2026 Merit Badge University - ISU
Event Details
2026 Merit Badge University
Illinois State University
Saturday, November 14, 2026
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM CST
Illinois State University • Bloomington, IL
Registration Fees
Scouts BSA: $40 - includes program, lunch, & event patch
($10 discount if registered and paid by October 22)
Adults: $25 - includes lunch & event patch
($5 discount if registered and paid by October 22)
Registration closes on October 30, 2026
Merit Badge Offerings
- Artificial Intelligence
- Citizenship in the Nation
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Technology
- Electronics
- Engineering
- Model Design and Building
- Programming
- Public Speaking
Scouts may register and attend individually, though units are encouraged to travel together. Field Uniforms ("Class A") are preferred to show Scout Spirit!
Event Schedule
- 8:00 - 8:45 AM: Check-In
- 9:00 AM - Noon: 1st Merit Badge Session
- Noon - 1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 - 4:00 PM: 2nd Merit Badge Session
- 2:00 PM: Cub Scout Chemistry Demonstrations (Midway Area)
Important Notes
- Information for each merit badge, including prerequisite requirements, is available in the Merit Badge Catalog.
- Merit badge prerequisites should be completed before attending MBU and brought to the event.
- Some merit badges may require additional work after the event for completion.
- Scouts should review all requirements in advance to maximize their learning experience.
* Register Early - Merit Badge Space Limited *
Adult Training Opportunities
Adult training sessions follow the same schedule as Merit Badge University.
CPR
Important training for all adults and a prerequisite for Wilderness First Aid.
Cost: $25 / $30 after October 22
Class Size Limit: 8
Leader Training - Committee Challenge
Learn the key information every troop committee member should know.
Cost: Free
Class Size Limit: 50
Parent Info Meeting - I'm an Adult in the Troop - Now What?
Not a registered Scout leader but have a Scout in the program? Join us for a brief, informative session covering current Scouting updates and resources, plus snacks!
Cost: Free
Class Size Limit: 24
Parents / Drivers
Click this link for Things To Do in Downtown Bloomington:
Thank you to Illinios State University and the College of Engineering for hosting our event.
Map of Event
