Scouts BSA Troop 108, Fort Mill, SC

Merit Badge Counselors Must Now Complete Application

Posted on February 2, 2011 by Troop Webmaster

Since August of 2009 our troop has been requiring the use of the Blue Card system for merit badges. Now that system is being taken a step further by requiring the boys to work ONLY with counselors that have applied and have been approved by the BSA for specific merit badges that they are qualified to teach.

Beginning February 1st, 2011, any work done on a merit badge with a counselor who has not been approved by the BSA will not be recognized by Troop 108 or the Boy Scouts of America and will have to be redone with an approved counselor, or the original counselor will be required to register as, and be approved as, a counselor for the merit badge in question.

While this may seem like a drastic measure, National BSA has audited the merit badges of scouts in nearby states, and in some cases have revoked not only the merit badges, but also the ranks that the questionable merit badges were used to earn. We don’t want this to happen to our scouts.

To make sure that we stay within National BSA policy regarding the earning of merit badges, we need cooperation from both the scouts and adults who desire to teach merit badges:

Scouts should print out a Merit Badge Blue Card . This Blue Card s has specific steps that the scouts must have checked off and initialed as they move through the merit badge process. First they should complete all of the items on the blue card that pertain to them and their information and print it out. Then they must find out from the troop leaders who the local approved counselor is for the merit badge that they want to take. At that time they should contact the approved counselor and begin work on the badge.

Adults (including current troop adult leaders and parents) who desire to become counselors for specific merit badges (Click Here Listing Of All Merit Badges) should download the Merit Badge Counselor Application and complete it. When complete, bring it to a troop meeting or give it to a troop leader who will start it on the approval process. Adults who have taught merit badges in the past will be required to fill out an application and to go through the approval process as well.

These things will keep us in compliance with National BSA policy and will make the whole merit badge process run more smoothly and without question as to authenticity of merit badges earned.

Matthew Harris Eagle Ceremony Information

Posted on January 27, 2011 by Troop Webmaster

Geocaching Merit Badge Added To Feb 12th MB College Lineup

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Troop Webmaster

For Saturday February 12, 2011, they will be adding another merit badge opportunity – Geocaching – for both the morning and afternoon sessions of Merit Badge College in Rock Hill.

Remember, both your course selections for each day you plan to attend along with your class fee ($2 per class) as well as $5 per day if you want them to provide your lunch, is due no later than the close of the regular troop meeting on January 31st. 2011.

2011 York District Merit Badge College

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Troop Webmaster

The 2011 York District Merit Badge College will be held on three Saturdays in February, the 12th, 19th and 26th. A listing of the merit badges being taught on each of those days along with the daily schedule can be found below.

Scouts wanting to attend the event must give ASM Britt Helms $2 for each merit badge class you are planning to take along with $5 per day if you plan for them to supply you with lunch. Scouts are responsible for their own transportation to and from St. Anne’s Catholic Parish (1694 Bird Street, Rock Hill) where the event is being hosted.

Deadline for registering and paying ASM Helms is the regular Monday night meeting on January 31st. There can be no class changes or new registrations for the event after the close of the troop meeting that night.

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