New Merit Badge Consoler Renewal Information Coming Soon!

For information on the Eagle Scout process, please visit All Things Eagle Scout.

Information on Venturing and Sea Scout Leadership Awards can be found here.

For permission to have the Eagle rank or other BSA logo reproduced on a cake, please submit the Cake Release Form.

In an effort to provide the best possible advancement experience for our Scouts, the GTBAC established a rule in accordance with the Guide to Advancement. It is the policy of this council that no counselor may be certified for more than 20 merit badges. By limiting the number of badges that any one counselor is certified for, there is a better chance that the counselor is an expert in the subject matter.

All counselors must renew every year as per BSA policy.

How to Become a Merit Badge Counselor

All Merit Badge Counselors must be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America.

To register, you must:

1. Fill out and submit a BSA Adult Application form with Position Code “42.” (There is no fee to register as a Merit Badge Counselor.)
2. Submit a Merit Badge Counselor Application.
3. Submit copy of current Youth Protection Training certificate.
4. Be at least 18 years old.
5. Be proficient in the merit badge subject by vocation, avocation or special training.
6. Be able to work with Scout-age youth.
7. Complete online training. More information can be found here.

More information can be found on ScoutingMagazine.org.

To become a registered Nova Counselor, follow the above procedure, using Position Code “58.” There is no additional Nova Counselor Application.

To become a registered Supernova Mentor, follow the above procedure, using Position Code “52” and submit the Supernova Mentor Information Form in place of the Merit Badge Counselor Application.

Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors must be 21 years of age.

Contact your local district Advancement Chair or John Sangiorgio, Greater Tampa Bay Area Council Advancement Chair.

The Guide to Advancement is the reference that can be used for any questions about Advancement.