Merit Badge Counselor Merit Badge Counselor

OrientationOrientation

The Path to a Quality Program in Scouting The Path to a Quality Program in Scouting

Lies in Training our Adult LeadersLies in Training our Adult Leaders

120120++ Merit Badges . . . Merit Badges . . .

. . .. . . Art, Hiking, Archery, Lifesaving, Art, Hiking, Archery, Lifesaving, Citizenship in the World, Orienteering, Citizenship in the World, Orienteering,

Architecture, Cooking, Small-Boat Architecture, Cooking, Small-Boat Sailing, Sailing,

Public Speaking, Camping, Theater, Public Speaking, Camping, Theater, Personal Management, Weather, Personal Management, Weather,

Pets, Pioneering, Nature… Pets, Pioneering, Nature…

New subjects such as New subjects such as Robotics, Scuba, GIS/GPS Robotics, Scuba, GIS/GPS

will soon be available!will soon be available!

1. Discuss the Purpose of the BSA Advancement Program and how the Merit Badge Counseling Program fits within it

2. The Role of the Merit Badge Counselor Learning, Testing, Reviewing

3. Before Beginning to Counsel Qualifications and Paperwork Individual vs. Group Counseling

4. Describe the Process Roles of Scout, Scoutmaster, Counselor How to Complete A Merit Badge Card “Partial” Merit Badges

5. Troubleshooting

6. Considerations for Special Needs Scouts

7. Units’ “To Do” List * This Orientation was written for Boy Scout Troops. Venturers and Varsity Scouts

who obtain First Class rank may also earn Merit Badges until they turn 18.

Objectives of this Objectives of this OrientationOrientation**

1a. The Purpose of the 1a. The Purpose of the ProgramProgramThe Merit Badge Program is an educational tool that is unique to Scouting. It is designed to help youth tackle new subjects with their mentors’ help. These new experiences help them grow into participating citizens and adults with good character.

The badge itself is just a small piece of cloth with a design embroidered in color,

but its significance is huge…

1b. Aims & Methods of 1b. Aims & Methods of ScoutingScoutingAIMS AIMS (what the BSA hopes

to accomplish)

Growth in moral Growth in moral strength and strength and character character

Learning and Learning and participating in participating in citizenship citizenship

““Fitness” growth Fitness” growth and development: and development: physical, mental, physical, mental, and moraland moral

METHODSMETHODS (the process of growing into leaders)

AdvancementAdvancement: Work on self-reliance; : Work on self-reliance; meet challenges meet challenges

IdealsIdeals: Live by the Oath - Law - Motto - Slogan : Live by the Oath - Law - Motto - Slogan

PatrolsPatrols: A Peer Group with an elected leader; : A Peer Group with an elected leader; smaller group activities smaller group activities

Outdoor ProgramOutdoor Program: Camping, hiking, Leave No : Camping, hiking, Leave No Trace, high adventure, skills growth Trace, high adventure, skills growth

Adult AssociationAdult Association: Learning from role models: Learning from role models

Personal GrowthPersonal Growth: Daily ‘Good Turn;’ service : Daily ‘Good Turn;’ service projects; religious emblems projects; religious emblems

Leadership DevelopmentLeadership Development: Practice good : Practice good citizenship skills, hold elected positions, citizenship skills, hold elected positions, do an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project do an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project

The The UniformUniform: Identify with larger group; : Identify with larger group; shows commitment to the Aims shows commitment to the Aims

1c. The Advancement 1c. The Advancement ProgramProgram 4 Steps

Learning - Testing - Reviewing - Recognition

Provides a unique educational tool to help young men grow into adults of character, ready to take their place as participating citizens in the World

Allows the Scout to progress at his own rate. Accepting the challenge of new subject matter encourages Scouts.

Recognizes the Scout, and rewards him for accomplishments*

Encourages Scouting ideals such as living by the Oath and Law, and doing a Good Turn daily

* The colorful patch is a source of pride, but should not be regarded only as a reward. It’s presence on a Scout’s sash also tells leaders and other adults that this Scout should be able to demonstrate the knowledge he has learned in the course of completing the badge. This is especially important for the Eagle Required badges, such as First Aid. Many a Scout and former Scout have used the skills they learned during Rank Advancement and the First Aid Merit Badge to help save lives.

...Offer our time, experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the Badges we Counsel

...May be college professors, teachers, clergy, coaches, career professionals, parents, grandparents, Troop leaders, former Scouts, astronauts, environmentalists, farmers, gardeners, hobbyists, IT professionals, great speakers, landscapers, musicians, naturalists, field guides, trades-people, transporters, retirees, artists, business owners, crafters, conservationists, actors, hunters, community leaders, Olympic athletes.......

1d. Merit Badge 1d. Merit Badge Counselors…Counselors…

1e. Counselors help Scouts…1e. Counselors help Scouts…

Develop character and self-confidence

Learn and practice communication skills

Overcome obstacles

Meet and work with new people

Research possible future careers

Develop physical fitness

Have fun (the best way to learn!)

Discover a lifetime of hobbies and interests

2a. Counseling Scenarios2a. Counseling Scenarios

There are Many Ways to Counsel Badges...There are Many Ways to Counsel Badges... Scenario A: You are contacted by a Scout from a nearby Troop. He would

like to work with you on an Eagle Required Badge. He has four months to complete the badge before his 18th birthday and is trying to juggle school, spring sports, work, and Scouts. He will need some great coaching!

Scenario B: A Patrol of five Scouts wishes to work with you at meetings for a month to complete a badge. With them, you plan what requirements they want to do at each meeting in order to complete the badge in time for their next Court of Honor. One of them is a Special Needs Scout. You work extra hard to devise ways to keep him interested so the whole Patrol can advance together.

Scenario C: The District Advancement Chair has asked you to do a Badge at their next one-day event. You have the option of deciding how many Scouts you’d like to work with. You will decide which of the requirements you will prepare for, and you may also tell the Chair which requirements the Scouts will need to do ahead of the day.

(For the purposes of this Orientation, we’ll use Scenario A: working with a single Scout, to show how the Program works. There are as many scenarios similar to these as there are Scouts in America...)

2b. Counselor & Scout 2b. Counselor & Scout MeetMeetThe Scout will contact you to schedule a meeting. At this meeting Introduce yourself to help put the Scout at ease. They text

friends 10 times a day, but it’s not easy to call a total stranger. Warm them up by telling why you counsel this Badge, showing genuine interest and enthusiasm for your subject!

At the same time, interview the Scout to determine: Preparedness: Does he have a signed Merit Badge Card?

(If so, have him give it to you so you can keep it updated as you progress through the Badge. If not, ask him to get one from his Scoutmaster before you meet again.)

Has he read the Merit Badge pamphlet? Determine interest level: What does he already know about

the subject? Has he been researching possible projects? Discuss which requirements he would like to complete. Set short-

and long-term goals that include any time requirements and seasonal issues. Scouts may use classroom assignments to fulfill requirements if they ‘fit’ well.

Set the next meeting date.

2c. The Counselor’s “Helps”2c. The Counselor’s “Helps”

“Helps”

Merit Badge Worksheets, Passports, and etc., are optional.

Some think they make working on a Badge seem more like school. Some Scouts will not use them, others love them.

For many Scouts, worksheets help them understand and organize the subject matter.

If your Badge could benefit from a Worksheet, you may make your own, or ask the Scout to download one. Two good examples: Sample Worksheets are available at www.meritbadge.com

Check out the ‘Resources’ section at the end of these Workbooks; they are worth the paper you’ve printed them on.

Sample Passports are available at http:// www.relia.net/~thedane.scouting.htmlThese are smaller in size and scope. Perhaps better for younger Scouts and non-required Badges.

(If you know of other good resources, please contact District Advancement with the URL’s.)

2d. Working on the Badge2d. Working on the Badge

During the time you are working with the Scout on the Badge:

Teach the required skills, and encourage Scout to do so as well

Work in opportunities to practice while learning

If a requirement asks the Scout to “show or demonstrate,” then telling about it is not enough. Likewise for: make, list, collect, identify, label, and in the field.

Expect “no more, no less” than is listed in the badge’s requirements list. However, if a Scout wishes to do more, then go for it!

Help the Scout evaluate his progress. This is best done when you date and initial completed req’s on the Merit Badge Card.

Follow-up on goals

When the Badge is complete, congratulate the Scout as you hand him the signed Card.

Keep the “Counselor’s Record” portion of the Card. Use a card

file box or plastic baseball card collection sleeves.

3a. Are You Qualified?*3a. Are You Qualified?*

Counselors must be 18. You must be registered with the BSA.

Counselors must be approved by District and Council before doing Badges (allow 3-4 weeks for applications to be received and for a background check)

It’s a good idea to have an interest in working with youth!

Have interest, skills, and education in the subjects you Counsel

There is no restriction on the number of Badges you may sign up to Counsel**

There is no limit on the number of Badges that may be earned from one Counselor**

Counselors may counsel any Scout, including sons and relatives. This is best done in a group setting.

Scouts may do Badges with Counselors anywhere in the U.S.A

* Info is from “Advancement Policies & Procedures Guidelines” (BSA #33088)

** Units may impose restrictions in their Policy Manuals but the BSA sets none

3b. Are You Current?3b. Are You Current?

Before Badges are Counseled, fill out applications and give to District Advancement.

Follow BSA Policies when working with Scouts

Update your BSA “Youth Protection” training every two years.* This applies to anyone who works with Scouts, even if not associated with a Unit.

Renew your Registration yearly before May 31st

Please notify District Advancement when you decide to ‘retire’ from Counseling

* Online training is available at www.northernstarbsa.org/training/

For New Counselors or to Add New Badges:

BSA Adult Application (BSA #524-501) Please remember to sign the back of the 2nd page, which allows for a background check.

Merit Badge Counselor Application (BSA #34405)

Forms are online at www.northernstarbsa.org/resources

Forms need to be signed by District Advancement Chair. No Unit Leaders need sign.

There is no fee.

3c. Are You Ready?3c. Are You Ready?

After you have filled out the Applications and been approved by the Council, what then?! Be Prepared, of course!

Keep a recent “Boy Scout Requirements” booklet (BSA #33215) on hand. It is updated every year and is usually more accurate than Merit Badge Pamphlets.*

Badge requirements are found in the front of Merit Badge Pamphlets. Pamphlets are available for purchase at area Scout Shops, or by going online to www.scoutstuff.org, or by calling 1-800-323-0732. (Pamphlets older than © 2000 should not be used.)

Decide which of the req’s would be good to prepare for. For example, Oceanography 8b cannot be done in MN, but 8a or 8c may. Then prepare your project ideas, gather the necessary materials and references, search out and plan for off-site events as appropriate to the badge.

* If the requirements have recently changed for a badge, the Scout may decide to use the former requirements, depending on how much of the work he has already completed.

3d. Buddies and Groups3d. Buddies and Groups

As a Merit Badge Counselor, you may be asked to work with one Scout at a time, with a whole Patrol, or even with a large group. It is especially important to give individual attention to each Scout during the badge. The Counselor must meet with each Scout to make sure the Scout knows the subject matter before signing the Merit Badge Card

The Buddy SystemCounselors must never meet alone with a Scout. The Scout should bring other Scouts, a parent, guardian, other relative, or a friend.

Group Counseling(Meetings, Weekend Camp-outs, Summer Camp, High Adventure Trips, Jamborees, Camporees, Merit Badge Days, Walligaloo, Skills Seminars...)

Working in groups allows for use of specialized facilities: to work on appropriate equipment to tour businesses specializing in subject matter to meet with expert personnel to give Scouts in rural areas access to Counselors and Badges

4a. The Process Begins4a. The Process Begins

The Scout selects a Merit Badge, tells his Scoutmaster The Scoutmaster gives the Scout a blank Merit Badge card The Scout fills in personal data, name of badge The Scoutmaster

Signs the front of the Merit Badge Card Provides names and numbers of Counselors from District

list, or directs Scout to Counselor available in Troop

Asks Scout to wear his uniform and take a buddy when he meets with his Counselor

The Scout studies Merit Badge pamphlet* and other resources as necessary to familiarize himself with the subject matter

* Pamphlets may be borrowed from the Troop Library, the Merit Badge Counselor, or purchased from the Scout Shop or online.)

4b. The Process Continues4b. The Process Continues

The Scout selects a Merit Badge Counselor, calls to introduce himself, and schedule a meeting.

Scout and Counselor set date, time, and place to meet. The Counselor encourages Scout to bring:

A signed Merit Badge card Merit Badge Pamphlet Projects in progress, samples of school projects, ideas

for which requirements he wants to work on, etc. The Scout and the Counselor decide which requirements

Scout will do, discuss projects, goals for completion. The Scout does work on own or with other Scouts; with

help from Counselor. May require several meetings, work days, tours, etc.

The Counselor tests each Scout individually. The Counselor records completed requirements.

1) The Scout fills out the personal data on both sides of card

2) The Scoutmaster Scoutmaster signs front of card signs front of card beforebefore Scout begins to Scout begins to work on badgework on badge

4c. Filling out The 4c. Filling out The CardCard

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3)3) The The Counselor Counselor writes in the req. writes in the req. number, date, and number, date, and initials whenever initials whenever the Scout the Scout completes completes a requirementa requirement

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TheThe CounselorCounselor 1. Fills in personal data 1. Fills in personal data

2. Signs and dates 2. Signs and dates requirements as Scout requirements as Scout completes themcompletes them

3. Signs card when complete, 3. Signs card when complete,

or (after event is over, or (after event is over, returns partially-returns partially-completed completed card to Scout) card to Scout)

4. Keeps “Counselor 4. Keeps “Counselor Record;” gives card Record;” gives card to Scout. to Scout.

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4d. Processing the 4d. Processing the CardCard

1) The Scout gives remaining two portions of card to Scoutmaster

2) The Scoutmaster signs completed card, gives to Advancement Chair

3) Unit Advancement Chair records and buys badge, files left portion of card

4) Scout keeps center portion

The Scouts should receive their Merit Badges at the next Unit Meeting, and be recognized again at the Unit’s next Court of Honor.

4e. Completing the 4e. Completing the CardCard

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4f. A “Partial” Card4f. A “Partial” Card

This Scout has two requirements

to complete.

Partially completed Merit Partially completed Merit Badge Cards are often Badge Cards are often brought back from Summer brought back from Summer Camps, Merit Badge events, Camps, Merit Badge events, Camporees... Camporees...

““Partials” never expire. The Partials” never expire. The Unit Advancement Chair Unit Advancement Chair should keep them on file until should keep them on file until the Scout is ready to the Scout is ready to complete the Badge or has complete the Badge or has turned 18. turned 18.

A good way to organize them A good way to organize them is to put each Scout’s partial is to put each Scout’s partial cards into a plastic baseball cards into a plastic baseball card collection sleeve, and card collection sleeve, and keep them in a keep them in a 3-ring binder.3-ring binder.

1a 6-9 HP1a 6-9 HP1b 6-9 HP1b 6-9 HP1c1c

1d 1d 7-18 HP7-18 HP2 6-9 HP

2 6-9 HP33 7-18 HP 7-18 HP4a4a

4b4b 7-18 HP 7-18 HP

5. Troubleshooting5. TroubleshootingA Counselor Should Stop Work on a Badge if A Scout has no Merit Badge Card, or it has not been signed by

Scoutmaster

The Scout comes to the meeting alone.

The Scout did not get pre-approval. Some Badges require a parent or Counselor’s permission to proceed with requirements that include off-site visits, or using certain tools and weapons.

The Scout is “winging it.” Never say, “That’s good enough.” This gives the Scout false confidence that he has mastered the subject. Sign only the requirements he completes to your satisfaction. Encourage him to come back when he has mastered the next topic.

A Scout asks a Counselor to sign off on a Badge that was begun at summer camp. The Counselor may sign, but only after the Scout has demonstrated that he has met the requirements of the Badge.

A Scout wants a Counselor to begin a Badge 2-1/2 mo’s before his 18th birthday for a Badge with a 3-month long requirement...

Scout has made up the required charts, lists, or logs…

The Scout’s parent seems to be in control.

6. Special Needs Scouts6. Special Needs Scouts

Counselors may accept work from Special Needs Scouts in many ways. Some examples are: Oral, taking photos to illustrate things he may not be able to draw, recording or dictating to a helper.

Scouts may do alternate “Eagle Required” badges as noted in the Advancement Policies and Procedures Guidelines,” (BSA #33088).

The Scout or Unit must apply to Council Advancement before beginning these badges.

The “Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Award Merit Badges” must be completed, with possible alternate badges listed that have taken the Scout’s abilities into account. The alternates chosen must be as demanding of effort as other required badges.

A Doctor’s statement of disability must accompany the Alternate Badge Application

The Scout must do as many badges as possible before applying for alternates for those he cannot complete.

Any record of Alternate Badges must be submitted later, along with the Eagle Rank Application.

7. Unit “To Do’s”7. Unit “To Do’s”Unit Advancement Chairs are Responsible for Maintaining the Unit’s Merit Badge Counselor List, and making sure

the Unit has a current District List

Working with the Troop Librarian to maintain the MB Pamphlet library. (There should be no Merit Badge pamphlets older than © 2000 in the Troop Library)

Making sure the Scouts are using Registered Counselors

Periodically asking parents to fill out a “Resources Survey,” available at www.northernstarbsa.org under “Resources.” Ask parents of new Scouts to become Counselors: It’s a great introduction to the differences between Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. Make sure that parents of former Scouts (former Scouts, too!) know they are welcome to counsel badges.

Training the Unit’s MB Counselors:

Make the “Merit Badge Counselor Orientation” (BSA #34542) pamphlet available to all.

There are many websites designed to train Merit Badge Counselors. One of the better ones is at http://scouting.org/scoutsource/ boyscouts/guideformeritbadgecounselors.aspx

Let Unit MBC’s know that this Orientation is available on the Many Waters District website at www.manywaters.nsbsa.org

The Path to a Great ProgramThe Path to a Great Program

Lies in Training our Adult Leaders Lies in Training our Adult Leaders

We hope this presentation has been helpful.We hope this presentation has been helpful.

Feedback is always welcome. For questions and/or suggestions, Feedback is always welcome. For questions and/or suggestions,

contact Many Waters District Advancement Chair contact Many Waters District Advancement Chair

Holly Peirson, at 651-464-6743, or Holly Peirson, at 651-464-6743, or hpbirdscouter@msn.com

© 2009, Many Waters District, Northern Star Council BSA