2026 Merit Badge College at NDSCS

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | North Dakota State College of Science (Wahpeton, ND)

Join us for Merit Badge College at NDSCS in Wahpeton! This Council-wide advancement event offers Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA the opportunity to earn advancement, explore new interests, and gain hands-on experience from expert instructors in a college setting. All Cub Scout packs and Scouts BSA troops are invited to attend!

Important: All attendees must complete the waiver form provided by NDSCS and bring a signed copy to the event. Youth and adult waivers are available in the Attachments section.

Event Highlights: Scouts can earn up to two merit badges or adventures in one day, with one class offered in the morning and another in the afternoon. Some classes may run all day. A wide range of advancement opportunities will be available for Cub Scouts of all ranks and Scouts BSA youth. While most classes will take place on campus, some may be held offsite within the Wahpeton area. Lunch in the NDSCS dining center is included with registration.

Registration Information: Online registration opens January 15. All Scouts and adults must pre-register, and walk-in registrations will not be accepted. Registration closes at the end of the day on Saturday, April 4. Class availability is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. All fees must be paid online before class schedules are finalized.

Fees: Youth registration is $25 and adult registration is $20. This fee includes program supplies, an event patch, and lunch. A $5 late fee will be added to registrations received after March 1. Scouts who register by March 1 are guaranteed an event patch at check-in. Patches for late registrants may be mailed after the event.

Uniforms and What to Bring: Scouts should plan to wear their Class A uniform and bring a writing utensil to most classes. Some merit badges, such as Welding or Farm Mechanics, may substitute regular clothing. Scouts are encouraged to review requirements in advance and come prepared to learn and participate.

Scouts BSA Merit Badge Information: Some merit badges have pre-requisite requirements. Scouts who wish to complete the entire merit badge during the event must bring verification of completed pre-requisites. A list of pre-requisites is included in the Attachments. Blue cards will be provided electronically through BlackPug after the event. Registration contacts will receive an email when they are available. Added notes on certain classes are below:

• Shotgun Shooting MB: Added cost of $15 per round (includes shells & clays). Please pay cash at the range; multiple rounds may be needed to qualify. Firearms are provided (no personal firearms allowed), but bring eye and ear protection and arrange your own transportation to/from Head of the Red Gun & Archery Club at 3208 State Hwy 9, Breckenridge, MN.
• Welding MB: Scouts will incur an additional $15 fee (payable during online registration) to cover materials.
• Scuba/Snorkeling BSA: Scouts will incur an additional $75 fee (payable during online registration). Participants must complete the required online PADI form prior to the event at https://learning.padi.com/dsd?store_number=1293

Cub Scout Information: Cub Scouts will rotate through activities by grade level, traveling and working together throughout the day. Cub Scouts will meet in the auditorium after check-in and will be led to their classes. Lion Scouts must have a parent or guardian attend the event. Adult participation is strongly encouraged for all other Cub Scouts. Cub Scouts should wear their Class A uniform. Cub Scout Leader Training will also be offered during the event. Additional details will be announced.

Event Schedules:

Scouts BSA Schedule
8:00-8:45 AM: Registration at the Stern Cultural Center (811 6th Street North, Wahpeton)
8:45 AM: Opening Ceremony
9:00-11:30 AM: Morning Classes

11:30-12:30 PM: Lunch
12:30-3:00 PM: Afternoon Classes

Cub Scout Schedule
9:00-9:45 AM: Registration at the Stern Cultural Center (811 6th Street North, Wahpeton)
9:45 AM: Opening Ceremony

10:00-12:00 PM: Morning Classes

12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00-3:00 PM: Afternoon Classes

Parking: Parking is available on the north and east sides of the Stern Cultural Center, as well as north of Old Main (#1) and Horton Hall (#2). No parking passes are required, as campus ticketing will be suspended for the event. A campus map is available in the Attachments.

Leaders Guides and Updates: Please review the Cub Scout and Scouts BSA Leaders Guides for arrival instructions, class details, locations, and advancement information. Any updates or changes will be posted on the registration site and emailed to registered participants.

Questions? Please contact Jefri Jones at jefrij@outlook.com or (701) 373-1420.