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.
New Counselor Instructions
NOTE TO REGISTERED UNIT VOLUNTEERS:
Volunteers must complete an application, even if they are already registered with the BSA. MBC's are classified as a district position and therefore require a second application for processing.
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS & HOBBYISTS
Thank you for wanting to share your knowledge with BSA youth. You do not need to be affiliated with a unit to register as an MBC, however you must pay a $25 registration fee.
All Volunteers must complete the following:
1. Online Youth Protection Training* (YPT) at my.scouting.org. This must be valid for the entire calendar year of intended service.
2. Online Merit Badge Counselor Training at my.scouting.org.
3. Fully completed Merit Badge Counselor application with printed YPT Certificate.
Please make sure you have completed the most recent version of the BSA Adult Application including the additional Disclosures & Background Check form on the final pages.
Existing/Returning Counselor Instructions
Counselor applications expire at the end of each year and must be verified and entered by the Registrar manually in the new year. This ensures each adult is current with the training or certificates necessary to hold the position to work with BSA youth.
Returning Counselors must complete the following:
1. Online Youth Protection Training* (YPT). This must be valid for the entire calendar year of intended service.
2. Fully completed Merit Badge Counselor application with printed YPT Certificate.

Additional Requirements for MBC's
Merit Badge Counselors should be aware that some subjects have additional requirements that volunteers will need to complete in order to be a Counselor for that particular Merit Badge. These requirements can be found in Section 7 of the BSA's Guide to Advancement.
The council limits counselors to 25 merit badges.
Applications should be submitted in person, or through the secure council form found here: https://form.jotform.com/232484862035054
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.