Merit Badges
Merit Badge Guide - Essentials for Merit Badge Counselors
Registering
To be a Merit Badge Counselor (MBC) you must be at least 18 years of age (there are some exceptions) and complete the following documentation. You must submit this application to become a Merit Badge Counselor even if you are already registered as an adult leader. Registration is done online.
- BSA Adult Application . During the application process, you will be asked to choose your District and then follow the link.
(It looks like this non-functioning example: https://my.scouting.org/VES/OnlineReg )
You do have to click it and then proceed to complete the online form which will appear in a new tab. After completion, return to this page to continue process. - Merit Badge Selection: During the application process, you will be asked to select the Merit Badges you wish to counsel. We ask new counselors to sign up for no more that 8 Merit badges. You will also be asked what your qualifications are.
- Merit Badge Training – Training is required for all counselors. It’s available online. Login to My.Scouting Click on the Menu icon, select Training from the menu, and then select Scouts BSA.
- Compliance Requirements: You will be asked to confirm if you are already a BSA registered volunteer – that is, your certificates are current*. If you are not registered, you will need to upload your YPT, State Mandated Reporter (AB506) Certificates , and your LiveScan receipt.
* Your YPT and AB506 Certificates must be current for the duration of your membership registration.
Click here to start the application process
How to register
Watch the video for a step by step guide through the steps you need to follow. There’s also a detailed guide to completing the Information Form below. When you’re ready, follow the link below to get started.
Updating Badges or Certificates
For current Merit Badge Counselors who want to change the merit badges they counsel or who need to upload a certificate, follow this link
Update my Merit Badges or Certificates .
In the section pictured below - ‘What do you wish to do today’ - click on the arrowhead to display the available options.
Merit Badges requiring additional qualifications
Citizenship in Society – Requires Citizenship in Society GGAC Training program and interview verification form.
Rifle and Shotgun Shooting – All instruction involving any handling of firearms or live ammunition must be supervised by a certified BSA National Camp School shooting sports director, or NRA Rifle/Shotgun Shooting Instructor or Coach. Shooting must be supervised by an NRA-certified Range Safety Officer. Merit badge counselors who are not certified will not be able to handle firearms, live ammunition or conduct shooting without assistance from certified personnel. Reference Guide to Safe Scouting and BSA National Shooting Sports Manual no. 30931.
Archery – Archery activities must be supervised by a BSA National Camping School– trained shooting sports director or USA Archery or National Field Archery Association instructor, or by someone who has been trained by one of the three; or alternatively, the activities may be supervised by someone with at least Level 1 training in the operation of an archery range from USA Archery, NFAA, or an equivalent.
Climbing – All climbing, belaying, and rappelling exercises and activities must be supervised by a rock climbing instructor who is a mature and conscientious adult at least 21 years old, and who is trained in BSA Climb On Safely and understands the risks inherent to these activities. Training as a BSA climbing Level 2 Instructor is highly recommended. Someone with certification in First Aid/CPR/AED from the American Red Cross (or equivalent) must be present at these activities.
Canoeing, Kayaking, Lifesaving, Motor Boating, Small Boat Sailing, Rowing, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Water Sports, and Whitewater – Merit badge counselors must have current Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense training (available online through my.scouting.org). Please attach a copy of your certifications to the application.
Canoeing. Those supervising canoeing activities must have either BSA Aquatics Instructor or Canoeing Instructor certification from the American Canoe Association, American Red Cross, or equivalent
Kayaking. Those supervising kayaking activities must have formal training in kayaking and paddle craft instruction, evidenced by either BSA Aquatics Instructor or Paddle Craft Safety Instructor certification, or kayaking instructor certification from the American Canoe Association, British Canoe Union, or American Red Cross, or equivalent
Motor Boating. Motor boating activities must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult, age 21 or older. Appropriate credentials include current or previous certification by an organization (such as the National Safe Boating Council, the United States Power Squadrons, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or the US Powerboating component of US Sailing) that meets the voluntary National On-Water Standards for Powerboating or the NASBLA national boating education standards for powerboating
Small Boat Sailing. They must be mature and conscientious adults age 21 or older. Appropriate credentials include instructor certification with a recognized sailing agency or school, US Sailing, or the American Sailing Association for sailing experience with different hull types including the rig being used for instruction
Whitewater. Those supervising whitewater activities must be certified as whitewater canoeing or kayaking instructors by the American Canoe Association or have equivalent certification, training, or expertise.
Lifesaving – Demonstrations or activities in or on the water must be supervised by an adult at least 21 years old with certification in Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED or equivalent, and also as BSA Lifeguard or Aquatics Instructor or equivalent.
Scuba Diving – All phases of SCUBA instruction (classroom, pool and open-water training) must be conducted by a recreational diving instructor in good standing with a scuba agency recognized by the Boy Scouts of America (PADI, NAUI, SSI, IDEA, PDIC, or SDI, or be a member of the WRSTC). Merit badge counselors who are not certified will not be able to conduct instruction. Reference Guide to Safe Scouting BSA Scuba Policy.
Virtual Merit Badges
Scouts may earn a Merit Badge from other council sources provided their unit leader confirms that the counselor has been qualified and approved for that particular merit badge by the counselor’s home council and that their Youth Protection Training is current. Qualified Out of Council training Counselors in California councils also need an AB506 Certificate confirming they have successfully completed that Qualified Out of Council training course and LiveScan.
The Golden Gate Area Council Advancement team has vetted the sites listed in the ‘Qualified Out of Council Merit Badge Classes’ section below.
Qualified Out of Council Merit Badge Classes
Merit Badge Guide - Essentials for Unit Leaders
Can Merit Badges be earned with another Council?
Can Merit Badges be earned through Independent Classes or Offerings not sponsored by GGAC or another Scout Council?
What about Virtual Merit Badges?
The rules are the same as stated above regarding other-Council sponsored events and independent (third party or for-profit organizations) Merit Badge offerings. With the rise of virtual merit badge classes, a world of new opportunities has opened up for Scouts. They can earn all kinds of unusual merit badges on all kinds of schedules, well beyond those available through in-person meetings with counselors. However, with this new freedom come renewed responsibilities—for the Scout, for the Merit Badge Counselor, and for the unit leader—to ensure that all BSA policies and procedures are being followed. This includes the pre-start review process for a Unit Leader to confirm that the Scout understood the process of earning the particular badge. See Guide to Advancement Topic 5.0.8.0, Using Technology-Based Tools in Advancement.
Be aware of these key points about Merit badges
All Scouters, especially Unit Leaders and those with responsibility for advancement at the unit, district, or Council level are encouraged to read and become familiar with the Guide to Advancement (GTA). Following the link will give you an option download or view the document.
Below are some key points that we want to draw your attention to.
Benefits of Merit Badges
There is more to merit badges than simply providing opportunities to learn skills. There is more to them than an introduction to lifetime hobbies, or the inspiration to pursue a career—though these invaluable results occur regularly. It all begins with a Scout’s initial interest and effort in a merit badge subject, followed by a discussion with the unit leader or designated assistant, continues through meetings with a counselor, and culminates in advancement (personal growth?) and recognition. It is an uncomplicated process that gives a Scout the confidence achieved through overcoming obstacles. Social skills improve. Self-reliance develops. Examples are set and followed. Fields of study and interest are explored beyond the limits of the school classroom. (GTA, Topic 7.0.0.1)
Each interaction with a registered adult is an opportunity for personal growth and learning on the part of the Scout. It is through this interaction and association with adults—the conversations, the counseling, the instruction and learning experiences—that mission-oriented Scouting takes place. (GTA, Topic 7.0.0.2) Shortcutting this process in the interest of efficiency robs the Scout of the opportunity to grow, which is the heart of the merit badge program.
A Scout’s First Steps to Earn a Merit Badge
When it comes to earning merit badges, GTA Topic 7.0.0.3 states in part that “before working with a counselor or attending a group or virtual merit badge opportunity, a Scout should meet with his or her unit leader.” While this does not mean the merit badge will be denied if they do not, it does mean that, if at all possible, the Scout and unit leader should discuss in advance the merit badge and the presentation environment (in-person/online, group/individual, etc.). The unit leader should investigate to see if there is any question as to the quality of the class, or if a Scout will be required to “actually and personally” fulfill all the requirements (GTA, Topic 7.0.3.2).
Completing Requirements – Actually and Personally
There must be attention to each individual’s projects and fulfillment of all requirements. We must know that every Scout—actually and personally—completed them. Sessions by Merit Badge Counselors should be designed to follow all requirements as listed—no more and no less. They must do exactly what is stated in the requirements. If it says “show or demonstrate,” that is what the Scout must do. Just telling about it isn’t enough. The same thing holds true for such words as “make,” “list,” “in the field,” and “collect,” “identify,” and “label.” It is unacceptable to award badges on the basis of sitting in classrooms watching demonstrations, or remaining silent during discussions. (GTA, Topic 7.0.3.2)
Unofficial Worksheets and Learning Aids
Completing “worksheets” may suffice where a requirement calls for something in writing, but this DOES NOT work for a requirement where the Scout must discuss, tell, show, or demonstrate, etc. Scouts SHALL NOT be required to use these learning aids in order to complete a merit badge. (GTA, 7.0.4.8)
Questions on Fulfilling Merit Badge Requirements
A Scout who has earned a merit badge from a registered and approved counselor by actually and personally fulfilling the requirements as written will have met the purpose of the merit badge program and the contribution to the aims of Scouting. The Scout may keep the badge and count it toward advancement. (GTA, 7.0.4.6) A unit leader should not retest or make a Scout redo a requirement that they have completed. However, from time to time, it may be discovered that merit badges could not actually have been earned. For example, a Scout who returns from summer camp or a merit badge fair with evidence for an extraordinary number of badges could raise concerns. If, after consulting with those involved in the merit badge program—such as an event coordinator, the camp director, or a merit badge counselor—it becomes plainly evident that a youth could not have actually and personally fulfilled requirements as written, then there is recourse outlined in the Guide to Advancement that is available. It may result in a decision that some or all of the requirements for a badge could not have been fulfilled, and thus, that the badge was not actually earned. (GTA, 7.0.4.7)
Unit Leaders Serving as Merit Badge Counselors
Unit leaders wishing to counsel and sign off on merit badges must also qualify and register in the position of merit badge counselor and be approved for the badges they counsel according to council procedures. (GTA, Topic 7.0.1.4)
References
Guide to Advancement 2022 (GTA)
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf
Merit Badge Group Instruction Guide (BSA 512-066)
Advancement Resources | Boy Scouts of America (scouting.org)
BSA Advancement News, July/August 2022
https://pdscouting.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/PUB-doc-JUL-AUG-2022-June-29.pdf
Reporting Merit Badge Counselor Concerns (BSA 512-800)
Advancement Resources | Boy Scouts of America (scouting.org)
STEM Supernova Mentor Application
Registering
To be a STEM Supernova Mentor you must (a) be at least 21 years of age, (b) a qualified subject matter expert in a STEM field, (c) complete the following documentation, and (d) submit your application online.
- BSA Adult Application . During the application process, you will be asked to choose your District and then follow the link.
(It looks like this non-functioning example: https://my.scouting.org/VES/OnlineReg )
You do have to click it and then proceed to complete the online form which will appear in a new tab. After completion, return to this page to continue process. - Compliance Requirements: You will be asked to confirm if you are already a BSA registered volunteer – that is, your certificates are current. If you are not registered, you will need to upload your YPT, State Mandated Reporter Certificates (valid to December 31, 2023), and your LiveScan receipt.
- Qualifications: You will be asked which awards you wish to cousel and why you are qualified to do so.
Watch the video for a step by step guide through the steps you need to follow. When you’re re ready, follow the link below to get started and upload your required documentation.
Golden Gate Area Council would like to thank you for volunteering as a Stem Supernova Mentor and for sharing your time and talents with the scouts of our council. As a Mentor, you can teach skills and introduce concepts that may change the course of a boy or girl’s life. Many scouts have been guided to their chosen careers or discovered lifelong hobbies through the BSA Stem Nova program. This opportunity would not exist without adult volunteers giving of their knowledge and time selflessly to help shape the leaders of tomorrow. Thank you for your support.
Citizenship in Society - Merit Badge
Citizenship in Society Introduction
Unlike traditional merit badges, Citizenship in Society (CitSociety) requires Scouts to undertake independent research about diversity, equity and inclusion. There is NO published merit badge pamphlet. Instead, Scouts discuss what they have researched on the 11 requirements with the other members of their Cohort of 7 other Scouts. Merit Badge Counselors act as Facilitators to ensure discussions stay on-topic. They may give guidance through questioning but never give answers or offer their own personal opinions. Typically, there will be four separate sessions with each lasting up to two hours. Scouts should allow a minimum of four weeks to complete this merit badge. We use the Email function in Scoutbook to communicate with Scouts and Parents/Guardians. We hold virtual meetings.
The Council Advancement Committee has set the following standards for Facilitators:
- Register as a Position Code 42 Merit Badge Counselor—this is a district position.
- Hold a Youth Protection Training Certificate current for the duration of the registration period.
- Hold a California AB506 Training Certificate current for the duration of the registration period.
- Complete the National Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion training SCO-1800
- Attend a GGAC Citizenship in Society Orientation – see below.
- Participate in a Qualification review interview.
Terminology
Cohort – A group of 6 – 8 Scouts within 2 years of age. May be co-ed.
Access Code – An authorization code sent to a Scout’s parent / guardian allowing the Scout to register for a Cohort.
Citizenship in Society Step by Step
Step 1
A Scout who wishes to take the Citizenship in Society (CitSociety) merit talks with their unit leader. From this point on the process is unlike that for other merit badges.
Step 2
Unit leaders meet with a Scout and the Scout’s Parent/Guardian. The purpose — to review what will be covered in the merit badge and how it will be administered.
Unit leaders will confirm that the Parent/Guardian have given permission for their Scout to participate AND
Makes sure the Parent/Guardian are registered in Scoutbook. In turn, Parent/Guardian may grant access to Scoutbook to their Scout.
Step 3
Unit leaders submit the Unit Leader Signature of a CitSociety Merit Badge ‘Blue Card’ form. From this point all communications about the merit badge will take place between the Scout, the Scout’s Parent/Guardian, and the CitSociety team – administrators and counselors.
Step 4
On receipt of a Blue Card, the system emails a receipt to the sender – typically the unit leader, and the administrator enters the Scout in the priority list by birthdate.
Step 5
CitSociety Administrator emails Parent/Guardian with instructions for signing up to join a Cohort for the merit badge along with a Access Code to register to take the merit badge.
Note: The access code is a one-time use code and is not transferable.
Step 6
Scout registers for a cohort that is most convenient for their schedule.
Step 7
A Merit Badge Counselor sends a link for the scheduled sessions to the Scout and Parent/Guardian
Step 8
One of the assigned Merit Badge Counselors updates the completion of requirements through final sign off after each session. These updates are visible in Scoutbook and provide an opportunity to view progress.
Step 9
The Scout is responsible for notifying the Scoutmaster that the merit badge is ready to be marked as complete in Scoutbook.
Note:
Unit leaders must not act as a Gatekeeper. Provided there are no other limiting circumstances, a Scout’s request to pursue the merit badge must be approved.
Guardian of the Gate
Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Counselor Application
In addition to the process for applying to be a Merit Badge Counselor, the following additional steps are required for those who wish to be Citizenship in Society counselors.
♦ Take the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Volunteers class – SCO-1800. Login to the my.scouting and select the Training link
♦ Familiarize yourself with the 11 merit badge requirements and concepts for discussion
♦ Take part in a GGAC Advancement Committees orientation. These are virtual (Zoom) sessions held at 7:00pm on the 2nd Wednesday and 4th Sunday of each month. Registration is not required . . . just click on this link to join: Adult Orientation Session
♦ Participate in a GGAC Advancement Committee interview to become an approved CitSociety counselor. You may schedule this at the time of the Orientation session or email the Council Advancement Chair to request an interview.
♦ As a Counselor, your role is that of a facilitator. This not like typical merit badges where the counselor is also the teacher.
♦ Make sure you do not advocate any particular or personal point of view.
Notes:
♦ Understand, small group study (6-8 Scouts) is best for this type of discussion.
♦ This merit badge is not suitable for large groups such as those at Summer Camp.
♦ Allow time to complete all the steps involved in becoming a Counselor for this merit badge.
GGAC’s Advancement Committee furnishes the list of approved CitSociety merit badge facilitators to the Council Registrar.
Citizenship in Society FAQs
After submitting a Scout’s information using the Google Form how will I know that the Council Advancement Committee has received the information?
The form is set up to send an automatic confirmation response.
As a Unit Leader, will I be copied on the GGAC notification to Scouts & their parents? How will the Troop and I know that the CitSociety merit badge process is moving forward?
Scoutmaster’s do not receive notifications. Parents and Scouts do.
The description of the “coupon” seems a little onerous, so I wonder if I am misinterpreting. I had several parents push back and become annoyed about the concept of committing $1,000 to register for a cohort on the CitSociety website.
THERE IS NO COST TO TAKE THIS MERIT BADGE. The software we are using can use an access code feature. This feature was adopted to control registration starting with 17-year-old Life Scouts. The access code negates the fee.
How do I advise Scouts & parents on the process for CitSociety merit badge classes? Are the time slots being filled on a First-Come-First-Served basis? Or is this time based only? Will the Scouts know who else has chosen a particular time slot?
We use our events management program for Scouts to register for a Cohort (class). Scouts may choose from any available Cohort when they register. They will know the other 7 in their Cohort at the first meeting.
We are offering as many cohorts as our counselors volunteer to mentor. Based on needs we may increase or decrease the number of Cohort offerings.
See the next FAQ for: 'How does a unit leader verify the qualifications of a Merit Badge Counselor? '
How does a unit leader verify the qualifications of a Merit Badge Counselor registered in another Council?
First, try to connect the Scout and counselor in Scoutbook. If that is successful, the counselor is registered and qualified. If unsuccessful, go to the counselor’s home council and search for their Advancement Administrators. Most will have an email address for either the Council Advancement Committee or Professional Advisor. Send an email asking if the counselor has been registered and qualified for the merit badge(s) in question and the status of their Youth Protection Training. Ask California councils if the counselor has completed AB506 training and LiveScan. The unit leader’s “blue card” signature verifies their counselor credentials verification.
Will the CitSociety merit badge be open to Scouts who will be turning 17 in the last quarter of 2022 or should I be advising delay until 2023?
All 17-year-old Scouts are eligible to apply to take this merit badge now. Except for personal choices, there is no reason to delay.
I have a few Scouts who will age-out in Nov & Dec 2022 as well as Jan- Mar 2023, will they be given any priority to taking the CitSociety Merit Badge classes?
We prioritize by birthdate and are committed to doing everything we can to accommodate any Eagle Scout candidate before their 18th birthday.
How can the troop track their progress?
Use Scoutbook to track progress. Counselors have been trained to enter completions after each cohort session.
Can you provide me some guidance that I can pass on to Scouts & parents when Life and Star Scouts under 17 years old, will be eligible for taking the CitSociety merit badge?
This is a difficult question. The main factors are the number of counselors with the unique qualifications to mentor this badge. For instance, we have an average of 300+ counselors for each of the other citizenship merit badges. It will take time to reach that number for Citizenship in Society.
As a Unit Leader, how can I see who in my unit is on the list of candidates who have applied to take the class?
We are planning to publish a monthly report to Unit Leaders listing all the Scouts in their unit who have applied to take the class and are actively waiting an Access Code.
Parents have asked “Can I attend or listen to a session?”
Yes! During orientation, our CitSociety facilitators are asked to invite parents to attend the first session with their Scout. There are ground rules for parents -camera off, mute on, and do not share with or discuss anything disclosed by non-family Scouts. These are reviewed at that session.
If Scoutbook is the only communication vehicle for the CItSociety merit badge, how will parents & Scouts know that a message is waiting?
Scoutmasters are asked to ensure that each parent has a Scoutbook account. Parents can then authorize their Scout’s use. Messaging through Scoutbook ensures that youth protection safeguards are in place. No one can communicate with a Scout without having current Youth Protection Training.
How do I become a Citizenship in Society merit badge counselor?
Refer to the previous section: Citizenship in Society - Merit Badge. The last item addresses the steps to becoming a Citizenship in Society MB Counselor.