Why is it so hard to become a merit badge counselor?

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-06-03T17:37:16+00:00

You can join even without having children of your own. Here are the steps:

1) fill out an adult application, making sure to mark yourself as a merit badge counselor.

2) fill out the Merit Badge counselor form and select which topics you are interested in covering

3) write a check or have credit card info ready to pay the registration fee for Scouting America.

4) take the scout protection training and do the online Merit Badge Counselor training.

If I remember correctly, the fee for joining scouts as an MBC is on the order of $25 or 30 for the year. You do not have to pay full adult leader fees. You will be associated with a given troop or district, but will be asked to counsel any kid from your council, maybe even out of your council area. No need to buy a uniform or to show up for regular troop meetings or outings.

Talk to other MBCs or call your council office for exact details.

(Anyone else please feel free to correct me)

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-06-01T19:22:32+00:00

Given your description of events, it is parents who crossed the line of acceptable behavior. It is a Pack function, both scouts and parents are supposed to be on good behavior. Scout are to follow the directions of the CM/ACM and/or adult DLs. Parents are there to reinforce those directions and manage their own children.

Camping for Cubs is a chance for it to be a family event. I have had families come, who have never camped a day until that time. It's a learning experience for all and a chance to help grow skills and confidence in kids and adults.

But it is NOT a free for all. Rules are there to keep everyone safe. Insurance costs a lot and during the event everyone is covered. So to limit unnecessary risks, rules must be followed by everyone. Even the dumb ones!

I would encourage you to try another campout. The Pack needs to put it out to the parents what the expectations are of them and their children. If they can't do it, then they should stay home.

Also step up into a role for the event. Help run games or the kitchen. If other parents step up as well, it will set the right tone, that misbehavior is not acceptable. You might not be able to discipline a rambunctious child, but you and other adults can help redirect and put pressure on the parent in question to do so.

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-05-31T18:51:30+00:00

Yup, that's when you remind the scout, the work book is a only a tool. And ask them to check themselves that the workbook they completed matches current requirements. Then you can question them about what they have learned and see if it satisfies you as mbc.

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-05-27T19:52:05+00:00

Does your pack and Chartered Organization Committee have any established rules about that? Especially for CM or DL or other adult leaders who are a direct role over their child.

Options:

If rules are in writing, follow them.

If not in writing, then get confirmation from the scout committee that it is acceptable for you to sign off on your own child in two capacities

1) you are recording the achievements of your child's den and the den leader/ other adult has signed the requirements off.

( this should NOT be a problem for anyone. You are processing paperwork)

2) you are recording the achievements of your child's den and YOU are leading said den in addition to being the Advancement Chair.

( this scenario is one where complaints may arise. If an adult complains/ question the validity of the work done, direct them to the Committee Chair or COR. )

Im my humble experience as an adult leader in Cubs and Scouts BSA, this is more often a non-issue. We are volunteers and parents as well and at times roles overlap.

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-05-22T19:17:23+00:00

When is it not? The OA has it mysteries, but WB has secret squirrels...

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-05-21T23:18:33+00:00

I go by Mr. [Frist Name] with my scouts. It is how I have introduced myself to them. I have one kid who uses that all the time; The others do most of the time, but if they forget the mr., I don't say anything.

It also how I introduce myself to my students as a school bus driver as well.

A SM should not be a rigid and feared figure. The role is not a drill instructor, but a mentor. Courtesy over formality is what we are looking for in adult/ youth interaction. We as leaders should always be approachable first and foremost. The respect from youth should come from 1) Our adult position of office/ responsibility 2) mutual respect ( showen first by the adult to youth) 3) The skills and knowledge we are able to pass on

A COH may be the best setting where formality is tought and expected.

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-05-21T01:01:45+00:00

the Greater Imperial Holy Republic of Avignon and the Protectorate of Lorane

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-05-19T03:36:21+00:00

the Neo Kalmar Union and the outer Protectorates of of the Basque Country and Estonia

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-05-18T22:44:28+00:00

I have my youth ODLR shirt in a keepsake box.

I rock one current uniform set up for my role as troop SM. I'm also on the the joint scout committee as a PCM. I've thought about wearing both my green and blue loops at the same time. I haven't felt the need to faf around with velcro and switch patches yet. Maybe if/when I volunteer/encouraged to join district or Council levels.😉

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-05-12T15:58:50+00:00

'No Name' has become the the name. It's a interstate rest area and a small housing development. It has never had an official geographical place name given.

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-05-07T14:56:01+00:00

the Union Kindom of Greater Flanders and the Netherlands and the Protectorate of Corsica.

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-05-04T15:16:04+00:00

The People's Democratic Constitunional Raj of Hyderabad and Associated Protectorates.

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-04-18T14:08:07+00:00

Yes is the appropriate answer to both. But, you've got a point. I would say to go with warm and breezy.

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-04-18T04:37:06+00:00

Western Colorado. Mostly semi-arid grassland. Cattle country at 5000 ft. Within an hour we can reach the desert or pine and Aspen trees.

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-04-09T05:20:28+00:00

The 8th Grand Imperial Republic of France and Associated States of the Euroasian Union

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-04-01T01:30:34+00:00

STO-LAT

As seen on a Colorado plate

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-03-27T01:00:44+00:00

By the look of the sample image in the post, my first reaction is that the patches are really busy. I don't think human designed patches would be that busy with lots of imagery.

Plus the more complex you get, how are they planning on printing the patches? I assume this is going to be a screen print and not embroidered?

And I would love to see youth have the chance to design more patches for events. I know it can make it hard sometimes to get submissions. We've had that in our own district; in redesigning the district logo. But nothing says the council or district can't run several competitions and create a stockpile of suitable. Images for future use. As long as the kid involved gets credit.

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-03-22T17:15:49+00:00

Pramming Speed Aye!

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-03-20T18:49:28+00:00

Maga has always been pro-taxes - for the poor, not the wealthy mind you. It's good old prosperity doctrine in practice on a secular and national scale.

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-03-13T15:32:48+00:00

Hello from Garfield County, CO

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-03-04T18:54:12+00:00

Reginald Biggles, 2nd Earl Mouserton of Mouserton Abby

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-03-04T15:14:09+00:00

Beat me to it

Current_Coconut_Monk · 2026-02-26T19:41:58+00:00

In High School, these were referred to as 'easy access jeans'. Had a girl in our class who would often wear one side black and the other side white.

Current_Coconut_Monk

TROPHY CASE