New Birth of Freedom Council > Advancement Resources > Merit Badge Counselors

Merit Badge Counselors

Information for Merit Badge Counselors

Steps to complete to become one:

  1. The Following paperwork needs to be completed:
    1. Complete the Scouting America Merit Badge Counselor Form.
    2. Complete a Scouting America Adult Application for code 42 (Merit Badge Counselor).
      1. Attach a copy of your current Safeguarding Youth Training Certificate. You can take this training at my.scouting.org.
    3. If not on file at the council office, provide up-to-date PA State Clearances.
      1. Information about the PA State Clearances can be found at this link.
  2. Submit the paperwork to the council office for processing. Once accepted, your Merit Badge Counselor position is valid for a year, when it will need to be renewed. We recommend making a copy of the ScoutingAmerica Merit Badge Counselor Form before submitting it.
    1. The forms can be submitted either by mailing them to our office or by uploading them at this link.

Scouting America Adult Application: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/524-501.pdf

Scouting America Merit Badge Counselor Application: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34405.pdf

Steps to complete for renewal:

  1. If you are planning on continuing as a merit badge counselor, then keep an eye out for an email around 60 days from when your registration expires.
  2. Complete the information that is requested from the email and continue conducting your merit badge counselor duties.
  3. Additional information about how the renewal process works can be found at this link.

Please note: For any of the shooting sports merit badges, some additional approvals are required.

For questions about becoming a merit badge counselor, please contact either your district’s professional scouter or you can contact Cory Kercher at cory.kercher@scouting.org.