However, if employees are to serve as merit badge counselors and sign blue cards, they must take Youth Protection training, become registered, submit to a background check, and be approved by the council advancement committee.It is the responsibility of the council advancement committee to maintain a current list of registered and approved counselors, although this may be delegated to districts. 2. First consider badges required for Eagle Scout rank, which are obvious “musts.” Next think about those most popular in the local area. By using this merit badge pamphlet to earn the Rowing merit badge, Scouts will gain a deeper understanding of the mechanics of this sport, along with the knowledge on how to safely navigate water both with someone else and by themselves! It can also be helpful to have ready counselors for the most popular badges. Kayaking can be a great way to get around the Lake while enjoying nature up close and personal! It is important, too, they have good rapport with Scout-age youth and unit leaders.Council, district, and multiunit merit badge fairs have become increasingly popular over the past several years. It does not endorse merit badge opportunities where fees are paid directly to individuals, or to groups of individuals, especially if the individuals are looking to Scouting as a source of income that could be considered taxable. A letter or message extending an invitation can be sent to each counselor who is to be approved for another year. Merit Badge Blue Card properly filled out and signed off by your Scoutmaster. Using merit badge events as fundraisers, however, is discouraged, and councils may exercise their authority not to approve them.The First Aid merit badge, too, has a requirement that reads a little like a prerequisite. Limit access to those who have merit badge– related responsibilities, such as advancement committee members and chairs, or unit leaders and selected assistants. The council advancement committee annually coordinates counselor reregistration. 4. And fields of study and interest are explored beyond the limits of the school classroom.Appropriate credentials include current or previous certification by an organization (such as the National Safe Boating Council, the United States Power Squadrons, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or the US Powerboating component of US Sailing) that meets the voluntary National On-Water Standards for Powerboating or the NASBLA national boating education standards for powerboating; OR local councils may approve individuals previously certified as such, or trained by an instructor so qualified.For example, Scoutmasters must register as merit badge counselors and be approved for any badge they wish to counsel or sign off in their troop. It's a life long hobby and a great skill to have.Rowing is the use of oars as a means of propelling boats, has grown from a basic method of transportation to a competitive sport and an enjoyable method of exercising. It is most efficient to set the list up as an electronic document that includes all counselors in the council. There are, however, a number of important considerations council advancement committees should keep in mind.For very large events—such as the national Scout jamboree—the National Council may approve an alternative format and sizing for the blue card. These can be efficient methods, and interactive group discussions can support learning. The process should not be rushed to the point where unqualified counselors are allowed to serve. Before working with Scouts, counselors must have completed Youth Protection training within the last two years. As new ones are added and others drop off, it is vital these changes be communicated to the district or council advancement committee.Volunteers who are properly registered as merit badge counselors can renew annually without completing a BSA adult application; their names will appear on the district roster for renewal. The Application for Merit Badge has a place to record what has been finished—a “partial.” In the center section on the reverse of the blue card, the counselor initials for each requirement passed. They should first, however, develop a thorough understanding of the merit badge requirements and that each one must be passed exactly as it is set forth.There is no time limit between starting and completing a badge, although a counselor may determine so much time has passed since any effort took place that the new requirements must be used.Note that Star and Life requirements each allow two non-Eagle-required merit badges. To get started, the council advancement committee should consider organizing the badges into logical groups, such as business and industry, natural science, communications, and public service, and recruiting a head counselor for each group. They should only be placed on official council websites that conform to the National Council guidelines. For example, the recreation center mentioned above would not be allowed to present a “Sports merit badge camp” without permission.
Requirement 2 for Scuba Diving clearly states that the Scout must earn the Swimming merit badge before completing the remaining requirements.The council advancement committee is responsible for approval of all merit badge counselors before they provide services, although it is acceptable to delegate authority for this function to districts.