Grand Canyon Council Virtual Merit Badge Class

American Cultures MB

Great Badge to Take This Anniversary Year!!

E Pluribus Unum - Out of Many, One
(Motto of the United States of America)

The United States is a nation of immigrants. Every person came to America from somewhere else—or their ancestors did—and understanding these various cultural backgrounds can help Scouts to live in harmony with others in our varied and increasingly multicultural society.

The American Cultures merit badge is often considered easy and enjoyable because it focuses on exploring traditions, customs, and everyday life rather than complex technical skills. Scouts get to learn about different cultures through activities like food, music, holidays, and stories, which makes the requirements fun and relatable. Many of the tasks involve simple conversations with family or community members, trying new experiences, or sharing what you discover with your troop. It’s a badge that encourages curiosity and appreciation, so Scouts can complete it while enjoying hands-on, engaging activities that broaden their understanding of the diverse world around them.

Dates: 

            Mar 10, 2026 - 6:30pm-8:30pm AZ time (note: Arizona does not use Daylight Savings Time, know when 6:30pm AZ time is where you are.  We will be 3 hours behind ET on this date)

          Mar 31, 2026 -  6:30pm-8:30pm AZ time (this class is to discuss completed requirements if needed.  You can avoid this class by handing in all the requirements prior to the Mar 10th class.)  We will be 3 hours behind ET on this date.

Prerequisites:  Requirements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (see course information document on this page for details)

Fee: $10

Important: Please see the course information document on this page and determine if you are willing to do the work before signing up. The Scout will need to do all requirements outside of class. Class time will primarily be used to discuss completed requirements. Please complete as many of the prerequisites as possible before the first class so that we can discuss them.

The requirements for this badge are a lot easier to finish if you read through the merit badge pamphlet first.  The pamphlet for this badge is available free at this link: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Pamphlets/American%20Cultures.pdf

Before enrolling, Scouts should not be taking merit badge classes without their Scoutmaster's knowledge.  Please make sure your Scoutmaster knows you are taking this virtual merit badge class and indicates the  Initial Unit Leader Signature in the merit badge in Scoutbook (the Scoutmaster may alternately sign the front of a blue card for the badge instead if desired.  Blue cards are available here.  send the signed card to: bill.nelson@scouting.org )

This is a virtual class, please make sure your computer's microphone and camera work prior to class.

Each Scout must individually submit answers for each requirement to obtain credit.  Get started on the requirements early!   Please carefully read the instructions for this class posted on this page.  It is our recommendation that you utilize the optional merit badge worksbook also available on this page, to complete the requirements. 

A parent or guardian should be in the room with the Scout to audit the call.

The Merit Badge Counselor for this course is Bill Nelson of Grand Canyon Council

Other merit badge opportunities are here.