What is a Merit Badge Counselor?

A Merit Badge Counselor, or “MBC” for short, is an adult leader 18 or older in age that has specific skills they want to share in helping Scouts earn Merit Badges. In order for a Scout (Scout, Venturer, Sea Scout age 11-17) to earn a Merit Badge, they must work with and be signed off by a MBC that is specific to that badge.  A MBC is a teacher, a mentor, and a helping hand in the progression of Scouting.

How do Scouts earn Merit Badges?

A Scout will start by considering the list of over 130+ Merit Badges and choose the one they are interested in.  The Scout will work with their Scoutmaster to find a MBC specific to the badge, and then the Scoutmaster will present the Scout with a signed Application for Merit Badge (known as a “blue card”).  The Scout can then work through the requirements for the badge.  When work is completed or if questions arise, the Scout will reach out to the MBC.  The MBC — following Youth Protection guidelines — will work with the Scout to ensure that all requirements are met exactly as stated for that badge.  Upon completion, the MBC will sign off the blue card, which the Scout will then return to the Scoutmaster for a final signature and recording.

View requirements and download full pamphlets

Sign up to be a Merit Badge Counselor

Requirements for being a MBC:

  • Completed Safeguarding Youth Training and has printed certificate of completion
  • Completes and submits an online Adult Application. If you are not currently registered in a fee-based position, there will be a $25 fee annually.
  • Must be an individual of good character
  • Must be age 18 or older
  • Must have the skills and education in the subjects they want to teach (available Merit Badges)
  • Must have good rapport with Scout-age youth and their unit leaders
  • Must be approved by the local council for each merit badge – achieved by submitting a Merit Badge Counselor Information sheet

For Currently Registered Adults Adding the MBC Position:

  1. Complete the Merit Badge Counselor Information Sheet (fillable PDF) and email it along with any special certification requirements to either:
  1. Complete the required position-specific training in your my.scouting.org account and submit a copy to your District Advancement Chair or Merit Badge Coordinator for your district.
  2. Request an online application link through your unit commissioner, district commissioner, district advancement chair or district professional.
    • They will provide a district-specific link to the BSA Invitation Manager, which includes only the background check questions.

After you are approved, dive right in!  You may want to download/purchase the Merit Badge Pamphlet for the badge or badges that you plan to counsel.  The Pamphlets contain all of the current requirements and the supporting knowledge needed to complete them.

Scroll down the MBC Resources/Info section for more information for counselors.

Existing Merit Badge Counselors

Over time, as a MBC, you may need to add or remove Merit Badges from your list of counseled badges.  To do this, simply fill out the Merit Badge Counselor Information sheet again with the updates, and submit it to your District Advancement Chair.

Yearly, in the summer, you will be asked to renew your Merit Badge Counselor status. Look for an email or return here late spring to look for information on that process.

Merit Badge Counselor Info/Resources

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