badge counselor records and initials the front of the card in the middle section as each requirement is completed. The back of the card is not signed in either place until all requirements are fulfilled. Partials do not expire as long as the Scout is a registered youth member. Although accepting “partial” work completed is at the subsequent counselor’s discretion, refusal should be rare occurrence Guide to Advancement topic

Interview the Scout (with a buddy present) to determine: His preparedness His current knowledge His interest In subsequent meetings: Evaluate progress Review completed work Role of a Merit Badge Counselor First meeting:

Buddy System A Scout must have a buddy with him at every meeting with a merit badge counselor. A buddy could include: Another Scout A parent or guardian A brother or sister A relative or friend Guide to Advancement topic

Tips for Counseling Make Scouts feel welcome and relaxed. First impressions matter. Ask a few simple questions. Show them something related to the subject. Invite them to demonstrate a simple skill. Remember: This is Scouting. Have fun.

Tips for Counseling Use the EDGE method E xplain D emonstrate G uide E nable

Role of a Merit Badge Counselor Coaching: Teach required skills. Provide opportunities to practice. Provide encouragement, and also praise when appropriate. Encourage goal setting and provide help and support in reaching goals. Evaluate progress and respond accordingly.

Role of a Merit Badge Counselor Mentoring: Establish a relationship, taking a genuine interest in the Scout’s projects. Spark curiosity. Go for the deeper dive. Encourage long term goal- setting.

Finding Current Requirements for a Merit Badge Boy Scout Requirements (current edition) Merit badge pamphlet (latest printing) New PDF-format for some MBs BSA national website meritbadges.aspx

Unofficial Worksheets & Learning Aids Merit badge “worksheets” from the Web, or other sources, are unofficial, but may aid in learning. Scouts must not be required to use them These tools must correlate to current merit badge requirements; all requirements still must be fulfilled as written. Worksheets may be used to meet “in writing” requirements. Worksheets are not a substitute for “telling,” “showing,” or “demonstrating,” etc. Guide to Advancement topic

More on Merit Badge Requirements Interpreting pre-requisites Will be clear in the wording of the requirement “X” must be completed before working on “Y” (Ex: Scuba MB requires completion of Swimming MB before starting certain requirements) Are the requirements flexible? No; they must be fulfilled, as written. Wording matters! Note the “verb”. “ Show,” “demonstrate,” “describe, “make,” “list,” etc., are to be taken literally Guide to Advancement topic

What if Merit Badge Requirements Change? If Scout has begun a MB, and new requirements are published in merit badge pamphlet Scout can continue to use old or new requirements If Scout begins a MB after new requirements are published in Boy Scout Requirements handbook Scout must use new requirements Guide to Advancement topic

Policy on Unauthorized Changes to Advancement Program No council, committee, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add to, or subtract from, advancement requirements. There are limited exceptions relating only to youth members with disabilities. For details see section 10, “Advancement for Members With Special Needs.” –The Guide to Advancement, No

Scouts with Special Needs Merit badge requirements must not be waived or changed for any Scout. Scouts with disabilities—either permanent, or expected to last at least two years or beyond age 18—still may advance! The “Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges” may be found at: Contact Dr. Jeff Axel, Special Needs Committee Phone: , Guide to Advancement section 10

Group Instruction “Direct approach is the recommended best practice for merit badge instruction and requirement fulfillment” (2015 Advancement Guide, ) Guide to Advancement topic The Challenge Every Scout must actually and personally pass every requirement as written. Benefits Guest experts Interactive learning Slide shows, skits, demonstrations, and other dynamic approaches

Once It’s Earned, It’s Earned Once Scout has earned merit badge from a registered and approved counselor, it cannot be taken away. Nor does unit leadership have the authority to retract approval, or take the badge away. Even if a merit badge counselor were found to be improperly documented, it would be a rare occasion when a Scout would be penalized for the mistake of an adult volunteer. Guide to Advancement topic

Additional Tidbits Unit decides: Who has blank merit badge cards Who holds the merit badge card while it is being worked on Unit policies (within published guidelines) for achieving merit badges must be published for the whole unit to see

Addressing Merit Badge Myths At what age or rank may Boy Scouts work on merit badges? What is the maximum number of merit badges a Scout may work on at the same time? Is a Scout allowed to work on a merit badge without his unit leader’s “approval”? None if registered as Scout No limit No longer required; discussion is held

If a Scout has too many unfinished merit badges, may the Scoutmaster limit how many others he may begin? Is it appropriate to tell a Scout he must earn all or most of his Eagle-required badges before he earns any others? Is the Scoutmaster permitted to serve as a troop merit badge counselor for some merit badges like Camping or Hiking? Addressing Merit Badge Myths During discussion above, Scoutmaster should provide counseling on what to do Scoutmaster could only suggest this Permitted only if unit leader is registered and approved as counselor

Addressing Merit Badge Myths What is the maximum number of badges a youth may earn from one counselor? How many badges may one counselor be approved to counsel? May you counsel your son? May you counsel in other units, districts, or councils? SM can limit, as long as policy is same for all scouts National places no limit Yes, but… Yes

Addressing Merit Badge Myths Due to tight schedules, is a camp staff member allowed to make minor adjustments so requirements can be finished at camp? Once you are registered and approved as a counselor, at what point must you re-register and become reapproved? When does a “partial” expire? Absolutely not Annually When no longer eligible to register as a Boy Scout

Resources Guide to Advancement, No BSA’s Guide to Safe Scouting, No Merit badge pamphlets (paper and Digital formats) Boy Scout Requirements, No Application for Merit Badge, No A Guide for Merit Badge Counseling, No Boy Scout Handbook, No Merit Badge Counselor Information, No BSA Adult Application, No Training video: For More Information Other advancement presentations available at: AdvancementandAwards/resources.aspx

Merit Badge Counselors Share passion Teach skills Touch lives

Questions? PowerPoint presentation available at Sweet 16 of BSA Safety available at Scouting Safely,

Optional Material

Group Instruction Ensuring Quality Limit group instruction to cases where the benefits are compelling. Ensure that all counselors are registered and approved. Establish processes where counselors confirm prerequisites, if any, have been completed. Every Scout must actually and personally pass every requirement, as written. Report any issues to the council advancement committee. Guide to Advancement topic

Camp Settings No exemption from merit badge counselor qualifications. Staff members under 18 may assist, but must work with registered counselor. Instruction must be done in accordance with “group instruction” procedures found in the 2015 Guide to Advancement. Guide to Advancement topics and

Merit Badge Events Merit badge fairs may provide an overview or introduction to multiple badges. Rare that Scouts begin and finish badges at one- or two- day events. Partials are expected, acceptable results Prerequisites should be made known early. Scouts must actually and personally fulfill requirements. Guide to Advancement topic

Merit Badge Events Only minimal fees should be charged for events. Events staged as fundraisers are discouraged. Non-Scouting organizations or businesses are not allowed to use protected BSA trade names, images, logos, or artwork without BSA permission. Non-Scouting organizations must have local council approval to present classes that are for the sole purpose of earning merit badges. Unit Merit Badge Fairs must be certified by the District Advancement Chairman (Unit MB Fairs can not cross districts) MB Fairs or events crossing districts must be approved by the CPC Advancement Steering Committee (See guidelines posted on the CPC web site) Guide to Advancement topic

What about an Unregistered, or Unapproved MBC? May happen if an MBC allow their registration to lapse, but continues as an active counselor Report to District or Council Advancement committee for follow up Provide Scout with contact info for a registered, approved counselor

Reporting concerns about Counselors not following BSA procedures If a unit leader discovers that Scouts who have received merit badges through a group instructional setting have not fulfilled all the requirements, then file form in Section , 2015 Guide to Advancement with the Council Advancement Committee (Reporting Merit Badge Counseling Concerns)

Limited recourse for unearned MB Only rarely used if it is clear that the Scout could not have completed all the requirements for the merit badge Must act before merit badge is awarded to the Scout (within 30 days of discovery) Unit Leader should discuss with Scout in a positive environment how the requirements were met (have a second adult present as observer)

Recruiting Merit Badge Counselors Typically parents of scouts o Parent survey o Don’t forget relatives, friends, professionals Previous committee members Reach out to people in the community Schools and colleges, Parents groups, Local businesses, Service clubs, Trade groups, Religious organizations, Neighborhood associations, Government agencies, The armed services, Chartered organizations, Nonprofit organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America