Misinformation Concerning Merit Badge Counselors
There seems to be some misunderstanding concerning a single person restricted to counsel no more than 8 merit badges. This is not a rule… it is a guideline.
National does not place any restrictions on the number of Merit Badges a person may register to counsel and neither does the Heart of Virginia Council.
Let’s take a look at the premise of the entire Merit Badge program. The intention is that the counselor is an expert, or at least highly proficient, in the subject matter being taught. Most any adult can read the Merit Badge pamphlet, on most any subject area, and teach the material written on those pages, however that isn’t the intent of the program. BSA wants persons that have more than a casual understanding of a subject to instruct our scouts.
Several years ago, the Council Advancement Committee took a look at different subject groupings and came up with the conclusion that it was unlikely that a person would be highly proficient in more than 8 areas. If you are an avid Outdoors person, you might assume that person to be highly competent in the array of outdoor related badges. The same could be viewed in a variety of other subject areas; conservation, electronics, physical fitness, etc. We based our recommendations on this analysis.
A person becomes proficient in various subject areas either via the formal education process, work experience, or pursuit of a hobby. Sometimes people have varied interests and we always want to take that into consideration. One’s hobby interests may be far from their professions or educational background.
We established the number 8, as a guideline. If you feel you are qualified to counsel more than 8 merit badges, just appeal your case to me, and the Council Advancement Committee. We will gladly give you the opportunity to explain your position. We are here to provide the scouts the best experience, not restrict anyone’s ability to serve them. The Council Registrar should be able to guide you in the right direction to get to me. Feel free to give me a call 804-291-7998.
Good Scouting to you always,
Chuck Sullivan
HOVC Advancement Chair