It's a catch 22…

You will be installed as the Swimming MB counselor, and at that point in time, you would be able to sign off on whatever you want on his blue card…after all, you are the MBC.

But, you aren't….yet.

On the third hand, you will be and can attest to the character of this scout…meaning that if you work on the requirements now, when he hands his blue card to you, you can check them off…

So I say, go for it…bureaucracy isn't a part of a Scout's journey…get in the water….

PS: I need a MACRO that just automatically says, "What Shawn said."  Would make my posts so much easier.

Kris, that's why many folks use "update my MBC list" as their Wood Badge ticket item – it's a neverending chore. :)

Emily – You could easily do the Art Merit Badge, or Communications, Collections, Camping (yes… Camping, Em. You'd be QUITE effective with that one, especially once Will is in a troop so you'll be able to prod the boys in his unit into getting stuff signed off), Computers, Nature (well… I think as long as you're willing to look at icky mounted bugs), Pets, umm… lemme think.  You could easily do American Heritage, if you're interested in any of that.  Reading, for sure. ANY of the Citizenships – a lot of that stuff is done in school anyway, you'd just be signing off and guiding them through the process.

As Jeff said, you don't have to already be a supreme expert at any of the Merit Badge topics – you just have to have an interest and willingness to learn.  The only merit badges I'd steer clear of are ones that are profession specific (I mean, really, would you even want to do dentistry?!) or that just don't interest you at all.

Anyone (who is of age and passes the background check, heh) can be a MB counselor.  I promise, there's something for everyone!

In answer to your question Shawn,
I am a scoutmaster and a merit badge councilor for Camping, Cinematography, Citizenship in the Community, Backpacking, Collections, and Scouting Heritage.

Not sure how I let this thread pass me by, but it is a good discussion. The MBC question has been a long running discussion in many circles here in our council.
We had a great relationship with a local air museum that would run an Aviation MB weekend. Real nice program, until they decided not to comply with the BSA standard of YP and registration.
That may be for another discussion here though…
So far as Shawn's question of SM's being MB counselors. I counsel:
Camping, Cooking, Backpacking, Hiking, Swimming, First Aid and that's it.
I have enough to do as Scoutmaster. The MBs I counsel all can be worked during the normal flow of the Scouts year.
On being an expert. You not be an expert. The intent of the MB program is not to make our Scouts "Experts" either. Just because a Scout earns the Space exploration Merit Badge, it will not qualify him for the next shuttle launch. So put aside the expert tag. A merit badge pamphlet and the will to work with a young man is all you need.
Great topic.
Have a Great Scouting Day!