Harvard Friends of Scouting, in an effort to support the scouting program in Cambridge, is actively looking for interested members of the Harvard Community to serve as Merit Badge Counselors. All subjects are needed, and a list of Merit Badges can be found by clicking here. If you are interested in serving the community as a Merit Badge Counselor, please e-mail Andrew Esensten (esenst@fas).
Merit Badge Counselor Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How much time is involved in being a Merit Badge Counselor
A: Anywhere from no time to as much as you'd like. When you
register, your name is placed in a central database of Merit
Badge Counselors, and made available to local troops. A scout who
wishes to take a merit badge that you instruct goes to his
scoutmaster and asks for a list of local counselors. If the scout
chooses your name, he will call you and ask to set up an
appointment. If he doesn't choose your name, you won't hear from
him. The amount of time that it takes to complete the merit badge
varies by subject, and you are not obligated to agree to counsel
every scout that calls (though if you are the only counselor for
a certain merit badge it would be unfortunate if you didn't want
to help as many scouts as possible). If you do agree to counsel a
scout, you agree to commit the amount of time necessary to help
him earn the badge, which varies by subjec and by scout.
Q: Do I need to register with the Boy Scouts of America?
A: Yes. Request the forms from Andrew Esensten, or download them here.
Q: Is there a cost to register?
A: No. Registration is completely free, and we have received a
grant to provide you with the Merit Badge Pamphlets for the
subjects you will instruct.
Q: OK, I want to be a counselor. How should I get started?
A: First, visit this site
and choose merit badges in subjects in which you have experience
or a deep interest. It could be a vocation, a hobby, or an
academic interest. The important part is that you have knowledge
of the subject, are excited about the subject, and are willing to
share both your knowledge and excitement with others. When you
have chosen the merit badges you wish to teach, e-mail Andrew Esensten
to request an application package (or download
the forms here).
Q: Will you help me get started?
A: There will be a mandatory training session in order
to insure quality of instruction and familiarize counselors with
various BSA procedures involving advancement. Training is quick,
easy, and fun. It is scheduled on an as-needed basis. After you
take the brief training course, Harvard Friends of Scouting is
here to support you in any way needed. From questions about
requirements to teaching hints, we are here to help you serve the
youth of Cambridge.
July 17, 2004
scouting@hcs.harvard.edu