Merit badge counselors are the key to success in the merit badge plan. They offertheir time, experience, and knowledge to help guide Scouts in one or more of themerit badge subjects.
The counselor's responsibility is to
- Assist the Scout as he plans the assigned projects and activities to meet the merit badge requirements.
- Coach Scouts through interviews and demonstrations on how to do the required skills of the craft, business, or hobby.
- Certify the Scout after determining whether he is qualified for the merit badge.
Most local councils list merit badge counselors by district so that Scouts maycall for appointments.
The number of Scouts requesting help is usually no burden to the counselor, sincethe number of counselors is normally determined by the popularity of the badge.Counselors schedule appointments at their convenience.
Your task is to satisfy yourself that each Scout who comes to you meets all therequirements for the merit badge. In this sense you are an examiner, though yourlarger opportunity lies in coaching and helping the Scout meet the challenge of therequirements and making him aware of the deeper aspects of the subject through yourknowledge and experience.