There are more than 135 merit badges, and any Scout, or any qualified Venturer or Sea Scout may earn any of these at any time. For youth to earn a Merit Badge, he/she will need a Merit Badge Counselor – MBC – to check and sign the requirements.
The Merit Badge Counselor is a key player in the Boy Scout advancement program, See below how to register as a Merit Badge Counselor, also check the Guide for Merit Badge Counselors for more details.
Register as a Merit Badge Counselor (MBC):
In order to register, merit badge counselors are expected to complete BSA Youth Protection Training (YPT). This training can be done through The BSA’s Online Learning Center.
Secondly, finish the Merit Badge Counselor Training that can be accessed as well from The BSA’s Online Learning Center.
Effective August 1, 2023, the BSA will be implementing a $25 fee for current and future Merit Badge Counselors. This new fee applies for Merit Badge Counselors not registered as unit leaders. Merit Badge Counselors who are also District and Council leaders (registered as unit commissioners, members at large, etc) will only need to pay the adult leader fee of $60.
This fee is being implemented as insurance coverage rises and more extensive background checks are conducted to ensure that we keep our Scouts in a safe environment.
Third, submit a request to be added as a merit badge counselor: https://counselor.atlantabsa.org/.
For the list of our Merit Badge Counselors MBCs check with the Scoutmaster and/or the Advancements Coordinator, or check this website here: https://counselor.atlantabsa.org/