How to become a Merit Badge Counselor, Nova Counselor, or Supernova Mentor:
Current members of a unit or district :
- Verify that your YPT is current
- Complete Merit Badge Counselor training at my.scouting.org
- Make the badge request online Click HERE
- Send any special certification copies to donna.baer@scouting.org or mail/deliver to 4568 West Pine Blvd, St. Louis Missouri, 63108
-no fee with other paid membership.
Non-members of a unit or district (no other paid membership):
- Complete the mandatory Youth Protection Training at: https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/
- Complete Merit Badge Counselor training at my.scouting.org
- Complete an Adult Application and disclosure form. Click here for the forms
- Make the badge request online Click HERE
- Pay $25.00 fee This fee started August 1, 2023. This fee covers the Enhanced Criminal Background Check.
- Send Adult application, disclosure form, and copy of YPT certificate and another special certification copies to donna.baer@scouting.org or mail/deliver to 4568 West Pine Blvd, St. Louis Missouri, 63108
-Merit Badge Counselors do not qualify for overnight activities/events.
APPROVAL NOTICE
The request will be reviewed by the Council and by the assigned District committee for expertise and experience in the subject matter. Generally there are 4 badges approved per counselor in the most populated areas. Review and processing can take up to 4 weeks overall. Once approved you will be notified by email.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS
The following merit badges have special qualifications or certifications for either the merit badge counselor or the supervisor of certain activities that may be involved. Please refer to the Guide to Advancement section 7.0.1.0 for the full details and other reference materials such as the Health-and -Safety links. https://www.scouting.org/resources/guide-to-advancement/
Climbing, Snow Sports, Canoeing, Kayaking, Lifesaving, Motor Boating, Rowing, Scuba Diving, Small Boat Sailing, Swimming, Water Sports, Whitewater, Archery, Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting.
Citizenship in Society badge requires Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training and a special council agreement form. CITIZENSHIP IN SOCIETY agreement
Supernova Mentor Application (click to open a fillable PDF in a new browser tab)
ANNUAL RENEWALS
Merit Badge Counselor Positions are renewed annually. 60 days prior to the expiration date National will email you directly with instructions on how to renew and process any fee if applicable.
BADGE CHANGES
To add a badge please make an online application. The new badge will be submitted for approval.
To remove a badge or to be removed as a counselor please email: donna.baer@scouting.org
Merit Badge Counselor Application 2020 (click to open a downloadable PDF in a new browser tab)