| The merit badge
program is part of the Advancement program of the Boy Scouts of America.
A merit badge is an award that is presented to a Boy Scout or Varsity
Scout when he has completed the requirements for one of more than 100
subjects in a wide range of art, craft, hobby, sport, trade, profession,
service or self-improvement areas. As one of Boy Scouting's basic
measurement tools. Earning merit badges gives a Scout the kind of
self-confidence that comes from overcoming obstacles to achieve a goal.
Through the merit badge program, a Scout also learns career skills,
develops socially, and may develop physical skills and hobbies that give
a lifetime of healthful recreation.
This program cannot succeed without the service of thousands of unit
and district volunteers who serve as Merit Badge Counselors. Each Merit
Badge Counselor is expert in a particular subject and interested in
helping Scouts grow into men of character, ready to take their place in
the world of work as participating citizens.
The steps to follow in the merit badge program are outlined in the
current Boy Scout Requirements. This book also lists the requirements a
Scout meets to earn each of the more than 100 merit badges that are
available. |
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The essence of
quality Scouting is having sufficient qualified adult leaders. Nowhere
does this become more apparent than in the recruitment of adults to
serve as Merit Badge Counselors. Because Merit Badge Counselors must be
knowledgeable in specialized area as well as able to have a good rapport
with Scout-age boys, the District Advancement Committee has a
challenging task in seeking, recruiting, and training Merit Badge
Counselors, and in helping units do the same. In order to be certified
as a Merit Badge Counselor for a
particular merit badge, one must be qualified by job, profession,
business, hobby or special training in that subject. Having earned a
Merit Badge as a Scout or previously serving as a Merit Badge Counselor
for a badge does not automatically qualify someone as a Counselor.
All Merit Badge Counselors must have an understanding of their role
in Scout advancement. The District Advancement Committee is responsible
for making the appropriate training available to Merit Badge Counselor. |
