Download Forms:
MB Counselor Application/Information Form
Thank you so much for your interest in becoming a Merit Badge Counselor. This outlines the training required, documents needed and possible fee.
- Youth Protection Training (also called YPT) is required and must always remain up-to-date. If you are registered in a Scouting unit, you should already have your YPT complete. Please supply a copy of your YPT Certificate of Completion. During the current year, your YPT cannot expire during that year. For example, if the year is 2024, your YPT must have an expiration date in 2025. If this is your first time taking YPT, you can access it at https://my.scouting.org/. You will have to create an account. Please contact the District Merit Badge Counselor Coordinator (ValenciaMBC@gmail.com) if you need assistance or further instructions on completing your YPT. You will be assigned a Member ID (which will be printed on your certificate). Please make a note of that ID #.
- Merit Badge Counselor Training – There are 4 modules that must be completed BEFORE you can become a Merit Badge Counselor. You can find these trainings in https://my.scouting.org/ by clicking the Menu in the upper left corner of your screen and selecting “My Training.”
If you are already registered with a Scouting unit, you may have completed one or more of these modules as part of your training in other unit positions.
In any case, you need to complete the following courses:- Introduction to Merit Badges
- What is a Merit Badge Counselor
- Aims & Methods of Scouts BSA
- Advancement
When complete, you must provide your Certificates of Completion for each of these modules to the District Merit Badge Counselor Coordinator at ValenciaMBC@gmail.com. If you need help in accessing your certificates, contact the District Merit Badge Counselor Coordinator for instructions.
- Special Requirements – Some merit badges require supervisory qualifications and/or certifications. If you wish to be a Merit Badge Counselor for Climbing, Snow Sports, Canoeing, Kayaking, Life Saving, Motor Boating, Rowing, Scuba Diving, Small Boat Sailing, Swimming, Water Sports, Whitewater, Archery, Rifle Shooting, or Shotgun Shooting please see pages 42-43 of The Guide to Advancement (https://www.scouting.org/resources/guide-to-advancement/). If certifications are required, those must be submitted for approval.
- California Assembly Bill 506 (AB-506) – Complete all requirements of AB-506 which are listed below:
- Background Check Consent form
- Live Scan/Fingerprinting using Request for Live Scan Service Form
- California Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Online Training for for Volunteers (2-hour training). Be sure to take the version for VOLUNTEERS, not the Boy Scout training (which has a fee associated with it).
Information on these requirements can be found at: https://californiascouting.org/
Please submit proof of each of these requirements being met, mainly your Certificate for the on-line training. Be sure to obtain a receipt for your live scan/fingerprinting. Note: Fingerprinting can be done at no cost at the Orange County Council. Appointments must be made for this service. Call 714-546-8558 x201, Sara Scott.
- BSA Adult Application and CBC (California Background Check) – You must complete the Adult Application (using Code 42 for Merit Badge Counselor) and the Background Check Disclosure forms.
- BSA Merit Badge Counselor Information form (also referred to as the Merit Badge Counselor application) – complete this form as a first time Merit Badge Counselor and list the badges you wish to teach as well as adding or dropping merit badges in the future.
- Merit Badge Counselor Fee – first time Merit Badge Counselors NOT registered in a unit will need to pay a $25 fee. You may mail a check to Orange County Council or pay online via the following link:
https://my.scouting.org/VES/OnlineReg/1.0.0/?tu=UF-MB-039v02
For any questions or assistance, please contact the District Merit Badge Counselor Coordinator at ValenciaMBC@gmail.com.