page last updated: 3/13/2013 @ 3:30 PM

Procedures for NEW merit badge counselors:

To register as an MBC you need to complete two forms and print out a Youth Protection Training certificate showing you are current with YPT training

There are three steps for a new MBC to register with the BSA and begin merit badge counseling:

The site allows anyone to create a user ID and password, take the youth protection course, and print the completion certificate.  It is also recommended that you save a copy of the YPT certificate to your computer. The site allows anyone not already registered as a Scouter to create a user ID and password, take the youth protection course, save a copy of the completion certificate to your computer, and print the completion certificate. YPT is required every two years.

IMPORTANT: When you eventually receive your BSA registration card and PID (personal identification number) you must return to the MyScouting.org site, logon with the user ID and password you created, and enter your BSA registration number into your user profile so the system can accurately verify and record your training. 

#1. Complete the online Youth Protection Course at www.MyScouting.org and print the completion certificate.When you eventually receive your BSA registration card and number you should return to the site, logon with the user ID and password you created, and enter your BSA registration number into your user profile so the system can accurately verify your training for registration renewal.)  All volunteers are required to complete Youth Protection Training and must renew the training every two years. This training is accessible to the general public online at www.Scouting.org under the Youth Protection tab. Please review the training, as it provides important information about detecting and preventing abuse, no matter where it may occur.

#2. Complete the Merit Badge Counselor (MBC) information form which is used by the District to know which merit badges you want to teach and to provide approval of your request.

Please click here to download the new MBC information registration form. Before filling it out, if you have any questions or need assistance, please talk with your unit MB coordinator or the District MB Area Coordinator or the District MB Dean. Remember to check the correct box if you plan to only be available for your unit and put the unit number in if it is for unit only, or the check the "District" box.

#3. Complete the Adult Application form. The MBC must also submit a separate adult application form with the information of "MBC Code 42" for the position block and "Potomac District" in the District block. This is in addition to your current registration in/with your unit. Please click here for a copy of the adult application form already filled in with this information for the Potomac District. NOTE: The entire application form must be filled in, including references and ONLY the applicant's signature is required. The other signatures are not required for a MBC. The "Unit" blocks remain blank and the block in the lower right corner should also be left blank. The new MBC must submit the new "Code 42" adult application even if they are already registered with their unit or the District. The MBC position is a District level position and requires a separate application approval.

NOTE: The entire application form must be filled in and signed, including the Disclosure/Authorization page before the application form page itself. All applicants and currently Registered Scouters go through a background check – as noted and authorized on the Disclosure/Authorization page of the Adult Application form.

ONLY the applicant's signature is required. The other signatures are not required to register as a MBC. The "Unit" blocks remain blank and the block in the lower right corner should also be left blank. The new MBC must submit the new "Code 42" adult application even if they are already registered with their unit or the District. The MBC position is a District level position and requires a separate application approval process.

                                   What do I do with them when I’m done?

All three correctly and completed items (Adult Application form, Merit Badge Counselor Information form, and the Youth Protection Certificate) must be brought to Boy Scout Roundtable for turn in.

All three items must be turned in together at the same time to the District Executive (DE) at a Boy Scout Roundtable. The DE will in turn send a copy of the Merit Badge Counselor Information form to the Potomac District Merit Badge Counselor Dean.  The Adult Application form and YPT certificate will only be retained by the DE for processing at the Council Service Center.  

                                    General Information

Each troop should have a unit Merit Badge Counselor Coordinator (normally the advancement chairman) who will facilitate the registration and re-registration process for only the MBCs in their respective units.

                                    Annual Renewal of MBC

There is a requirement to register annually as a MBC. Periodically the Districts send out a list of MBCs to their units and asked for an update of the contact information if the MBC wants to continue and if not, to advise that the name be removed from the list and therefore removed as a MBC. The unit list is the best and easiest method to accomplish the update.  The unit MBC coordinator should send a list (normally provided by the District MBC Coordinator) to the District MBC Dean to confirm rollover of registration of existing MBCs for that unit. Persons not on the list submitted by the Merit Badge Dean are automatically dropped, and if they come back, must start over again as a new registration. Unaffiliated MBCs (not affiliated with units) are responsible on their own to advise the District MBC Dean and re-register annually; they should send an e-mail to the Merit Badge Dean advising they want to continue. Failure to send the continuing information from either the units or individuals will likely result in them being dropped from the list, and if registering again, it'll be like doing a new registration with adult application, MBC Information form, etc.

Youth Protection Training is also required every two years. The District tracks this requirement and a new completion certificate when the two year time period is up is required. Failure to send the YPT certification from individuals will result in them being dropped from the list, and if registering again, it'll be like doing a new registration with adult application and Youth Protection Certificate, etc. It is recommend that you complete the YPT program annually (e.g.., on your birthday) to remain current.

Questions? Contact:

Ted Rabkin
Potomac District Merit Badge Dean
tedrabkin@verizon.net