Process: A Scout decides he would like to earn a specific merit badge. He obtains a " blue card " and approval to begin the merit badge from his Scoutmaster or other designated leader. The leader identifies possible merit badge counselors, then assigns one to the Scout. The Scout identifies another Scout or his parent that will be his partner to attend meetings with the counselor to follow Safe Scouting Guidelines. He then contacts the counselor to begin badge work. The counselor reviews the requirements with the Scouts and they decide on projects to complete and a completion schedule. The counselor provides expertise, advice, guidance as needed until the Scouts have completed the requirements. The merit badge counselor certifies completion of requirements and the merit badge patch is presented at a court of honor or troop meeting. (Download PDF)
Counselors: Merit badge counselors are volunteers that have been selected, trained, and approved by council and district committees. They are knowledgeable in the topic and understand the goals of Scouting and the Boy Scout Merit Badge Program. Munsee district maintains a controlled directory of registered counselors. A copy of the list is provided to the Troop for use by its leadership in assigning Merit Badge Counselors to Scouts.
Pamphlets: An official Boy Scout merit badge pamphlet has been created for the BSA by topic authorities for each merit badge. The pamphlets contain requirements, introductory information and supplemental reference text. A Scout can purchase pamphlets from BSA, find them in a troop library, or often-times check them out from a public library.