Grand Canyon Council Virtual Merit Badge Class

Digital Technology & Programming

Two Badges, One Course!

Dates: 

            June 24, 2025 - 6:30pm-8:30pm Arizona time
            July 1, 2025 - 6:30pm-8:30pm Arizona time
            July 8, 2025 - 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  

You must attend the three classes to complete!

Fee: $10

Prerequisites: 
  Minimum age 13 

  Digital Technologies: Requirements: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9  (These are due before the first class on June 24 so we can discuss them during class.)
  Programming:   Requirements 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 (These are due before the first class on June 24)   Please note answering Digital Technology requirements will help you answer some of the programming requirements.  That is why we are doing these badges together.
  Programming Requirement:  5  (Due by July 6 but try to do this one before the first class as well.) A video on how to do this requirement is here: https://youtu.be/nkCo01-2Yjg

Digital Technology

Most Scouts will find this badge interesting and pretty easy.The Digital Technology merit badge is often seen as both easy and fun for Scouts to earn because it taps into skills and interests many young people already have while introducing them to engaging, hands-on tech concepts. Most Scouts are already familiar with devices like smartphones, computers, or gaming systems, so requirements like exploring how digital devices work or discussing online safety feel natural and relatable rather than intimidating. The badge also includes creative tasks, such as designing a simple webpage or experimenting with a programming app, which can be exciting and rewarding without requiring advanced expertise—tools like Scratch or basic HTML make it accessible even for beginners. Plus, it connects to real-world topics like cybersecurity and digital citizenship that spark curiosity, turning learning into an enjoyable adventure rather than a chore. For tech-savvy Scouts, it’s a chance to shine while still picking up new, practical knowledge.

Programming

Programming merit badge will take you “behind the screen” for a look at the fascinating codes that make digital devices useful and fun.

You do not have to be a programmer to complete this badge.  As long as you are comfortable with computers and can copy and paste, you should do fine.  If you have had any exposure to programming, it should be a very easy badge for you.

We will go over the requirements during class and help the Scouts complete the requirements.  Scouts don't have to be fluent in the subject covered to take the badge.  It would be a good idea to read over the Programming MB Information document 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.

More information: Please read over the additional material 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.

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: https://support.grandcanyonbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/mb-app-blue-card-fillable.pdf  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.

Work must be done as an individual.

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

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

More merit badge events are at this link