Overview

Becoming a Merit Badge Counselor (MBC) allows adults to share their skills with Scouts and support advancement. Registration is free, but you must complete Youth Protection Training and submit the proper forms to council.

Requirements

• 18 years of age or older
• Annual completion of Safeguarding Youth Training (SPT)
• Willing to follow Scouting America Barriers to Abuse
• Any badge-specific qualifications (if required)

Steps to Register

1. In My Scouting, complete Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) and save your certificate. (click to open)
   – Log into: https://my.scouting.org
   – Click on S.A.F.E. Youth.
   – Complete all training modules.
   – Return to https://my.scouting.org
   – Click on My Training.
   – Under Safeguarding Youth Training, click Print Certificate.
   – In the new window, print/save a copy of your SYT Training Certificate.
2. In My Scouting, complete Merit Badge Counselor Training.
   – In My Training, under Training Courses by Program, click Scouts BSA.
   – Under Scouts BSA – Merit Badge Counselor Position Specific Training, click Start.
   – Complete all training modules.
   – Return to https://my.scouting.org
   – Click on My Training.
   – On the left, click on Completions.
   – At the top, click on Member Training Report.
   – In the new window, click Export to PDF.
   – Save/print a copy of your Member Training Report.
3. Download a copy of the Scouting America Adult Application: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/524-501.pdf
4. In the Adult Application, complete Page 6 – Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization.
5. In the Adult Application, on Page 3, complete the top section (individual) and the middle section (background).
6. In the Adult Application, on Page 3, in the bottom section (unit), enter:
   – Unit type: Troop
   – Unit No. or District name: 16
   – Scouting Position Code: 42
   – Scouting Position Title: Merit Badge Counselor
7. If you are already a registered Scouting America Adult Leader, complete the following on the Adult Application in the bottom section (unit(:
   – Unit no. or District name: Troop 16
   – Transferring from Unit/Council: Tidewater 596
   – Check the option: Multiple application
   – Membership Number:
   – Return to https://my.scouting.org
   – Member ID number is at the top of the page under your name.
8. In the Adult Application bottom section (unit), have the Chartered Organization Representative (COR) or their delegate sign and date the form.
9. Download and complete the Scouting America Merit Badge Counselor Information form (https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34405.pdf).
10. Ensure your Merit Badge Counselor package includes:
    – SYT Certificate
    – Member Training Record
    – Adult Leader Application – signed by COR or COR Designate
    – Merit Badge Counselor Information form
11. Submit the package to one of the following:
    – Tidewater Council Registrar (registration@twchelpdesk.raiseaticket.com)
    – Tidewater Council Office, 1032 Heatherwood Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455
    – Troop Committee Chair (troop16vb@gmail.com)
12. You will be notified by the Council Registrar when your application has been processed.

There is no additional cost if you are already registered as a Scouting America Adult Leaders.
If you are not a registered leader, the cost is $25 per year.

Annual Renewal

The following must be complete every year to stay registered as Merit Badge Counselor:
1. Complete Safeguarding Youth Training.
2. Renew Scouting America membership.

Helpful Links

• Safeguarding Youth Training (My.Scouting.org)
• Scouting America Adult Application (Position 42 Merit Badge Counselor)
• Merit Badge Counselor Information Form
• Guide to Advancement
• Guide to Advancement: Section 7. The Merit Badge Program