Boy Scouts of America® Georgia-Carolina Council

Merit Badge Counselor Registration

SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH SCOUTS

A Merit badge counselor serves as both a teacher and a mentor as Scouts work on a merit badge. In a larger sense, the counselor uses this opportunity for coaching - helping young adults overcome the hurdles of different requirements and making Scouts aware of the deeper aspects of the subject from their knowledge and experience. The unique opportunity to serve Scouts by volunteering as a merit badge counselor is one of the most gratifying experiences for adults in Scouting.  From American Business to Woodwork, there's a badge for everything. All merit badge counselors must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America and approved by the Georgia-Carolina Council.

QUALIFICATIONS

A qualified merit badge counselor must:

• Be 18 years old
• Be registered with the Boy Scouts of America
• Have completed Youth Protection training within the last two years
• Have the skills and education in the merit badge subjects covered
• Have good rapport with Scout-age youth
• Be an individual of good character

To get started, fill out the Merit Badge Counselor Application Packet at the bottom of this page. There is no charge to register as a merit badge counselor.

Submit all forms to Rebecca Stiles or mail them to:

Georgia-Carolina Council
4316 Three J Rd
Evans, Ga 30809

After being approved by the Council you will be registered and entered into Scoutbook. The normal turnaround time is usually two weeks (or less).

ADDING AND REMOVING MERIT BADGES

You can add or remove badges from your original list at any time. Just fill out the Merit Badge Counselor Information form and mark "A" for add and "D" for drop. This form MUST be filled out and submitted for current registrants. Bring, mail or email the final form to the council office.

RENEWAL PROCESS

Each year, we communicate with all merit badge counselors to confirm our records. All merit badge counselors who have lapsed in Youth Protection Training will be removed and communicated with via email about how to reregister.

HOW TO STOP BEING A MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR

We're sorry to see you go, but if you decide that you can no longer be a counselor please email Rebecca Stiles to expire your membership.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR SHOOTING SPORTS COUNSELORS

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SHOOTING SPORTS:

In addition to the paperwork required for all merit badge counselors (MBC), please submit proof of current certification as indicated below for the shooting sports badge(s) you wish to register to counsel.

Archery: Current USA Archery/National Field Archery Association (NFAA) Level 1, archery instructor certification (current USA Archery’s “Safe Sport Training” is required), or Current BSA Archery Director certification.

Rifle: Current National Rifle Association (NRA) Basic Instructor Training (BIT), and Current NRA Rifle Instructor certification to teach: 1. merit badge Option A - rifle shooting [modern cartridge type] or 2. merit badge Option B - air rifle shooting [BB or pellet]. Current “NRA/NMLRA Instructor Muzzleloading Shooting Course” (combined course) certification to teach merit badge Option C [muzzleloading rifle shooting.] Prior NRA/NMLRA Muzzleloading Rifle certification is no longer acceptable.

Shotgun: Current NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT), and Current NRA Shotgun Instructor certification and NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) to teach merit badge Option A [modern shotshell type]. Current “NRA/NMLRA Instructor Muzzleloading Shooting Course” (combined course) certification to teach merit badge Option B [muzzleloading shotgun shooting]. Prior NRA/NMLRA Muzzleloading Shotgun certification is no longer acceptable.

BSA References:

BSA Guide to Advancement – current edition (http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf) 

BSA National Shooting Sports Manual, current edition and ”Shooting Sports Manual Supplement” (http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/OutdoorProgram/ShootingSports.aspx)