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

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Your council website: Search "[your council name] merit badge college" — most councils list upcoming events on their main site or calendar.

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Doubleknot / BlackPug: Many councils use Doubleknot or BlackPug for event registration. Your council's site usually links directly to it.

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Ask your Scoutmaster: Your SM likely knows which colleges are run in your district and which ones have a good reputation for specific badges.

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Facebook Scout groups: Local and council Scout Facebook groups often share event announcements — including merit badge colleges — as they open for registration.

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University Scouting clubs: Many university Scout clubs host their own merit badge colleges. Search "[city] merit badge university" or "[state] merit badge university."

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.

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.

Citizenship in the CommunityCitizenship in the NationCitizenship in the WorldCitizenship in SocietyFirst AidEmergency PreparednessPersonal ManagementProgrammingRoboticsElectronicsEngineeringChemistryEnvironmental ScienceSustainabilityPublic SpeakingDigital Technology

Availability varies by event. Always check the specific college's course list before registering.

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