Merit Badge Counselors Outside Troop

[Hunt 11]

I think "willing and able" is the right way to put it. In my personal example, when I first got involved in the troop, I looked through the MBs to see which ones I thought I could effectively counsel.

One example was Music. I can read music, and was in the band through college. I listen to all kinds of music, and took a music history course in college. I felt this qualified me to counsel the badge, and I guess the Council agreed, because I was approved.

Am I the best possible counselor for Music? I don't think so--a professional musician could be better. He or she could give better tips on the requirement to compose a song. He or she might know a lot more about musical opportunities in the area. He or she might be able to give the Scout access to musical events that I couldn't.

But I don't feel guilty for counseling Music--although I'd happily refer Scouts to a better counselor if I knew of one.