[su_box title=”LIVED IN PENNSYLVANIA FOR LESS THAN 10 YEARS?” box_color=”#ce1127″]You are required to obtain a fingerprint-based FBI Criminal Background Check.[/su_box]

1. Download the PA Disclosure Statement form.
2. Write your name and sign on the line marked “Name” on page 2.
3. Have a second adult write in their name and sign the document on the line marked “Witness.”
4. Date the document.

[su_box title=”LIVED IN PENNSYLVANIA FOR 10 (or more) YEARS?” box_color=”#ce1127″]See the instructions for the PA Disclosure Statement.  Fingerprint-based FBI Criminal Background Checks are only required if you have not lived in Pennsylvania for the last 10 years.[/su_box]

1. Go to https://uenroll.identogo.com
2. Enter Service Code 1KG6ZJ
3. “Select the State” = Pennsylvania
4. “Choose your agency” = DHS-OCYF
5. “Reason for Fingerprinting” = DHS-Volunteer
6. Follow all instructions necessary to complete the application and fingerprinting process.

A fee may apply to fingerprint-based clearances.  Save a copy of your receipt and the Troop will reimburse you for this cost.

1. Go to https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
2. Select “Create Individual Account” to begin the process.
3. Once on the application page, select “Volunteer” as the Application Purpose.
4. For questions relating to the PA Child Abuse History Clearance, contact the ChildLine Verification Unit at 1-877-343-0494, or (717) 783-6211.

Results may take several weeks to be returned.

1. Go to https://epatch.state.pa.us
2. Click on “New Record Check (Volunteer)”
3. Check box and click Accept.
4. Fill in all information required.
5. Once your request has finished processing, do one of the following:

• • If message received is “NO RECORD FOUND”, print the Record Check Request Results page clearly showing your Control # and “No Record.”
  • If a criminal record IS found, submit the report detailing the criminal record found (which will be mailed to you) to the BSA Scout Executive.

If you have questions, please call: Toll Free at 1-888-783-7972, or (717) 783-9973.

The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Exploring programs.

• CLICK HERE learn more about the Boy Scouts of America’s Youth Protection policies.
• Visit My.Scouting  and create an account.  Once you have an account you can access online training.
• Take the BSA Youth Protection training.
• Once you have completed the training, please print out the certificate and include the print out with your application.
• CLICK HERE to learn about the training you must complete if you are a registered adult member of Scouting.

• Download the BSA Adult Volunteer Application
• The file is a fillable PDF.  We recommend typing your responses directly into the PDF before you submit it.
  • On Page 3: Complete all fields ABOVE the line marked “To be completed by Unit”
  • On Page 6: Complete the Authorization section in the middle of the page.
• Print the document and sign and date pages 3 (Signature of Applicant) and 6 (bottom of the page)

Individuals who wish to serve as a registered adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America are REQUIRED to complete the following:

1. A BSA Adult Volunteer Application
2. The BSA’s Youth Protection Training
3. Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Check
4. PA Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance
5. EITHER:

• • A fingerprint-based FBI clearance if you have NOT lived in Pennsylvania for the last 10 years, OR
  • PA Disclosure Statement if you have been a PA resident for 10 or more years.

Specific instructions on how to complete these required items can be accessed by clicking on each link.

SUBMITTING DOCUMENTS

Documents can be submitted to the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair using the Service Portal 🔒 (preferred) or in hard copy.  They will obtain the necessary signatures from our Charter Organization and turn in the paperwork to the Council office.

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)

[su_quote cite=”Proverb”]Many hands make light work.[/su_quote]

While the Scouts BSA program places additional responsibility on the youth to plan and coordinate events, there are still several easy ways that parents, guardians, family members, and family friends can be involved in the Scouting program.This includes:

• Just helping out
• Becoming a Merit Badge Counselor
• Becoming an Adult Leader within the Troop