Merit Badge Counselors

What is a Merit Badge Counselor?

A merit badge counselor is an adult leader 18 or older in age who has specific skills they want to share in helping Scouts earn merit badges. For a Scout to earn a merit badge, they must work with and be signed off by a registered merit badge counselor for that particular badge. A merit badge counselor is a teacher, a mentor, and a helping hand in the progression of Scouting.

Requirements to be a Merit Badge Counselor:

• Complete and submit a Adult Application, including the Criminal Background Check.

• Complete Safeguarding Youth Training.

• Submit a registration payment of $25.00 (unless you are serving in another paid adult leadership role within Scouting).

• Complete and submit a Merit Badge Counselor application.

• Complete Scouts BSA - Merit Badge Counselor Position Specific Training.

• Must be an individual of good character.

• Must have the skills and education in the subjects they want to teach.

• Must have good rapport with Scout-age youth and their unit leaders.

Existing Merit Badge Counselors:

Over time, as a merit badge counselor, you may need to add/remove merit badges from your list of counseled badges. To do this, simply fill out another Merit Badge Counselor Application with the updates, and submit it to the Council Registrar for processing. 

Merit badge counselors will need to renew their status annually (based on when their primary registration is due for renewal). Merit badge counselors who do not hold another paid leadership position, are required to pay a $25.00 registration fee. You will receive an email notification from National when your registration renewal is coming up.

Additional Information & Resources:

Merit badge counselors are encouraged to review the following info/resource materials:

• A Guide for Merit Badge Counseling

• Everything You Need to Know About Being a Merit Badge Counselor

• Merit Badge Hub

• Current List of Merit Badges and requirements

• Guide to Advancement

• Guide to Safe Scouting

• Merit Badge Group Instruction Guide

• New Merit Badge Proposal application

STEM NOVA and Supernova Program

The STEM NOVA and Supernova Program incorporates learning with cool activities and exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA members, and Venturers. The hope is that the requirements and activities for earning these awards stimulates an interest in STEM-related fields and shows how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics apply to everyday living and the world around them. Counselors and mentors help bring this engaging, contemporary, and fun program to life for youth members.

There are multiple STEM NOVA awards for Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Scouts BSA members, and Venturers. Each award covers one component of STEM—science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

Please contact Michael Smith, Registrar/District Assistant with Erie Shores Council for program materials, guides, and other resources to assist you as a NOVA Counselor or Supernova Mentor.

STEM NOVA Counselors & Supernova Mentors

Adults who deliver the STEM Nova Awards program are referred to as STEM Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors. These positions are approved at the local council level (they are no longer registered positions in Scouting America). Those who are interested in serving as a STEM Nova Counselor or Supernova Mentor must submit a Scouting America adult application and complete Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT).