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Task

5.0.3.2. Merit badges: registered counselors, recruited locally

Required May not apply

This may not apply to you. You have not answered "Which program is the Lone Scout registered in?" yet. Answer it and this step will either settle or drop off.

A Lone Scout earns merit badges by working with adult counselors who meet the ordinary qualifications and are registered with the council. Teachers, hobbyists, business leaders and club members are the Guide's suggested sources.

Note. Where a Lone Scout cannot meet a merit badge requirement as written, the same procedure applies as for rank requirements: an equal or very similar alternative, approved by the council advancement committee. See 5.0.3.1.

Tip. Counselors must be registered with the council as merit badge counselors and meet the qualifications in 7.0.1.1. Recruiting one locally is often easier than finding an existing one, and the council can register them.

What this is made of

Where this step comes from

  1. Guide to Advancement (2025), Section 5.0.3.2 · How a Lone Scout earns merit badges, and where counselors come from.
  2. Guide to Advancement (2025), Section 7.0.1.1 · The qualifications those counselors must meet.
  3. Guide to Advancement (2025), Section 7.0.0.0 · The merit badge programme itself.

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