Being a merit badge counselor is a great way for adults to share interests and experience with youth - many lifelong careers and hobbies were launched through participation in the merit badge program. The district maintains a list of qualified counselors who are willing to work with Scouts - some focus on youth from a specific unit but most are willing to work with any Scout who takes the initiative to contact them and expresses an interest in the subject.

The current North Shore District merit badge counselor list may be accessed here .

Merit Badge Counselor Qualifications 

To qualify as a Merit Badge Counselor, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be proficient in the merit badge subject by vocation or avocation.
• Be able to work with Scout age boys.
• Be registered with the Boy Scouts of America
• Complete and submit the BSA Merit Badge Counselor Information Form (No. 33405), indicating which merit badges you wish to counsel.

As a Merit Badge Counselor, you must agree to:

• Follow the requirements of the merit badge, making no deletions or additions, ensuring that the advancement standards are fair and uniform for all Scouts.
• Have a Scout and his buddy present at all instructional sessions.
• Renew your registration annually if you plan to continue as a Merit Badge Counselor.

Registration

For administrative purposes, Boy Scouts of America requires all merit badge counselors to register with their local council, by submitting an Adult Registration Application , No. 28-501. If you are registering solely to serve as a merit badge counselor, there is no fee. You may also become a full member of the Boy Scouts of America by paying the $10.00 annual registration fee, which includes a subscription to Scouting magazine. This bimonthly publication will keep you updated on developments in the merit badge program and many other aspects of Scouting.

Training

There are also training requirements for merit badge counselors: see the North Shore Merit Badge Counselor Training page for more information 

Links:

• BSA Merit Badge Counselor Information Form
• BSA Adult Registration Application
• Introductory Guide for Merit Badge Counselors
• North Shore District Merit Badge Counselor List
• North Shore Merit Badge Counselor Training Information

BSA video introducing the merit badge program to youth: