Merit Badges and Counselors

FAQs: For Unit Leaders, Parents & Scouts

Unit leaders granted MBC privileges by the unit Scoutbook administrator can search the Merit Badge Counselor Listing in Scoutbook. They are also able to invite Counselors to the Scout’s merit badge record. This serves as the online version of the paper blue card.

If your unit does not utilize Scoutbook, the unit key-3 (scoutmaster, chair, and charter rep.) will still have access to it through Scoutbook. Log into http://scoutbook.scouting.org with your my.scouting userID and password, click on My Dashboard, Administration, your Unit and scroll down the page. There you will see an option for MB Counselor List.

The merit badge counselor list is also available for the same unit key-3 leaders by logging into http://my.scouting.org, going to their unit’s Roster tool. Clicking on Reports. Select Merit Badge Counselor Listing. If using the report as the resource for looking up MBCs, please refresh this listing at least twice per year and keep distribution limited to the unit leader, advancement chair and designated leaders that may assign MBCs to Scouts. As the report ages, new Counselors will be missing and there is the potential for listed counselors to have lapsed their YPT. It is recommended to utilize Scoutbook, even if it is just for the MB Counselor Listing.

Resource:

No. Having electronic access to the Merit Badge Counselor listing through Scoutbook and the my.scouting.org will always be more current then relying on a published listing (which was twice per year). Please see “Where can I find a list of local merit badge counselors?” above for instructions.

The Scoutmaster is responsible for identifying a counselor from those approved (including those approved by other councils) and made available, and is encouraged to give appropriate consideration to a Scout’s preferences and the opportunities to work on merit badges at merit badge fairs or midways, or rock-climbing gyms or whitewater rafting trips that provide merit badge instruction from a registered merit badge counselor. See The Merit Badge Program and Blue Card instructions in the Guide to Advancement.

The merit badge process is as follows:

  • The Scout develops an interest in a merit badge and may begin working on the requirements. (Scoutbook note: Starting a merit badge may be completed by a Scout in Scoutbook or the Scouting mobile app).
  • Except for prerequisites or other restrictions specified in the merit badge requirements, any registered Scout may work on any merit badge at any time.
  • The Scout discusses his interest in the merit badge with his unit leader. Best practice, especially before significant efforts are invested, is for the Scout to discuss their interest with their unit leader.
  • The unit leader signs an Application for Merit Badge, No. 34124, commonly called the “blue card” and provides the Scout with at least one counselor contact. (Scoutbook note: This may also be completed in Scoutbook, signing the blue card electronically and searching for nearby Counselors using the the Merit Badge Counselors Listing)
  • The Scout contacts the counselor. (Scoutbook note: If accepted, the Scout can let the Scoutmaster know. The Scoutmaster then invites the Counselor in Scoutbook. This will allow the Merit Badge Counselor to approve requirements directly in Scoutbook.)
  • The counselor considers any work toward requirements completed prior to the initial discussion with the unit leader. Accepting this work is at the discretion of the counselor.
  • The Scout, his buddy, and the counselor meet (often several times, physically or possibly virtually).
  • The Scout finishes the requirements.
  • The counselor approves completion. (Scoutbook note: If invited through Scoutbook, the MB counselor may complete the requirements in Scoutbook).
  • The Scout returns the signed blue card to his unit leader, who signs the applicant record section of the blue card. (Scoutbook note: The Scout should inform their Scoutmaster of their completed Merit Badge. It should also show completed in the Unit Reports)
  • The unit leader gives the Scout the applicant record. (Scoutbook note: This step is not needed in Scoutbook)
  • The unit reports the merit badge to the council. (Scoutbook note: This step is already completed by Scoutbook)
  • The Scout receives his merit badge.

The Scoutmaster or delegated leader should invite a MB Counselor once the Scout has made initial contact with the counselor. A Scout may email their MB Counselor and Unit Leader asking the Unit Leader to invite the MB Counselor to their Merit Badge once the Scout has confirmed that the MB Counselor has agreed to work with the Scout.

Related link and how-to video:

As a Scout, you will work with a MB Counselor in the same way as before. The MB Counselor will update the requirements for the Merit Badge directly on your Scoutbook record. The MB Counselor may do this after each session or after you have completed the Merit Badge. It is best to ask your Counselor when you start working with them.

The Scoutbook electronic record is as good as a paper Blue Card. In Scoutbook, there is a Blue Card report available in the Advancement section of Scoutbook.

Related link and how-to video:

For Merit Badge Counselors and Potential MB Counselors

Merit badges are more than patches to be worn on their uniforms. They signify the personal growth of a scout as they learn about a variety of topics, from those that are mandatory to those covering hobbies and vocations. There are over 130 merit badges to challenge scouts and let them dig into various topics in which they are interested. This variety makes each Scout’s journey unique to them; but also familiar to others as they experience associating with adults in a safe and rewarding environment. There is a complete list of Merit Badges at the following website:

Being a Merit Badge Counselor is a great way for a parent, scouter, or community member to participate in the Scouting community.

Those serving must maintain registration with the Boy Scouts of America as merit badge counselors and be approved by the local council for each of their badges. Counselors must have completed Youth Protection training within the last two years. They must be men or women of good character, age 18 or older, and recognized as having the skills and education in the subjects they cover. It is important, too, they have good rapport with Scout-age yout and unit leaders. Counselors are encouraged to work with Scouts from multiple units. Counselors are also encouraged to take the Merit Badge Counselors Position-Specific Training.

You can check with your local Unit (Troop, Crew, or Ship) to see if there are some Merit Badges they are looking for local help with. Merit Badges range from the ones that are Eagle-required, to ones that give Scouts some insight into various professions, such as Aviation, Health Care Professionals, Fire Safety, Law, Plumbing, etc. They also include hobbies such as Chess, Fly Fishing, Genealogy, Horsemanship, Pets, Robotics, to name a few.

Once you are approved as a Merit Badge Counselor, even though you will be listed in Scoutbook, you should also inform your local unit and maybe offer to have instructional sessions as well.

The Council has an approval process for any adult that wishes to be a Merit Badge Counselor. Please check on the following link to review the process.

The Merit Badge Counselor Listing is available to Unit leaders such as Scoutmasters and Committee Members. The listing is not available to Scouts and parents. You can also control the visibility of your listing even farther. Check the following web page for more on this:

Although Scoutbook is encouraged, counselors should be familiar with how Scoutbook works as well as how to handle the Application for Merit Badge, No. 34124, which is known as the “blue card”.

Key Merit Badge Resources