The first order of business regarding merit badges, the scout needs to get approval from the Scout Master to work on a badge. The reason for this is two-fold. First we need to find or locate a qualified merit badge counselor. Secondly, a Blue Card needs to be signed by the Scout Master before work on the badge begins.
Sometimes finding a qualified merit badge counselor that is willing to work with the boys is biggest hurdle.
We try to get the parents involved to work with all the boys on merit badges for this reason.
In some cases, if we can’t find a counselor for a badge, I have to go through the process with the Twin Valley Council to, and add myself as the counselor if no one else is willing to help.
To become a merit badge counselor, the person must be approved by the Troop committee, complete the proper paperwork with Twin Valley Council, and have a background check done, including youth protection.
If the boys are working with merit badge counselor at some the clinics out of town, the boy will have to contact the counselor ahead of time for the prerequisites that need to be completed before going to the clinic.
The boys need to have a blue card to present to the counselor that is signed by the Scout Master before working on the badge. The counselor will sign off each requirement as they are completed. When the badge is completed, the counselor will sign and date that the badge has been earned, and then that card must be returned to the scout master with all the completed worksheets.
It is the boy scouts responsibility to approach the Scout Master, when he wants to work on a badge.
Thanks
Mike Madsen
Scout Master
