1. Merit Badge Counselor Orientation for University of Scouting Detroit Area Council & Clinton Valley Council Boy Scouts of America

2. 2 Course Objectives State the purpose of the merit badge program for Scouts Use the buddy system for counseling. Explain the role of the merit badge counselor and instructor. List some methods of counseling and coaching.

3. 3 References Merit Badge Counselor Orientation Supplemental Adult Leader Training, BSA #34541 Advancement Committee Policies & Procedures, #33088 Application for Merit Badge, #34124 2006 Boy Scout Requirements, #33215 Guide to Safe Scouting, #34416

4. 4 MBC Orientation Introduction Purpose of the Merit Badge Program Scout Buddy System The Merit Badge Process Role of the Counselor and Instructor Counseling Techniques 2006 Changes – January 1 st & Mid Year Review

5. 5 Purpose Basic character-developing tools. 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.

6. 6 Buddy System Youth Protection A Scout must have a buddy with him at each meeting with a MBC. Buddies may be: –Another scout working on the same merit badge –A parent, guardian, brother, sister, or relative –A friend

7. 7 Merit Badge Process Scout selects merit badge Scout indicates interest to SM who –Interviews –Reviews prerequisites –SM signs MB application MB application aka “Blue Card” (BSA# 34124) Scout gets MB book

8. 8 MB Process (cont.) Scout must bring to first session –MB pamphlet / requirements –Signed application / partials –Prerequisites At first meeting, MBC & Scout decide upon –Projects –Goals –Attendance

9. 9 MB Process (cont.) Scout does work on own and with help from counselor –Examination / Tested individually –No more - No less –Test as you go –MBC helps Scout –MBC keeps record –Scout turns in Unit copy, keeps his copy

10. 10 "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." National Policy regarding Group Instruction

11. 11 Counselor's Role Duties as a Counselor Duties as a Coach Duties as an Examiner Duties to the Council

12. 12 Duties as a Counselor Interview the Scout to determine preparedness, knowledge, and interest Goals Follow up Evaluate progress Offer assistance

13. 13 Duties as a Coach May teach required skills Opportunity to Practice Show genuine interest Be enthusiastic

14. 14 Duties as an Examiner Know Current Requirements No Changes to Requirements NO MORE NO LESS

15. 15 Duties to the Council Renew Registration Annually Counselor Training (this class!) Comply with Youth Protection Program Follow BSA policies –Advancement Policies –Guide to Safe Scouting When working with Camp Staff –Maintain Camp Advancement Logs –Insure Instructors are Following Guidelines

16. 16 Camp Instructor’s Duties Assist Registered MBCs Record Attendance at sessions Update Council / Camp Sheets as Requirements are completed Insure Requirements are Met as Written Same limits as MBCs –NO MORE / NO LESS

17. 17 Counseling Techniques 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

18. 18 2006 Changes American Cultures American Heritage American Labor Astronomy Bird Study Camping Chemistry Citizenship in the World Computers Crime Prevention Disability Awareness Energy Environmental Science Forestry Genealogy Geology

19. 19 2006 Changes Photography Pioneering Plant Science Public Health Pulp and Paper Reptile and Amphibian Study Scholarship Shotgun Shooting Skating Truck Transportation Veterinary Medicine Whitewater New Merit Badge –Composite Materials

20. 20 2006 Summary 13 MB were completely rewritten + 1 new MB More than ½ requirements changed substantially 9 MB had major changes 6 MB had minor changes 3 MB had differences in prior Req books –Shotgun Shooting pamphlet is more recent! 13 MB now require MBC or parental approval BEFORE some requirements can be started

21. 21 2006 MB Updates The following MB pamphlets were updated after January 1 st, 2006 –Archaeology –Art –Athletics –Aviation –Climbing –Graphic Arts –Journalism –Personal Fitness –Rowing Scouts can use either requirements in the new MB pamphlets or the January 1, 2006 requirements

22. 22 2006 Mid Year Summary – 7 MB were completely rewritten More than ½ requirements changed substantially – 2 MB had substantial changes – 1 MB now requires MBC or parental approval BEFORE some requirements can be started

23. 23 Review Any Questions ??

24. 24 K- Keep I- It S- Simple M- Make I- It F- Fun Above all else: