All Things Counselor

The Northeast Illinois Council’s success is based on having incredible volunteer resources to shape, council and mentor our Scouts and new volunteers. Below, you will find helpful information if you are currently serving or wish to serve in a leadership role as a merit badge counselor or mentor.  Check back as new information, training opportunities and updates become available.

Looking for a Merit Badge Counselor?
Find Merit Badge Counselors here

It’s time to Renew Your Merit Badge Counselor Status!
I just became a counselor do I need to renew?
Yes – Merit Badge Counselors are registered from July 1st – June 30th each year, meaning if you recently became a counselor you will still need to fill out the form or you will be dropped from the roster.
Please fill out this form to renew your Merit Badge Counselor status!

Merit Badge Counselor Information

How do I become a Merit Badge Counselor?

  1. Fill out an Adult Application, using Merit Badge Counselor (42) as the Position. Yes, you need to fill out an application even if you are already registered.
  2. Complete the Merit Badge Counselor Information Sheet. Some merit badges require you to submit additional certification. Please visit Section 7.0.1.1 to find more information.
  3. Complete Current Youth Protection Training at my.scouting.org
  4. Submit here! (PDFs are preferred and please include the name of the applicant in the filename)

Already a counselor?

  1. Make sure your Youth Protection Training is up-to date
  2. Fill out the Merit Badge Counselor information Sheet. Some merit badges require you to submit additional certification. Please visit Section 7.0.1.1 to find more information.
  3. Submit here! (PDFs are preferred and please include the name of the applicant in the filename)

Nova Counselor Information

How do I become a Nova Counselor?

  1. Fill Out an Adult Application, using Nova Counselor (58) as the Position. Yes, you need to fill out an application even if you are already registered.
  2. Complete Current Youth Protection Training at my.scouting.org
  3. Submit here! (PDFs are preferred and please include the name of the applicant in the filename)

Where do I find a Nova Counselor?

You can find a Nova Counselor here

SuperNova Mentor Information

How do I become a SuperNova Mentor?

  1. Fill Out an Adult Application, using SuperNova (52) as the Position. Yes, you need to fill out an application even if you are already registered.
  2. Fill out the SuperNova Mentor Information Form
  3. Complete Current Youth Protection Training at my.scouting.org
  4. Submit here! (PDFs are preferred and please include the name of the applicant in the filename)

Where do I find a SuperNova Mentor?

You can find a SuperNova Mentor here

Application Process Information

Where can I turn in my application?

  1. Mail or Drop-off: 850 Forest Edge Drive, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
  2. or Upload here! (PDFs are preferred and please include the name of the applicant in the filename)

What is the application approval process?

Applications are approved at the Advancement Committee Meetings held once a month during the months of August-May. Once applications are approved, they are process through the National System the first week of each month. You will receive a confirmation email when your name has been added to the list. Unit Leaders receive the updated merit badge counselor list once a month with contact information.

How do I stay current as a mentor or counselor?

If you want to drop any badges, please send an email to Megan Chellberg with the subject of Drop Merit Badges.

To continue as a counselor or mentor, you will need to renew during the renewal period and make sure that you are current on your Youth Protection Training. If you do not renew, you will be dropped from the roster and will need to re-register.

If you have more questions, please contact Megan Chellberg.