Small Group Sessions—The Ideal Teaching Approach

The 2015 Guide to Advancement points out in Section Seven, topic 7.0.3.0, “A small-scale approach in merit badge counseling is encouraged. Teaching a badge to a Scout and his buddy or a small group affords the counselor coaching and guidance opportunities not possible in a large group setting.” Mentoring Scouts requires establishing a relationship with the Scout and his buddy not likely achievable in an auditorium-sized merit badge fair. The Scouts whom you mentor may even get more serious about the subject matter in order to gain a deeper understanding.

 

Merit Badge Coucilor Certifications

We are having to return many merit badge counselor applications for the following merit badges because they do not contain the proper paperwork.  Please read through the instructions below:

 

In addition to the adult application and the merit badge counselor application, the following documentation/forms have to be submitted for the specific merit badges listed below.

Special Qualifications are required to instructors for certain merit badges and require additional documentation.  These badges are explained in Chapter 7 of the Guide to Advancement.  For these badges, the prospective Merit Badge Counselor must provide a copy of current certification OR a letter specifying that instruction and activities for the merit badge will be conducted by a currently certified instructor as described below:

ON-LINE MERIT BADGE CLASSES

We have recently received inquiries about on-line merit badge classes that replace face to face counselor interactions with a Scout with on-line video conferencing and the completion and email exchange of written material in the form of workbooks and the like (often these webinar classes charge a fee.)  We asked the National Advancement Team for guidance on answering these questions and the following reflects that guidance:

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.

Spring 2015 Counselor Compass

Newsletter for Merit Badge Counselors

Click here to view the 2015 Counselor's Compass Spring Issue