What is a Merit Badge Counselor?

The merit badge counselor is a key player in the Boy Scout advancement program. Whatever your area of expertise or interest—whether it is a special craft or hobby (basketry, leatherwork, coin collecting), a profession (veterinary medicine, aviation, engineering), or perhaps a life skill (cooking, personal management, communications)—as a merit badge counselor, you can play a vital role in stirring a young man's curiosity about that particular topic. By serving as a merit badge counselor, you offer your time, knowledge, and other resources so that Scouts can explore a topic of interest.  For more information, visit Guide for Merit Badge Counselors.

How do I become a Merit Badge Counselor?

If you are not yet a merit badge counselor, it is easy to become a volunteer. You will need to register with the Boy Scouts of America, through your BSA local council. This entails the following:

1. Contact the Goose Creek District Merit Badge Committee.
2. Determine the Merit Badges you will teach.
3. Complete Youth Protection Training.
4. Complete the BSA Adult Application.
5. Turn in Youth Protection Training Certificate and BSA Adult Application to the Goose Creek District Merit Badge Committee.  There are no registration fees for Merit Badge Counselors.

Where can I find registered Merit Badge Counselors?

The National Capital Area Council has provided a list of Official Merit Badge Counselors who are willing to teach any Scout in the Goose Creek District.  This information is detailed on this page.

All questions and inquires should be sent to meritbadgecommittee@goosecreekdistrict.org.