Merit Badge Colleges
What Is a Merit Badge College?
A merit badge college is a one or two day event where scouts can earn multiple merit badges in a single weekend, taught by experienced counselors at a central location — usually a university, community college, or council facility.
What to Expect
Class-style sessions
Merit badges are taught in structured sessions — typically 1 to 3 hours each — with a registered counselor. Scouts sign up for specific badges in advance.
Pre-work is usually required
Most colleges require scouts to complete certain requirements before arriving. Read the requirement list carefully and do the pre-work — counselors expect it done.
You may receive a partial
If not all requirements are finished by the end of the event, scouts receive a blue card marked as a "partial." The remaining requirements can be completed with a counselor afterward.
Blue cards — bring them or get them there
Most events provide blue cards at check-in, but confirm with the event organizer ahead of time. Your Scoutmaster signs the blue card before you submit it for advancement.
Multiple badges in a weekend
Scouts typically register for 2 to 4 merit badges per day. Some events run Saturday only; others run the full weekend.
How to Find a Merit Badge College Near You
The name isn't standardized — the same kind of event goes by different names depending on the council. If you're searching, try all of these: Merit Badge College, Merit Badge University, Merit Badge Weekend, Merit Badge Powwow, Merit Badge Midway, Merit Badge Blitz, and Merit Badge Skill Center.
Dates change year to year and run on each council's own calendar — treat any specific event list as a snapshot rather than a guarantee, and use the Council Locator above as your most reliable starting point for what's currently scheduled near you.
Before You Register: A Quick Checklist
Talk to your Scoutmaster before picking classes
Many troops want to weigh in on badge choices first.
Read the prerequisites for every class you're considering
Anything listed in bold needs to be done before you arrive.
Bring your Scout Handbook (or blue cards)
And anything else the flyer specifically asks for.
Register early
Career and hobby-oriented badges (robotics, space exploration, and similar) tend to fill first.
Expect partial completions on longer badges
Note exactly what's left and follow up with a counselor back home to finish it.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of It
Do the pre-work
Read the pamphlet and complete any written requirements before arrival. Counselors cover a lot of ground quickly.
Register early
Popular badges fill up fast. Check registration as soon as an event is announced.
Bring supplies
Review what each badge requires and pack accordingly — notebooks, materials, or items called for in the requirements.
Wear your uniform
Most events expect Class A. When in doubt, wear it.
Take notes
You may need to remember things for partials you complete at home. Write down anything the counselor mentions that is not in the pamphlet.
Follow up on partials promptly
Do not let partials sit. Find a counselor within a week or two while the material is fresh.
Badges Commonly Offered at Colleges
These badges show up at most merit badge colleges because they work well in a classroom or lab setting. A great choice if you want to knock out Eagle-required badges efficiently.
Availability varies by event. Always check the specific college's course list before registering.