Unit Leader conference to start MB

[Armymutt]

Who can initiate a MB for a Scout?  The G2A says "unit leader".  Is the the SM, CC, ASM?  What if the SM doesn't want the Scout to start the MB?  I was planning on holding an orienteering session for First Class rank on Monday because we have several Scouts who are out of school while their parents have work.  Our campout plans for this weekend have been changed due to the original campsite having problems.  Now the focus will be on First Class orienteering, cook, first aid, etc.  I figure then we'll just make Monday a little more in-depth and do Orienteering MB.  I'm an ASM and Orienteering MB counselor.  Another ASM is joining me out at the site.  Does the SM need to say that the Scouts who come can do the MB, or can one of us give the green light?

[qwazse]

It’s not about class attendance. It’s about assigning a counselor who will go over all of the requirements with the scout (and a buddy or two) and review how the scout performed each requirement.

Any scout may take your class and try your course. But most won’t take the time to meet with you and actually earn the merit badge.

It’s really between you and the SM how to handle that 1st step. If the SM agrees that any scout coming to your course deserves a blue card with his signature, let him know who attends. If the SM needs scouts to be a little more intentional, then tell the scouts to talk to him about getting a blue card.

This will free you up to focus on the training you want to deliver.

[DuctTape]

I would use the campout as the learning and practice ground for the skills, and then the folloeing meeting to individually "test" for the sign-offs. Especially considering all the other activities of a campout.

As you know, the individually testing of the scouts takes some time.

After which, mention to the scout that you also counsel the orienteering mB, and if they are interested to see the SM for a blue card.