Grand Canyon Council Virtual Merit Badge Class

Competitive Gaming

Dates: 

            Aug 7, 2026 - 6:30pm-8:30pm Arizona time

            Sep 4, 2026 - 6:30pm-8:30pm Arizona time

(This class begins at 6:30pm Arizona Time, if out of state, make sure you understand the time difference before registering - note the rest of the nation change their clocks; we do not.  We will be 3 hours behind ET on these dates.)

          You must attend both classes to complete!

The Competitive Gaming Merit Badge is an exciting new opportunity for Scouts who love video games and want to take their skills—and their character—to the next level. This badge goes far beyond just playing games. Scouts explore the history of gaming, learn how esports works, practice digital citizenship, and discover how to stay healthy and balanced while enjoying their favorite hobby. With handson activities, real discussions, and a look into careers in the gaming industry, this badge turns a fun interest into meaningful learning and personal growth.

Scouts who are familiar with different types of video games will find this an easy badge.

For parents, this merit badge offers a structured, age appropriate way for Scouts to engage with gaming in a positive, safe, and educational environment. It emphasizes responsibility, online safety, healthy habits, and the values of the Scout Oath and Law—skills that matter far beyond the screen. Whether your Scout is a casual player or dreams of joining an esports team, this badge provides a motivating, well-rounded experience that builds confidence, awareness, and real-world skills.

Fee: $10

Prerequisites: We will go over all the requirements and how they need to be handed in during the first class.  All requirements must be handed in and approved prior to the second class.   The second class will be used to complete the discussion parts of the badge, we will discuss the answers you have handed in.

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 class begins at 6:30pm Arizona Time, if out of state, make sure you understand the time difference before registering

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

IMPORTANT:  

Please read over the additional documents on this page to make sure that the Scout is prepared and able to understand these concepts and can put in the time to complete the requirements.   Read the information carefully before doing any work on this badge.  

Requirement work must be done as an individual.  Scouts are not to copy anyone else's work.

We will NOT be using any workbooks during this class, please don't use one from anywhere else.

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

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

More merit badge events are at this link