Troop                  

Merit Badge Procedures (PARENT)

Purpose:  To outline Troop 1849 merit badge procedures to parents of scouts in Troop 1849.

a.  Assist scouts with locating Merit Badges (MB) and counselors.  You know your scout's interests.  Your scout is more likely to complete a subject that interests them.  If you know people with a particular expertise, talk to them and get a note outlining their expertise for the troop.  Give the note to the Scoutmaster or Advancement Coordinator and get a registration form.  All counselors must register with the troop, council, and BSA prior to starting the merit badge.

b.  Insure your scout has a blue card prior to the first meeting.  These are available from the Advancement Coordinator, the Scoutmaster must sign it prior to starting work on the merit badge.

c.  Insure your scout is prepared and on time for meetings.  This is only common courtesy.  Counselors give up their time to help your son.  The least you can do is insure your scout is on time and prepared for the meeting.

d.  Insure the "two deep" policy is enforced.  Never leave your scout alone with a merit badge counselor  Always insure another scout is present or the meeting is located in a public place such as the library.

e.  Assist your scout in completing requirements.  Just like school work, merit badge work should be completed by the scout.  You can help by proofreading, using power tools, providing materials such as rope, etc.  Remember, it does not have to be perfect.  Scouts do not write like adults.  They should show mastery of the subject matter.

f.  Make sure the blue card gets back to the troop.  If the troop does not get a blue card, there is no record of your scout completing the badge.  Insure your scout gets recognized at the next Court of Honor by having your scout turn in his blue card.

g.  If your scout stops working on a merit badge, make sure he gets his blue card back from the counselor.  The counselor should initial the completed  requirements on the back of the blue card

h.  If you want to do a merit badge with your son, you must do the following in addition to completing the counselor requirements (separate document):

1..  Open the merit badge to the troop.  Announce your offering at least 1 week prior to starting the merit badge.  Distribute a flyer giving who, what, where, when, and your phone number (you know how everyone becomes brain dead after they leave the scout meeting). 

            2.  At least three other scouts in the troop must participate.

            3.  Your scout will receive his merit badge at a Court of Honor with at least two other scouts from your merit badge class.