The instructions for applying to be a Merit Badge Counselor are listed below. Please note that the application
is from the Great Southwest Council NOT from the national BSA (form #34405). The GSWC
Merit Badge Counselor Information Sheet is to be used instead
of the national form. If you have any questions, please contact: Steve Batha
, NNM District Advancement Merit Badge Coordinator.
As a guide, the GSWC Merit Badge Counselor Information Sheet also has a listing of 119
merit badges that are current, with three exceptions. There are two new merit badges: Fly Fishing and Composites.
Also, the Music and Bugling merit badges have been combined into the Music merit badge.
1) For new Merit Badge Counselors, complete the GSWC Merit Badge Counselor
Information Sheet along with a multi-copy national BSA Adult Application form specifically listing position 42.
BSA Adult Application forms can be obtained from your unit leader or
Bill Blumenthal (NNM District Membership Chairman).
2) Merit Badge Counselor (position 42) is a District position (as opposed to a unit position) that requires
no annual registration fees. NOTE: Adult leaders can be registered in more than one position
(e.g. scoutmaster and merit badge counselor), but the unit leader position requires a separate
application form and an annual registration fee.
3) The BSA Adult Application form for Merit Badge Counselors (position 42) and the
GSWC Merit Badge Counselor Information Sheet need only be filed once as long as the District Advancement
Committee is notified annually to renew an individual for this position.
4) Both the GSWC Merit Badge Counselor Information Sheet and the BSA Adult Leader
Application form for Merit Badge Counselors (position 42) must be sent to the District Advancement
Committee for approval before the council will accept merit badge "blue cards" from a counselor.
Please send both completed forms as a package to:
Steve Batha, NNM District Advancement Merit Badge Coordinator
4753 Sandia Drive
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Steve will respond to you so you know when you may begin counseling.
5) Counselors should take the online Merit Badge Counselor Training (html)
or (pdf) so you know what is expected of counselors and
scouts. Anyone signed up for scouting activities must take the
Youth Protection Training so make sure that training is up to date.
6) These procedures have been reviewed and approved by Ken Thomas, Chairman of the NNM District. If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact:
Steve Batha, NNM District Advancement Merit Badge Coordinator.
