Merit Badge Counselor Information Page!

Qualifications:  Counselors must be 18 years or older, of good character, work well with scout-age boys, and be proficient in the merit badge subject(s) they are teaching.  They must be approved both by their local units and the district advancement committee.  Additionally, counselors must be 21 years or older and have special qualifications or certifications for the following Merit Badges: First Aid, Canoeing, Kayaking, Climbing, Lifesaving, Rifle Shooting, Rowing, Scuba Diving, Shotgun Shooting, Snow Sports, Swimming, or Whitewater.  (Additional information may be found in the 2011 Guide to Advancement)

What is the process for becoming a Merit Badge Counselor?

1.  Click here to download a copy of the BSA Adult Application Form, fill out and sign the application portion in both forms, indicate position code:  42 and position:  Merit Badge Counselor, get two unit approval signatures, then summit to local council offices or to the District Executive for approval..

2.  Click here to print out your Merit Badge Counselor Information Form.  This information will be used to add your merit badges to the database once your application has been received, processed and verified by the council/district offices.  At the top of the page, please indicate your zone/stake name and District: Silver Mesa District 26. 

3.  Click here to complete Youth Protection Training (Y01) online.  Be sure to submit an updated copy of your Youth Protection Training Certificate along with your application and MBC Information Form to the GSLC. 

What training is required for Merit Badge Counselors?

• YPT is a required on-line training that must be updated every two years or a counselor runs the risk of being dropped.
• Click here for a copy of the Merit Badge Counselor Orientation Supplemental Adult Leader Training sheet.  This is a guide that will help counselors understand their responsibilities and roles as a coach and counselor in the merit badge program.  It is intended as a short orientation course for the counselors before they begin working.
• 1 Hr. Merit Badge Orientation Course offered through the district is required of all merit badge counselors.  The course is taught during the 1st hour of our district Specific Leader Training.  Zone Commissioners may request another night of  MBC training for their zone if they like, by contacting Debra Olsen:  solsen2000@hotmail.com.

What other information do I need to know as a counselor:

• A counselor may register for as many merit badges as he qualifies for; but no more than three required merit badges will be approved by our district.
• To ensure that scout boys have a greater opportunity to meet with a variety of counselors we encourage counselors to sign off no more than five merit badges per boy,
• It is not the normal function of a scoutmaster or assistant to serve as a merit badge counselor; however they may sign off camping, cooking, hiking and two other merit badges only, when they are fully registered and approved as a merit badge counselor.
• A current list of merit badge counselors and their merit badges may be obtained from your zone commissioner or the merit badge advancement committee in our district.

If you should have any questions or need further information you may contact:

Debra Olsen (District Advancement Vice-Chair):  801-943-7384 or solsen2000@hotmail.com

Jen Allen (District MBC Adv. Committee):  801-550-3292 or jen4556@hotmail.com

Morey Day (District Executive): GSLC offices or mauday@bsamail.org.