WELCOME TO MERIT BADGE COUNSELING

A guide for new merit badge counselors by Grand Canyon Council Advancement Committee, BSA

A merit badge counselor serves as both a teacher and mentor as Scouts work on a merit badge.  In one way, he or she is an examiner.  In a larger sense, the counselor uses this opportunity for coaching – helping young men overcome the hurdles of the different requirements and making Scouts aware of the deeper aspects of the subject from their knowledge and experience.  Because of these unique opportunities to serve Scouts, volunteering as a merit badge counselor is one of the most gratifying experiences for adults in Scouting today.

Click here to be introduced to all the Boy Scout Merit Badges (Merit Badge Requirements are here)

Steps in Becoming a Merit Badge Counselor

1.  READ THIS FIRST: GCC Merit Badge Counselor Guide

2.  Fully fill out an adult application. For position enter code 42. You are the only one who needs to sign it. Don’t forget to sign the disclosure authorization form.

3.  Read about the special requirements for counseling certain merit badges.

4.  Fill out the Merit Badge Counselor Information sheet which tells us which badges you would like to counsel.

5.  Youth Protection certificate. Create an account or log into http://myscouting.org; click on E-Learning (on the left), then take Youth Protection Training. Save the certificate you receive from the course.

6.   Send all these forms to GCC.Membership@scouting.org or fax them to: 602-955-0570 

Holding a Merit Badge Event?

Read: Merit Badge Event Policies

Online Video Training, after viewing video send an email to gccadvancement1@gmail.com to be credited for the course