Thank you for wanting to become a Merit Badge Counselor! Note that Merit Badge Counselor is a district position, not a troop position, so new MBC’s will need to register with the Orion District. You may choose to only work with one troop but are encouraged to work with other troops as needed. Also you are encouraged to staff the annual Merit Badge College in one of your subjects.

The instructions below are for adults who are already a registered adult in a Troop, Pack, or Crew. If you are not a registered adult, contact the MBC Coordinator for assistance.

First Time Registration

  1. Adult Application – Since you are already a member of a unit, you can create a free duplicate membership online. Click this link to start an online application for Orion District:
    https://my.scouting.org/VES/OnlineReg/1.0.0/?tu=UF-MB-662o42.

    If you are not already logged in, it will ask if you already have a MyScouting account. Answer Yes and log in. It should give a warning that you have a registration with the troop so choose Continue since you also want to register for Orion. Do NOT click Transfer! You’ll see a screen confirming a Multiple Registration with Orion. Answer the six Background Questions and Submit.
  2. Merit Badge Counselor Information Form –  This is where you indicate what badges you want to teach, your qualifications, and your preferred Troop or Crew. Fill out the form here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0a45e9d9f6ca4350aff9dafdcc5b639f. Attach a PDF of your YPT (see below on how to get a PDF). Some MB’s such as water activities, climbing, or shooting sports require qualifications. Attach your certification as required (see below for what to attach).
  3. Merit Badge Counselor Training must be completed. Online training is here:
    https://training.scouting.org/learning-plans/1188. Please complete training before submitting the online applications. You do not need to attach your MBC training certificate to the online application.

When you complete Step 2, the Orion MBC Coordinator will be notified who will check your training record, adult application, and YPT and then process your request. If you have any questions, send an email to orionmeritbadgecoordinator@gmail.com.

Existing Merit Badge Counselors – Add/Delete Badges

  1. Fill out the Merit Badge Counselor Information Form using the online form here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0a45e9d9f6ca4350aff9dafdcc5b639f. Indicate you want to change the badges you teach (add) or the badges you want to delete. Attach a PDF of your YPT (see below on how to get a PDF). Some MB’s (such as water activities, climbing, or shooting sports) require qualifications. Attach your certification (see below for what to attach).

To get a PDF of your YPT certificate:

  1. Sign in to my.scouting.org
  2. In the upper banner click My Training.
  3. You will see your YPT status. Click the Print Certificate link to get a PDF of your certificate.

Merit Badges that require Additional Training and Documentation.

Also see The Guide to Advancement Section 7.0.1.0
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf

Archery – BSA National Camping School-trained shooting sports director or USA Archery or National Field Archery Association instructor, or by someone who has been trained by one of the three; or alternatively, the activities may be supervised by someone with at least Level 1 training in the operation of an archery range from USA Archery, NFAA, or an equivalent.

Canoeing – BSA Aquatics Instructor or Canoeing Instructor certification from the American Canoe Association, American Red Cross, or equivalent.

Citizenship in Society – BSA online training course Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Scouting (Course 1800). https://training.scouting.org/courses/SCO_1800. Send completion certificate.

Climbing – Climb On Safely training. Training as a BSA climbing Level 2 Instructor is highly recommended.

Kayaking – BSA Aquatics Instructor or Paddle Craft Safety Instructor certification, or kayaking instructor certification from the American Canoe Association, British Canoe Union, or American Red Cross,  or equivalent.

Lifesaving – Demonstrations or activities in or on the water must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult, age 21 or older, with certification in Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED or equivalent, and as a BSA Lifeguard or Aquatics Instructor or equivalent.

Motor Boating – Safety Afloat training. Appropriate credentials include current or previous certification by an organization (such as the National Safe Boating Council, the United States Power Squadrons, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or the US Powerboating component of US Sailing) that meets the voluntary National On-Water Standards for Powerboating or the NASBLA national boating education standards for powerboating; OR local councils may approve individuals previously certified as such, or trained by an instructor so qualified.

Rifle Shooting – The merit badge counselor is responsible for ensuring that all instruction or other activities involving any handling of firearms or live ammunition is consistent with state and federal law and supervised by a certified BSA National Camping School (NCS) shooting sports director, or National Rifle Association (NRA) Rifle Shooting Instructor or Coach. Instruction or other activities involving handling muzzleloaders must be supervised by an NCS shooting sports director or NRA/National Muzzleloader Rifle Association (NMLRA)-certified muzzleloader firearms instructor. Shooting must be supervised by an NRA certified Range Safety Officer (RSO). If instruction and shooting are to occur at the same time, both the RSO and qualified instructor must be present. The supervisor and instructor may not be the same person. Note that commercial shooting ranges may provide RSOs.

Rowing – BSA Aquatics Instructor certification or equivalent.

Scuba Diving. All phases of scuba instruction— classroom, pool, and open-water training—are limited to instructors trained and certified by one of the BSA’s recognized scuba agencies as found in the Guide to Safe Scouting.Scuba Diving. All phases of scuba instruction— classroom, pool, and open-water training—are limited to instructors trained and certified by one of the BSA’s recognized scuba agencies as found in the Guide to Safe Scouting.

Shotgun Shooting. The merit badge counselor is responsible for ensuring that all instruction or other activities involving any handling of firearms or live ammunition is consistent with state and federal law and supervised by a certified NCS shooting sports director or NRA Shotgun Instructor or Coach. Instruction or other activities involving handling muzzle-loading shotguns must be supervised by an NCS shooting sports director or NRA/NMLRA-certified muzzleloading shotgun instructor. Shooting must be supervised by an NRA-certified Range Safety Officer. If instruction and shooting are to occur at the same time, both the RSO and qualified instructor must be present. They may not be the same person. Note that commercial shooting ranges may provide RSOs.

Small Boat Sailing – Safety Afloat training. Appropriate credentials include instructor certification with a recognized sailing agency or school, US Sailing, or the American Sailing Association for sailing experience with different hull types including the rig being used for instruction; OR local councils may approve individuals previously certified as such, or trained by an instructor so qualified.

Swimming – BSA Safe Swim Defense and BSA Safety Afloat.

Water Sports – BSA Safe Swim Defense and BSA Safety Afloat.

Whitewater. Those supervising whitewater activities must be certified as whitewater canoeing or kayaking instructors by the American Canoe Association or have equivalent certification, training, or expertise.