2026 Public Safety Merit Badge Event

June 27, 2026

HERO Training Facility

The Cottage Grove Department of Public Safety (Police, Fire/EMS and Emergency Management) in partnership with Northern Star Scouting is excited to host a Public Safety Merit Badge Day. Scouts are welcomed to discover the world of public safety and learn from Police Officers, Firefighter/Paramedics and other Public Safety professionals.

Scouts will have the opportunity to choose from over eight Public Safety related merit badges including:

• Crime Prevention and Fingerprinting
• Fire Safety
• First Aid
• Emergency Preparedness
• Search and Rescue
• Rifle Shooting
• Cybersecurity
• Radio
• Health Care Professions
• Traffic Safety

At the end of the merit badge sessions, Scouts will have the opportunity to observe a simulated emergency. Cottage Grove Public Safety is excited to host Scouts to help them achieve their goal to Be Prepared and inspire Scouts to learn more about rewarding careers in Public Safety.

Additional Information:

- Participating Scouts should wear their field uniforms ("Class A" uniforms) to the event.

-  As a Scouting activity, all participants are required to fill out Part A and B of the Annual Health and Medical Record.  

- Each youth needs to bring a pre-filled merit badge card and it is recommended to have a copy of the relevant Merit Badge workbook

- All Scouts taking the Merit Badge are strongly encouraged to read the relevant Merit Badge books prior to the event.

- Some badges require Scouts to complete pre-requisite work- please note this when selecting badges.

- Lunch will be provided at the event. Scouts attending can also bring their own bag lunch.

- Scouts attending without a unit should have an adult chaperon on-site.  Units participating in the event should provide adult supervision in line with Youth Protection guidelines.