By serving as a Merit Badge Counselor (MBC), you offer your time, knowledge, and other resources so that Boy Scouts can explore a topic of interest. Whatever your area of expertise or interest—whether it is a special craft or hobby (basketry, leatherwork, coin collecting), a profession (veterinary medicine, aviation, engineering), or perhaps a life skill (cooking, personal management, communications)—as a counselor, you play a vital role in supporting future leaders.
How to Become a Merit Badge Counselor (MBC) — Scouting America
Basic Eligibility
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Have knowledge, skill, or professional/hobby experience relevant to the merit badge(s) you want to counsel — a Merit Badge Counselor is an adult leader with specific skills they want to share in helping Scouts earn Merit Badges. Scouting America
- Our council caps this at 30 merit badges maximum per counselor.
Steps to Register
1. Complete Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT)
Done online at my.scouting.org. Multiple councils list this as the first required step, with the process for a new Merit Badge Counselor beginning with completion of Safeguarding Youth Training.
2. Complete an Adult Application (Position Code 42)
This is a national requirement, not something set at the local council level — the national Merit Badge Counselor application directs applicants to complete the Adult Application for position code 42 along with the Merit Badge Counselor application, proof of Safeguarding Youth Training, and required fee. This applies even if you're already registered in another role — even if you are already registered in another position, you must still complete a BSA Adult Application. (If you're already registered and paid in another leadership role, the registration fee is not required again — you only need to submit the paperwork.) ScoutingHeart of America Council
3. Complete Merit Badge Counselor Position-Specific Training
This is completed online at my.scouting.org.
4. Submit a Merit Badge Counselor Application
This lists the specific badge(s) you want to counsel, along with your qualifications for each.
5. Attach Required Documents
Typically includes:
- Adult Application
- Merit Badge Counselor Application
- Proof of completed Safeguarding Youth Training
- Background Check Authorization form
- Any special certifications required for specific badges (for example, some councils note special certifications for a limited number of merit badges, like NRA certification for the Rifle merit badge) Scouting America
Requires Certification to Counsel these Merit Badges
- Archery
- Canoeing
- Climbing
- Kayaking
- Lifesaving
- Motorboating
- Rowing
- Rifle Shooting
- Swimming
- Small Boat Sailing
- Shotgun Shooting
- Snow Sports
- SCUBA
- Water Sports
- White Water
Guidelines for Established Counselors
- To add or delete badges from your profile, please fill out the Merit Badge Counselor application and submit that to the council office or email it to frontdesk@alamoareascouting.org
- Merit Badge Counselor registration has to be renewed every year along with your unit renewal in order to stay active.
- Make sure any trainings/certifications that are required are current and up to date.
If you have any questions or need more clarifications please reach out to us.
Merit Badge Info for Scouts
Merit Badge classes are held throughout the year at Alamo Area Council's various camps. Your Scoutmaster can help you connect with a Counselor in your interest area. You can also visit the links below to learn about upcoming classes offered through the Council.
