Troop 54 Houston Texas

Become a Merit Badge Counselor

I want to become a Merit Badge Counselor. What do I need to do?

Step 1. If you are not registered as an adult volunteer leader with Troop 54, go to the “Join or Renew” page and follow the instructions under “New Adult”. You will need to complete Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) as part of the process.  

If you are already a registered adult with Troop 54, skip Step 1 and go to Step 2. 

Step 2. Fill out the online adult registration form for Twin Bayou District 51. This will add the “Merit Badge Counselor” position to your existing profile. There is no extra cost.

When you get the warning message, “Our records indicate that you already have an active registration with Troop 0054…” click “Continue“. Do NOT click “Transfer”.

IMPORTANT – Email tcc@troop54houston.org after you have submitted this form because Troop 54 does NOT get any alerts, and your submission will remain in the queue unapproved until you tell the Committee Chair.

If you are already a Merit Badge Counselor and just need to update your list of subjects, skip Step 2 and go to Step 3.  

Step 3. Research the Merit Badge subjects. Council recommends choosing no more than five, and the maximum is 16. Review the whole list here: Scouting America – All Merit Badges A-Z

Step 4. Complete the MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR INFORMATION (FORM 34405) and then email it to 576informationregistration@scouting.org OR drop off a printed hard copy at the Sam Houston Area Council office in the Scout Cockrell Center (2225 N Loop W, Houston, TX 77008) OR give the form to Shirley Hou. Wet signature or digital signature is acceptable.

Download the Merit Badge Counselor registration form (PDF)

Since SHAC doesn’t notify the troop about Add/Change/Delete updates, please email Shirley Hou and Gerry McGlamery to ensure the Troop 54 Counselor Directory is updated quickly.

Step 5. You will be informed via email when your application is approved, which is usually 3-5 days. Once approved, your name and contact information will be updated in the online Sam Houston Area Council Merit Badge Counselor Directory in Scoutbook and in the Troop 54 Merit Badge Counselor Directory

I’m a newly minted Merit Badge Counselor, now what?

Step 1. Get Trained!

Step 2. Read the Troop 54 Handbook section “Merit Badge Counseling (for interested parents)” – pdf so you know the additional guidelines.

Step 3. Decide when, where and how you want to teach a merit badge.

  • Classroom setting
  • Merit Badge Fair (seasonal)
  • At a campout or summer camp
  • Ad hoc when a Scout reaches out
  • Partials “clean up”
  • Consider team-teaching with another MB counselor

Room Reservations for Merit Badge Classes

If you need a room reservation at St. John the Divine, email Shirley Hou (tcc@troop54houston.org). Space is very tight at the church, so please consider hosting a class at other venues and on days other than Mondays. Remember that you always need a second registered adult leader present when having a class (not just any parent).

Are you a picture person? Follow the steps in these screenshots.

What about blue cards?

Coming soon.

Help! How do I use Scoutbook?

Coming soon.