Merit Badge Counselors

How to Apply to Become a MBC

Here are the easy steps to make a difference in a Scout's life:

1. Check out the requirements for the merit badges you are interested in guiding at http://www.usscouts.org/mb/mbindex.asp, and confirm that you are able to guide Scouts in completing the requirements.

2. Complete Youth Protection Training:

1. Go to my.scouting.org and create an account if you do not already have one.

2. Click on the big “Youth Protection Begins with You” logo to get to Youth Protection Training.

3. Complete the online training modules, which should take about 72 minutes.

4. Download your YPT certificate, which shows the date and also your BSA ID#.

3. Complete the Merit Badge Counselor Information form, https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34405.pdf. Marci Thomas will collect this form and provide it to the District Merit Badge Dean with a copy of your Youth Protection Training certification. (She is often at Monday meetings or you can scan and email it to her.)

4. Now, if you are not already registered, register with BSA as an adult leader.

1. Go to https://my.scouting.org/VES/OnlineReg/1.0.0/?tu=UF-MB-082p26, log in to your account (the same one used for Youth Protection Training), and click on “Adult Volunteers Start."

2. Provide all the requested “Basic Information" and “Background Information.”

3. Provide an electronic signature. You do not need to worry about providing a copy to Council, and there is no payment; the District takes care of both of those.

5. Complete online Merit Badge Counselor training.

1. Log in to my.scouting.org and choose “My Training” from the main menu. Click on "Scouts BSA” and “Merit Badge Counselor.”

2. There are four online modules totaling 34 minutes:

1. Aims and Methods of Scouts BSA

2. Introduction to Merit Badges

3. What is a Merit Badge Counselor

4. Advancement

Here’s what will happen after you have completed the steps above:

1. The District Merit Badge Dean will review your materials and put you into the District’s system.

2. If you have indicated you want to work with Scouts only from Troop 128, then only Troop 128 interested in the Merit Badges you offer will get your information. If you are interested in working with Scouts from other troops, then your information will be shared with all troops in the District.

3. The Merit Badge Dean will send your materials along to the District Executive, who will approve them and send them to the National Capitol Area Council, which will conduct the background check.

4. You enjoy serving Scouts as an amazing Merit Badge Counselor!