The Citizenship in Society merit badge is unique in the way it is conducted. Unlike other merit badges, the counselor for the Citizenship in Society merit badge is not a “subject matter expert” who is teaching the merit badge. Instead, the merit badge counselor for this merit badge facilitates the discussion.
This merit badge is best conducted in small groups of 3 to 6 Scouts who are of similar age. The counselor leads a discussion with the youth discussing their experiences and ways to be good citizens in society. For some requirements, the permission of the Scout’s parent or guardian is needed.
BSA requires that anyone who is a Merit Badge Counselor for Citizenship in Society complete several training modules before they can be approved to be a counselor for this merit badge.
(1) Introduction to the Merit Badge – Citizenship in Society Merit Badge for General Audiences on Vimeo
(2) Merit Badge Counselor Orientation * – Citizenship in Society MB Counselor Orientation Toolkit Version.mp4 on Vimeo
(3) Online Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Scouting training * – Course Details Screen – BSA Learn Center (scouting.org)
If the link above does not work, go to my.scouting.org, then my training, and search the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion catalog.
(4) Review the Counselor Guide PowerPoint * – Citizenship in Society Counselor Guide PowerPoint Presentation (scouting.org)
While the first video is not required to be approved to be a Merit Badge Counselor for the Citizenship in Society merit badge, it is highly recommended as it is a good overview of the merit badge.
The remaining three (3) videos are REQUIRED for Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Counselors.
* Required for Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Counselors
Once the training has been completed, anyone intending to be a merit badge counselor for the Citizenship in Society merit badge in Cherokee Area Council should contact Tom Hopkins to obtain approval to be a counselor for this merit badge.
Henry Robin
Council VP, Advancement
Mike Hurd
Osage Hills District Eagle Boards
Tom Hopkins
Grand Lake District Eagle Boards