Merit Badge University of Scouting
We’re excited to be hosting Merit Badge University ALONG WITH University of Scouting in this combined event!
Youth will get the opportunity to earn a Merit Badge (or two!) and adults can come and take training that will propel their Scouting experience and units throughout the coming year.
DATE: March 28, 2026
LOCATION: Scott Community College, Belmont Campus*, 500 Belmont Rd, Riverdale, IA 52722
WHO: Scouts BSA Youth and Adult Volunteers
SCHEDULE:
- 7:30 AM: Check-In & Registration
- 8:15 AM: Opening Ceremony in Morning Badge Location
- 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Morning Merit Badge Sessions
- 11:30 AM – 12:50 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Afternoon Merit Badge Sessions
COST: Fees include program supplies, lunch, and a patch.
- Youth
- $40 if pre-registered online
- $50 for walk-ins – Classes will be limited to availability and we cannot guarantee class placement for walk-ins.
- Adults: $15
BRING:
- Health Form, Parts A & B
- Pencil/Pen
- Notebook
- Other supplies as listed in schedule
Event Information
*LOCATION: Some courses are being held off-site. Please make sure you review the “Notes” section of the Merit Badge Schedule and Guide and go directly to the location listed.
BLUE CARDS: Scouts can either:
- Supply their own blue cards to the instructor upon arrival to the course, or,
- Advancement Reports will be available through Tentaroo after the event where you can print a copy of the completed/signed blue card.
SCHEDULE:
Youth courses are being offered as follows:
- Full day with a break for lunch (time blocks 1 & 2)
- Morning only (time block 1)
- Afternoon only (time block 2)
Scouts can pair up a morning class with an afternoon class to get two merit badges during this event!
Adult courses are being offered throughout the day as well. Time blocks for these run:
- 8:30 am – 9:20 am (time block 3)
- 9:30 am – 10:20 am (time block 4)
- 10:30 am – 11:20 am (time block 5)
- Break for Lunch
- 1:00 pm – 1:50 pm (time block 6)
- 2:00 pm – 2:50 pm (time block 7)
- 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm (time block 8)
Camping
Are you making a drive to get to the event? Come Friday at no additional cost!
- Units can camp on site at the college Friday evening. Look for signage of camping location on site.
- Email [email protected] with number of tent spots needed if you’d like to take advantage of this!
- Units/campers are on their own for Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast.
- No fires. You may use camp stoves in the parking lot.
- Follow all youth protection policies.
- We will have a few portable toilets for the overnight, as the college will be locked at 9pm.
- Do not disturb college classes that are in session Friday until 9pm.
Registration
Online registration for this event will open on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10:00am.
Online registration will close on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at midnight.
Walk-ins are welcome to attend this event; however, we can only guarantee courses to Scouts who register online in advance. Courses will be limited to availability for walk-in registrants.
Classes &
Registration
Ready to earn merit badges at MBU? Click the link below to browse our list of Merit Badge offerings, learn more about each badge prerequisites, and sign up to attend MBU – all in one place!
Frequently Asked
Questions
New to MBU or just need a quick refresher? Check out our frequently asked questions page for answers to the most common questions we have been asked.
We Need
Instructors
Are you a Merit Badge Counselor, or have knowledge/skills that you can use as a Merit Badge Counselor? Click below to learn more about becoming an instructor.
We Need
Volunteers
Intimidated to be an instructor at MBU? Well, it takes a lot of volunteers to make MBU a success. Join our team and help us make this the best event possible for our Scouts.
We Need Sponsors
Looking for another way to support MBU? Sponsorships are a great way for individuals and businesses to get involved and make a lasting impact. We offer a variety of sponsorship levels to fit different goals and budgets—so whether you’re giving as a family, a local business, or a larger organization, there’s a place for you to help Scouts succeed.
You must be logged in to post a comment.