Merit Badge Counselor Supplemental Training

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Merit Badge CounselorSupplemental Training

• Colonial Virginia Council
• 2007 Training Fair
• Norm Effinger
• nte_at_cox.net

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Learning Objectives

• At the end of this session, each participant
  should be able to
• Explain the role of merit badges in the Scouting
  program Explain the responsibilities of a merit
  badge counselor requirements, buddy system,
  registration
• Explain how to use a merit badge application
• List the resources available to counselors and
  scouts
• Volunteer at a counselor at MBU

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Aims of BSA

• To Develop
• Character
• Citizenship
• Fitness

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Methods of Boy Scouts

• Ideals (Oath and Law)
• Patrol Method
• Outdoors
• Advancement
• Association with Adults
• Personal Growth
• Leadership Development
• Uniform

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BSA Advancement

• The Scout learns
• The Scout is tested
• The Scout is reviewed
• The Scout is recognized

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Rules Time limits on badges

• There are NO time limits upon how long a Scout
  can work on a badge.
• Except
• The Scout has until he is 18 to complete the
  badge requirements.

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Rules - Requirements

• The Scout uses the current requirements when he
  starts the badge. If requirements change before
  he is finished, he may use the newer
  requirements, the old requirements or any in
  between (his choice).

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Rules - Requirements

• Scouts are expected to meet the requirements as
  they are stated - no more and no less.
• If it says show, then telling is not enough.
• If it says Do two ., you cant require three.
• Counselors do not have the discretion to change
  the requirements.
• You can (and should) tell/do more to add
  interest, but you cant require it for the badge.

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Rules - Which Requirements are Valid?

• The official requirements for all merit badges
  are found in the current year Boy Scout
  Requirements (33215)
• Exception A MB pamphlet is revised after
  distribution of Requirements
• Requirements is published in January each year

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Rules Limits on badges

• There is no limit on the number of badges a Scout
  may earn.
• There is no limit on the number of badges for
  which a person may serve as counselor.
• There is no limit on the number of badges a Scout
  may earn from one person.
• Scouts may earn badges counseled by a parent.
• BUT, the intent is association with adults.

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Rules - Buddy System

• One-on-one meetings in private are NOT allowed
• Scout must meet with counselor with a buddy.
• Or, someone else must be present during meetings
  with the counselor.

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Rules - Group Sessions

• The counseling relationship is a counselor-Scout
  arrangement (individual).
• Group sessions are permitted for efficiency,
  special facility usage, etc.
• BUT - requirements MUST be completed on an
  individual basis.
• Scouts should get individual attention.

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Rules - Exceptions

• Lone Scouts
• Handicaps

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Process

• Scout discusses merit badge interests with
  Scoutmaster
• Scoutmaster gives Scout a signed blue card
• Scout sets up meeting(s) with counselor
• Counselor coaches Scout
• Counselor initials requirements on blue card as
  each requirement is completed
• When requirements are finished, counselor signs
  blue card
• Scout returns blue card to Scoutmaster

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Requirements To Register

• Be at least 18 years old and be able to work with
  Scout-age boys.
• Be proficient in the merit badge subject by
  vocation or avocation.
• Be registered with the Boy Scouts of America (no
  fee required).
• Adult Volunteer Application (28-501)
• Merit Badge Counselor Information Form (33405)
• Registration expires every December 31st
• Merit Badge Counselors should also complete Youth
  Protection Training

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What you agree to do

• Follow requirements of the merit badge (keep up
  to date with the requirements)
• Enforce the buddy system
• Renew your MB Counselor registration annually

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The Counselors Job

• Assist the Scout as he plans assigned projects
  and activities.
• Coach the Scout through the badge - give him a
  deeper awareness of the subject enthusiasm!
• Satisfy yourself that each Scout (individually)
  meets the requirements of the badge.
• Make it FUN!
• Field trips
• Hands-on activity

• Guest speakers
• Games

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Role of Counselor

• Coach
• Counselor
• Examiner

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Effective Teaching/Learning

• Learning objectives
• Discovery
• Teaching-learning
• Application
• Evaluation
• Recycling

Learning is most effective when it is
self-directed.
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Coach

• Teach the skill
• Give Scout an opportunity to practice the skill
• Take a genuine interest in the projects and
  encourage completion
• Help Scout assess progress

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Counselor

• Make the Scout feel welcome and relaxed
• Interview the Scout to determine his preparedness
• Set short-term and long-term goals
• Follow up with the Scout
• Help Scout evaluate his progress
• Encourage the Scout to ask for help

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Examiner

• Assure yourself that the Scout has completed the
  requirements
• Individual attention individual completion

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Sources of information

• THE SOURCE of requirements - Boy Scout
  Requirements
• Merit badge pamphlets
• US Scouting Service - www.usscouts.org
• MacScouter - www.macscouter.com
• Meritbadge.com - www.meritbadge.com
• Heritage District MBU -http//members.cox.net/mbu