Time limit to earn a merit badge once started

[ASM-142]

If the SM does not want to use a counselor, say because he knows that thye will sign off on anything the boys present, then no, he does not have to present that name to the boys as an option ...

I agree that the SM does not have to give that MBC name as an option but the requirement does not state that the scout must use the name that is provided. As long as the MBC is an approved MBC then the SM must accept the MB if the MBC signs off on the requirements even if it is from a MBC different then the name s/he provided.

[RWSmith]

....but the requirement does not state that the scout must use the name that is provided. As long as the MBC is an approved MBC then the SM must accept the MB if the MBC signs off on the requirements even if it is from a MBC different then the name s/he provided.

I believe the procedure's intent that the Scout should (is supposed to) contact the MBC assigned, first, is well established. However, what you say about the MBC's sign-off is true... once it's signed, it's a done deal. (Even if the MBC pencil-whipped it, it's done. But, that entirely another matter.)

[jhawk]

"I believe the procedure's intent that the Scout should (is supposed to) contact the MBC assigned, first, is well established. However, what you say about the MBC's sign-off is true... once it's signed, it's a done deal. (Even if the MBC pencil-whipped it, it's done. But, that entirely another matter.)"

How do figure the SM has control then, if the scout can still go use whomever he wants? That makes the SM assigned MB counselor just a suggestion, doesn't it? Which is exactly my point--you can point a scout to a counselor, but nothing says he has to use that person. So the SM is not in control after all. I don't think national ever intended the SM to be in control of that anyway. (Just my opinion, but even if you don't agree with that opinion, you have admitted that, yes, there is no way to really control who gets used as a counselor.) And as you implied, if there is a problem with a counselor not doing what is expected, take steps to get rid of that counselor. No one is supposed to accept more or less than the badge requires from any scout. I haven't seen many counselors I don't trust to do the right thing. There are better ways to deal with a bad apple or two than to give a SM power that should belong to the scout. We have boy-run troops, but a boy can't select his own counselor for a merit badge? I think he CAN, and obviously does. I respectfully disagree with your opinion that the SM has any right to pretend otherwise.

[FrankJ]

A little off the topic... This is totally a volunteer organization. The SM can't 'make' a scout do anything. Hopefully SM advises & guides the scout to internalize the scout oath & law while learning to enjoy life in the process.

In that sense I agree with RWsmith that a SM advises which counselor to use, taking the scout's needs into account. In good faith, the scout should try that counselor first. If a scout has a good reason to use another counselor, the SM should be OK with that. If a scout chooses another counselor because he think that it will let by without actually meeting the requirements then that should a subject of a SM conference. The SM can't undo an earned merit badge, but he can guide the scout to make ethical choices which, to me, is more important than an individual merit badge.

The rules shouldn't be used to prevent the scout from earning rank or merit badges, but to keep order in process.

Sorry if I drifted off topic.