Who should take this training?

New Scouts BSA Merit Badge Counselors

Why should I take this training?

A well-qualified Merit Badge Counselor can enhance a youth’s attention span through effective communication, which leads to better understanding of the subject, productive discussions, and true interest. A bond of mutual respect often develops when a Scout feels confident to offer thoughts and opinions through meaningful conversations with a merit badge counselor. Thus, a Scout grows in social skills and self-reliance as a result of interacting with an adult who is a qualified counselor. The merit badge counselor agrees to follow the requirements of the recognition, making no deletions or additions, ensuring the advancement standards are fair and uniform for all Scouts.

Merit Badge Counselor Training is available online at My.Scouting.org.

When is this training available?

The online version of Merit Badge Counselor Training is available anytime through the Training section of My.Scouting.org.

The in-person classroom version of Merit Badge Counselor Training is generally offered a few times a year, typically in conjunction with individual districts’ training days.

Where is this training offered?

You can take the online version of Merit Badge Counselor Training by logging in to My.Scouting.org (if you’ve never visited this site before, you’ll need to click the “create account” button and then follow the instructions; have your BSA membership ID number handy).

The in-person classroom version of Merit Badge Counselor Training will require you to go to a physical location within your district, or there may be a course offered at the Frank Fickett Scout Training and Service Center (12500 North IH 35, Austin, 78753).

What is the cost of this training?

There is no cost if you take Merit Badge Counselor Training online through My.Scouting.org.

If you take the in-person classroom version, there may be a small fee to cover the cost of handouts or other class materials.

How do I sign up for this training?

You don’t have to register to take the online version of Merit Badge Counselor Training through My.Scouting.org; just log in and start taking the class modules.

Dates for the next available in-person course have not yet been announced.

1. If you haven’t already, register as an adult member of the Boy Scouts of America. You can get an application here. You’ll have to print out a copy and fill it out.
2. Log in to my.scouting.org. If you don’t already have an account, create one.
3. Take Youth Protection Training and print your Certificate of Completion.
4. Print and fill out a Merit Badge Counselor Information sheet.

Deliver your completed BSA adult member application, your certificate proving you finished Youth Protection Training, and your completed Merit Badge Counselor Information sheet to our council office at the Frank Fickett Scout Training and Service Center, 12500 North IH 35, 78753. If you have any questions about this process, please contact our Registrar at 512-617-8618 or fill out the form below.

Note: you cannot just sign up as a Merit Badge Counselor through the ScoutBook app. If you do, you will not be displayed as a counselor. You must first be approved by our council office.