Answer: When a Scout has decided on a merit badge he would like to earn, he must follow these steps:

• Obtain from his Scoutmaster (or designated leader*) a signed merit badge application and the name of a qualified counselor for that merit badge. (A counselor must know the subject well, be able to work effectively with Scouts, and be currently registered as a merit badge counselor with the Boy Scouts of America.) Every effort will be made to assign a counselor other than a parent or relative.  *Our Scoutmaster has designated the first assistant Scoutmaster, Advancement Chairman & Committee Chairman.

• The scout then takes it to the scribe or advancement chairman to be entered into the records.  (we find a lot of Merit Badge Applications, aka - blue cards, are lost without the scout getting the credit earned) 

• Along with another Scout, a relative, or a friend, set up and attend the first appointment with his merit badge counselor. The counselor will explain the requirements for the badge and help the Scout plan ways to fulfill them so that he can get the most out of the experience.

• Complete the requirements, meeting with his counselor whenever necessary until he has finished working on the badge.

The advancement program allows the Scout to move ahead in his own way and at his own speed. Rather than competing against others, he challenges himself to go as far as his ambition will carry him. The rate of advancement depends upon his interest, effort, and ability.

Information above based on 2000 printing of "A Guide to Merit Badge Counseling" (BSA Publication No. 34532A)

Answer: It is preferred that a Scout be assigned a merit badge counselor other than their parent. An exception may occur when no other counselor is available or qualified. In that case, a parent should not counsel a merit badge exclusively for his/her own son. We expect that a counselor would assist as many boys as possible by offering to teach several boys, and may include his/her own son in a group of other scouts. 

Question: Who may serve on the board of review for Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life ranks?

Answer: Three to six members of the troop committee. Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters may not serve on a board of review. Troop Committee Guidebook. Relatives or guardians of the Scout may not serve either.  Advancement Committee Policies & Procedures. Note that members of the troop committee are registered in Scouting. The committee does not automatically include all parents.

Question:  Who signs off advancement requirements in the Scout's Boy Scout Handbook?

Answer: The Scoutmaster or persons he designates. Our Scoutmaster has designated the Troop advancement chairman, assistant Scoutmasters, Senior Patrol Leader**, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader**, Troop Guide**, and Instructor**. In addition, parents (who are registered Scouters) may not sign off their own Scout for rank advancement requirements. A major reason for this is to avoid any appearance of favoritism.

* These are youth positions.

Boy Scouts of America    Kingswood's Troop 477

Updated: October 27, 2006