merit badges requested by one or two scouts

[ASM-142]

Paul's quote is that the SM will give the scout the name of the counselor. I think that Paul is right on with this qoute. I was just asking if the scout was required to use the name the SM provided.

[vpalango]

In our troop we've successfully done both. The troop has parents who are counselors for a variety of badges. But as a Scoutmaster (and my predicessor as well), I actively encourage the boys to get some merit badges from a counselor on the District list, so that they experience doing some of the MBs on thier own. The only requirement (which is mandated effectively by YPT/GSS) I put on them is that they have to buddy up for the badge with another scout/scouts.
YIS,

vpalango
I have a question. You say here that as Scoutmaster you encourage your scouts to get some outside merit badge councselors. Dont you or your advancement chairman give these to them? The Scoutmaster signs the "Bluecard" before the boy does the merit badge to approve that the boy is alloud to do it with the chosen counselor.

Ok... A clarification here, as I obviously mis-stated it. As our boys go through the program, and they are looking to take merit badges, they do come to me or the advancement chair to find a MB Counselor, and I do sign the blue card first.

When I talk about encouraging, I encourage them through SM Conferences to set goals for themselves about MBs, and then refer them to outside counselors when appropriate.

VLP

[FrankJ]

I am not saying I agree with this completely, but this is my understanding of the rules from national.

Selecting a merit badge counselor: The boyscout handbook says the SM will provide a name from a list of approved counselor. It does not say the scout has to use the counselor. The council advancement committee handbook say specifically that a scout can use a parent, relative, & take as many badges from an individual as long as their are registered at the council for that specific merit badge. No mention of "as long as the SM approves."

I have to say I respect Paul's opinions & his knowlege of merit badges is certainly deeper than mine, but I just don't see the boy scout hand saying a sout needs SM approval for a specific counselor.

Completing a merit badge: The counselor is the final approval for the requirements. The unit leader signature just means that the advancement has been turned in. This comes once again from the advancement handbook. I cannot find anything about what to do if a counselor is not doing their job other than getting the council advancement committee to take them off the list. I guess the assumption is that everybody follows the scout oath & law.


I think the merit badge program does a lot of things. Knowledge gained & experience communicating with various counselors are important components of the program. Scout should be encourage to use a lot of different counselors, not just merit badge clinics & summer camp. The rules say that you have to use direction & persuasion, not just by decree.

[outfoxed86]

In our troop we've successfully done both. The troop has parents who are counselors for a variety of badges. But as a Scoutmaster (and my predicessor as well), I actively encourage the boys to get some merit badges from a counselor on the District list, so that they experience doing some of the MBs on thier own. The only requirement (which is mandated effectively by YPT/GSS) I put on them is that they have to buddy up for the badge with another scout/scouts.
YIS,

vpalango
I have a question. You say here that as Scoutmaster you encourage your scouts to get some outside merit badge councselors. Dont you or your advancement chairman give these to them? The Scoutmaster signs the "Bluecard" before the boy does the merit badge to approve that the boy is alloud to do it with the chosen counselor.

Ok... A clarification here, as I obviously mis-stated it. As our boys go through the program, and they are looking to take merit badges, they do come to me or the advancement chair to find a MB Counselor, and I do sign the blue card first.

When I talk about encouraging, I encourage them through SM Conferences to set goals for themselves about MBs, and then refer them to outside counselors when appropriate.

VLP

thanks for the clarafication

[deweylure]

Like i have said many times before I am sick to death of SM's who have no clue how the program is run . Sounds like he is out of date with the training or the scouts.

Let an ASM sign the blue card and hope the boys have fun. I applaud them for there in terest and enthusiasm.

Dewey

[MDEagle]

When a boy requests a merit badge from one of our Troop parents, the custom is that the counselor/parent opens the opportunity to all the boys in the Troop.

Again, this is the CUSTOM, not the rule. Particularly with younger Scouts, they may not even be aware that a merit badge is available in that subject until an opportunity is presented. It's also a nice thing for the counselors to help more boys at once... it keeps them from having two boys this month, two boys next month, etc.

I'd NEVER turn down a boy who wanted a badge, but if I'm going to do it for one/two, I'd just as soon do it for all of them that are interested. From a counselor's perspective, it's not that much extra work, and the benefits to the boys multiply.

Now, for out-of-Troop badges, the buddy rule is definitely in effect, and that's generally interpreted as the Scout finding another Scout who is interested... but a non-Scout buddy will do in a pinch.

[FrankJ]

Merit badges are by nature individual achievements. One of the skills that is developed in the process in gaining the confidence of contacting a counselor, arrange the meeting, and so on. The scouts that need to develop these intangibles the most will be the one that is the most difficult for. This takes understanding, encouragement, and the occasional push. The confidence that is gained is a big part of what makes an eagle an eagle Taking all merit badges in a group arrangement take something away from the process. At least that is my opinion.

[jr56]

Good point. You are absolutely correct, that is why the merit badge program is set up the way it is.