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 Merit Badge Counseling is one way to actively support the
Scouting program by sharing your expertise in a given subject area. Boy Scouts are required to earn merit badges for all
ranks above First Class. They may start earlier, but are generally occupied with basic skill development in Tenderfoot, Second and First Class ranks.
A Scout must earn 12 required-subject merit badges and at least 9 optional-topic badges for the rank of Eagle Scout. Earning
merit badges is a combination of exposure to new subjects and skills, practical experience in that subject, and demonstrated mastery in some aspects of the subject.
Your job, as a Merit Badge Counselor, is to satisfy yourself that each Scout who comes to you meets all the requirements for
the merit badge. In this sense, you are an examiner. But, your larger opportunity lies in coaching -- helping the Scout over the
different hurdles of the requirements and making him aware of the deeper aspects of the subject from your knowledge and experience.
As a merit badge counselor, I agree to:
- Follow the requirements of the merit badge, making no deletions or additions, ensuring that the advancement standards are fair and uniform for all Scouts.
- Follow Youth Protection Guidelines for all meetings with Scouts.
- Renew my registration annually if I plan to continue as a merit badge counselor.
To become a BSA Merit Badge Counselor, you must complete and return an application form. If you
are not a registered Adult Leader, you will also need to complete the Adult Leader application form,
writing “Merit Badge Counselor Only” at the top. The Troop Committee Chair and Advancement
Chair have these forms, and we ask that you return the completed forms to the Committee Chair, who
will sign and submit them to Council. There is no cost to register, and you can apply to be a counselor
for up to 5 merit badges. Your application forms will be reviewed by the Council Advancement Chair
and you should receive a postcard indicating that you are on the official list of BSA Merit Badge
Counselors. If you do not wish to serve as a counselor outside of our troop, indicate this on the application.
Our Troop’s philosophy is to encourage qualified adults to share their expertise with Scouts through
the merit badge program. Scouts are encouraged to pursue merit badges that interest them, and given
the opportunity to work with a variety of adults registered as Merit Badge Counselors. It should be
noted that merit badges are not earned just by attending meetings. Scouts are expected to take
whatever initiative necessary to start, plan, work on requirements and complete badges.
BSA offers periodic training and this publication: Merit Badge Counseling, 1993 Printing. Copyright
1972 Boy Scouts of America; Irving, Texas No. 34520
A valuable resource available on the Internet is www.meritbadge.com
Visit the Forms page to download the Merit Badge Counselor Application and Guidelines form
TROOP 457 MERIT BADGES & COUNSELORS
updated: 08/08
This is a list of the BSA merit badges and the counselors that are within our troop. If you have a
particular interest or talent in any of these areas, please see Lori Marquardt for a counselor application.
If there is no merit badge counselor within our troop for a particular badge, call Lori Marquardt for the name of a counselor within the Huron Trails District.
EAGLE REQUIRED MERIT BADGE COUNSELORS
There are 15 Eagle required merit badges. These are highlighted in green  . It is a goal to have at least one counselor for each Eagle required merit badge within our troop. If you are even remotely
interested, please refer to the pertinent badge book from the troop library for more information. Also, see Lori Marquardt for applications.
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