Scouting BAdge - Surveying
Surveyors! Share your knowledge and inspire the next generation by becoming a counselor for the BSA Surveying Merit Badge. You will play a vital role in helping Scouts explore the fascinating world of land surveying and complete a variety of requirements. Make a difference in young people's lives today!
Past & Present
Surveying Merit Badge History
The Surveying merit badge, introduced in 1911, was one of the original 57 badges in the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts learned surveying principles, including measurements, angles, and instrument usage.
Initially popular, the badge's popularity declined due to factors like GPS technology and a shift toward technology-focused badges. To revitalize outdoor-oriented badges, the Boy Scouts of America have emphasized traditional skills alongside new technology.
Despite efforts, the number of scouts earning the Surveying merit badge remains low. However, surveyors can make a significant impact by volunteering their time and becoming qualified counselors to assist Boy Scouts in completing the badge.
Your expertise can help inspire and educate young people about surveying and land management principles. Read on to learn how to become counselor and contribute to the valuable legacy of the Surveying merit badge.
Engaging with Scouts: Events for Merit Badge Counselors
Types of Scouting Events You May Choose to Attend
Merit badge workshops
Merit badge workshops are organized sessions where Scouts can work on specific merit badges. These workshops are led by experienced merit badge counselors, who guide Scouts through the requirements and provide instruction on the necessary skills. Workshops are designed to be hands-on and engaging, allowing Scouts to learn by doing and receive personalized attention from the counselor.
Troop meetings
Merit badge counselors may attend regular troop meetings to offer guidance and assistance to Scouts who are working on specific merit badges. This is a great way for Scouts to receive additional support outside of dedicated merit badge workshops.
Summer camps
Summer camps provide a unique opportunity for Scouts to work on specific merit badges in a camp setting. Merit badge counselors may be invited to teach at these camps, sharing their expertise and experience with Scouts in an immersive environment. In addition to working on badges, Scouts can participate in camp activities and build lasting memories with their peers.
Field trips
Field trips are educational outings that provide Scouts with hands-on learning experiences. Scouts can explore new places and learn new skills, while receiving personalized guidance from their counselor.
Eagle Scout projects
Eagle Scout projects are community service projects that are required for Scouts to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Merit badge counselors may be invited to participate in these projects to provide technical assistance and guidance to Scouts working on projects related to the merit badge. This is an opportunity to work closely with Scouts on meaningful projects that make a positive impact in their community.
Leading the Way: A Guide to Becoming a Counselor
Application and Training for Surveying Merit Badge Counselors
Complete an Adult Application
All Merit Badge Counselors must first complete an Adult Application and provide references. You can find the application form here: BSA Adult Application
Complete Youth Protection Training
All Merit Badge Counselors are required to complete Youth Protection Training (YPT) before working with Scouts. You can complete YPT online here: Youth Protection Training
Complete Merit Badge Counselor Training
To become a Merit Badge Counselor, you must complete the BSA's Merit Badge Counselor Training. You can complete this training online here: Merit Badge Counselor Training
Review the Surveying Merit Badge Requirements
Make sure you are familiar with the requirements for the Surveying Merit Badge. You can find the requirements here: Surveying Merit Badge Requirements
Contact your local BSA Council
Contact your local BSA Council to express your interest in becoming a Surveying Merit Badge Counselor. They will provide you with additional information and guidance on how to proceed. Find Your Local Council
Complete any additional Council Requirements
Your local BSA Council may have additional requirements or processes for becoming a Merit Badge Counselor. Be sure to complete all necessary steps as directed by your Council.
Register as a Merit Badge Counselor
Once you have completed the required training and met all other requirements, you can register as a Merit Badge Counselor through your local BSA Council.
How Associations can Create a Pool of Qualified Counselors
A Step-by-Step Plan to Get Your Members Involved in Scouting
In order to introduce scouting youth to the field of land surveying and encourage their interest in the subject, local or regional surveying associations can create a pool of qualified counselors who can offer guidance and knowledge to scouts pursuing the surveying merit badge. To do so, these associations can follow a coordinated plan that includes application, training, and outreach efforts to the scouting community.
Recruit interested Land Surveyors
Reach out to local and regional surveying associations and universities with surveying programs to recruit interested land surveyors who are willing to become Merit Badge Counselors.
Ensure Qualifications
Make sure that interested land surveyors meet the qualifications to become Merit Badge Counselors as outlined by the Boy Scouts of America. This includes completing Youth Protection Training and Merit Badge Counselor Training.
Submit an Application
Have the interested land surveyors complete a Merit Badge Counselor Information Form and submit it to the local Boy Scouts of America council.
Schedule Training
Work with the local Boy Scouts of America council to schedule Merit Badge Counselor Training for the interested land surveyors.
Host an Orientation
Host an orientation for the new Merit Badge Counselors to discuss the requirements and expectations of the Merit Badge program and provide guidance on working with scouts.
Maintain Contact
Have a representative from the local or regional surveying association keep in contact with the regional scouting office to ensure the membership are aware of upcoming events and opportunities for Merit Badge Counselors to get involved.
Streamlining Outreach and Engagement
5 Tips for Collecting Contact Info and Keeping Participants Engaged
Using digital tools like Google Forms can make it easy for associations and individuals to collect contact information from potential participants, and keep them engaged through training and event sign-ups. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of these tools
Use Google Forms to collect participant information
Google Forms is a free tool that allows you to create custom forms and surveys. You can use it to collect participant contact information and other details that you need for organizing events and training sessions. Google Forms
Create a Mailing List
Once you have collected participant contact information, create a mailing list to keep everyone informed of upcoming events and training opportunities. You can use a free email marketing service like Mailchimp to manage your mailing list and send out regular updates.
Use Social Media
Create social media pages for your association or group and use them to promote your events and training sessions. You can also use social media to collect contact information from potential participants and keep them informed of upcoming events.
Organize online Events
Consider organizing online training sessions and events to reach a wider audience. You can use free video conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet to host online events and training sessions.
Offer Incentives
Consider offering incentives like freebies or discounts to encourage participants to attend your events and training sessions. You can use Google Forms to collect information on the incentives that participants are interested in and tailor your offerings accordingly.
By using these tips and tools, you can effectively collect participant information and keep people engaged with your association or group.
