Merit Badge Counselors

Qualifications for being a Merit Badge Counselor:

18 years of age or older.
Registered as District Merit Badge Counselor
Youth Protection Trained (Certification expires two years after taking the training).
Recognized as having the skills and education in the subjects for which they are to serve as Merit Badge Counselors.
Be approved by the Council Advancement Committee (Western Los Angeles County Council allows each District to individually approve counselors, using the registration processes, with affirmation of the District’s Merit Badge Counselor list by the Council Advancement Committee).

General Information:

A Merit Badge Counselor is a counselor, coach, teacher and examiner. Learn more at

Merit Badge Counselor Orientation.

Your term as a Merit Badge Counselor is for the calendar year only.
You must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America as a Merit Badge Counselor. This is a district position so you have to register in addition to your unit registration.
You do not have to pay dues to be registered as a Counselor.
Take Youth Protection Training. BSA Online Learning Center.

Procedure for New Counselors (or those not renewing by Jan 1)

Complete the Adult Volunteer Application.
- Read and sign the Disclosure/Authorization form; must be the original signature.
- Verify that all pages are readable of the multi-page form. Do not separate form; all pages must be turned in.
Complete the Merit Badge Counselor Information Sheet (Here) or below.
- Indicate each Merit Badge you would like to be a counselor for.
- Describe your background and qualifications for each Merit Badge.
- Use a separate page if necessary.
Submit both forms and Merit Badge Counselor Chairman:

David Fencil, 24224 Dalgo Drive, Valencia, CA 91355.

You may also take or send the application to the district or council office however this may delay your application.
The District Merit Badge Chairman will review the application for completeness and qualifications. You will be added to the District Merit Badge Counselor list and the applications will be forwarded to the counsel office for completion. You will get your Merit Badge membership card in the mail.

Annual Renewal as a Merit Badge Counselor:

You will receive an annual renewal letter, usually in early October.
Read and verify your information. Follow instructions in the letter.
Answer the questions completely as appropriate:
- Indicate your desire to continue counseling.
- Provide the date you completed Youth Protection. You must renew every two years.
- To add additional Merit Badges, complete the Merit Badge information sheet, including your qualifications.

Submit the renewal letter and supporting paperwork to the District Merit Badge Chairman: David Fencil, 24224 Dalgo Drive, Valencia, CA 91355.

Merit Badge Counselor Information Sheet

Youth Protection Certification:

Merit Badge Counselors must take the Boy Scout Youth Protection training. The following link will take you through the training. Please include a copy of your certificate with your application.

BSA Online Learning Center

Additional Resources for Merit Badge Counselors:

Bill Hart Merit Badge Orientation

BSA Online Guide for Merit Badge Counselors

Frequently Asked Questions from BSA Site
If you have additional Questions about becoming a Merit Badge Counselor Contact:

District Merit Badge Chairman: David Fencil, 661.645.9997, dfscouts@gmail.com

District Advancement Chairman: Matt Wood, (661) 252-8423, Mwoodgwrc@aol.com

Unit leaders requesting a Counselor List please email with your name, your scout leader position and unit number.