The following steps are required for all adults who wish to become a Merit Badge Counselor:
- Identify the Merit Badges you would like to be a counselor for. The latest list of merit badges and their requirements can be found in the Advancement and Awards section of Scouting.org.
- Complete a BSA Adult Leader Application, BSA Youth Protection Training, and obtain all necessary clearances (see How Do I Apply to be an Adult Leader?)
- Use Position Code 42 (Merit Badge Counselor)
- There is no cost associated with being a registered merit badge counselor.
- Complete the BSA Merit Badge Counselor Information Form.
- Complete all of the required fields (indicated by an asterisk)
- In the table, list the merit badges you would like to be a counselor for in the left most column. In the second column, enter “A” to indicate you would like to add the merit badge. In the third column provide a reason why you are qualified to be a counselor for the merit badge.
- Under “I agree to work with:”, select
- All Scouts if you are willing to be contacted by Scouts outside of Troop 457 as a counselor.
- Only with Scouts in these units if you should like to only counsel scouts from Troop 457 (be sure to list Troop 457 in the space provided)
- UPDATE March 2023 – Moraine Trails Council NO LONGER limits individuals to counsel no more than 8 merit badges.
- The following merit badges have special qualifications or certifications requirements for the counselor or supervisor of the activities. Include documentation showing you have current required certifications to expedite your acceptance as a counselor. (Consult the BSA Guide to Advancement section 7.0.1.1 for specific guidance):
- Climbing
- Snow Sports
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Lifesaving
- Motor Boating
- Rowing
- Scuba Diving
- Small Boat Sailing
- Swimming
- Water Sports
- Whitewater
- Archery
- Rifle Shooting
- Shotgun Shooting
- The completed BSA Application forms, certificate of completion for Youth Protection Training, documentation of required clearances, and the completed Merit Badge Counselor Information form can be provided to an Adult Leader or directly to Moraine Trails Council.
Additional Resources
- Step by step: How to be a merit badge counselor (from Bryan on Scouting)
- BSA Guide to Merit Badge Counseling
- Merit Badge Counselor Training on my.Scouting.org (requires my.Scouting account)
- BSA Guide to Advancement (establishes the specific rules for how advancement, including merit badges, works in BSA programs)
- BSA Guide to Safe Scouting (Provides additional guidance on BSA requirements for keeping Scouts safe during activities, including working on merit badges)
