Who: Merit Badge College is for registered Scouts BSA members.

What: The 22nd Merit Badge College at Rhode Island College is a one-day event where Scouts can explore a variety of merit badges through hands-on workshops led by experienced counselors. The goal is to encourage learning, skill-building, and personal growth, while helping Scouts advance in their Scouting journey.

Where: Rhode Island College, North Providence, RI 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave. Providence, RI 02908

Parking: Parking, Drop Off, and Pick Up is located in the Parking J Lot

Administrative Station: Gaige Hall Lobby

Hope Scholarship Seminar: Gaige Hall Auditorium

When: Saturday January 10, 2026 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Schedule

8:00 am - 8:20 am - Scouts will report to their first badge classroom. Check in, patch and lunch ticket distribution will be conducted by counselors.

8:30 am - Period 1 & All Day Merit Badge Sessions Begin

11:00 am - All Day Sessions Lunch

12:00 pm - Period 1 Sessions Lunch

1:00 pm - Period 2 Merit Badge Sessions Begin

3:00 pm - Hope Scholarship Seminar for Parents

4:30 pm - Scouts dismissed (Some classes may begin dismissal ahead of 4:30)

*Schedule is subject to change

Pricing:

Narragansett Council Member - $55.00

Out of Council Member - $65.00

Two Deep Leadership (includes lunch & patch) - $5.00

Adult Lunch & Patch - $20.00

Hope Scholarship Seminar - Free for Parents

*The registration fee covers lunch, patch, facilities costs. Some classes may require an additional fee.

Important 2026 Update: Please be advised that Rhode Island College will be undergoing construction during winter break, including work at Donovan Dining Center. This will affect lunch periods and where Scouts will eat their lunches during Merit Badge College.

We are actively working on alternative arrangements, and more details will be shared as we get closer to the event.

Due to space limitations caused by the construction, areas for lingering adults will be extremely limited. We kindly ask that you plan accordingly and help us ensure a smooth experience for all participants.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

How to Prepare for Merit Badge College:

Step 1: Choose Your Workshop(s) – EXPLORE

Talk with your parents or guardians about your options, but ultimately, choose a workshop that genuinely interests you. Don’t just pick a badge because it’s required for Eagle—this is your chance to step outside your comfort zone and discover something new. Merit Badge College is about learning, growing, and exploring topics that excite you.

Step 2: Consider Your Age

While there are no official age or grade requirements for any merit badge, some workshops at Merit Badge College are recommended for Scouts in 9th grade and above. These sessions often cover a large amount of material in a short time, which can be challenging for younger Scouts to keep up with. This may slow the pace of the class and prevent completion of the intended content.

We want every Scout to have a positive and successful experience, so please choose workshops that are age-appropriate and match your readiness level. Be sure to consult your Scoutmaster and get their approval

Step 3: Get Ready for Merit Badge College – LEARN

You’ve selected your workshops and registered—great job! Now it’s time to prepare so you can get the most out of your experience.

Did you know? Merit Badge pamphlets are available for free online! You can find them by visiting https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/all/ and clicking on the badge you’re working on.

Read the pamphlet thoroughly—yes, really read it! The more familiar you are with the material, the more confident and successful you’ll be in your workshop. You might even want to read it more than once.

Keep in mind:

• Completion of a badge is not guaranteed.
• Many workshops list prerequisites in the course catalog. These must be completed before MBC Day.
• Bring all supporting materials to class—notes, pictures, reports, letters, or other evidence of completed work.
• Some requirements may not be doable in a classroom setting. Even if not listed as prerequisites, you should attempt them ahead of time.
• Ultimately, it’s up to you to ensure every requirement is completed. The better prepared you are, the more you’ll learn—and the more you’ll enjoy the day.
• (And yes… read the book!)

Step 4: Day of Expectations

To ensure a safe, respectful, and productive experience for everyone, all Scouts attending Merit Badge College are expected to follow the guidelines below:

1. Live the Scout Oath and Law

• Scouts should demonstrate the values of the Scout Oath and Law throughout the day. These principles guide behavior in classrooms, hallways, dining areas, and all event spaces.

2. Be Prepared

• Arrive on time with all necessary materials, including:
• Completed prerequisites
• Merit Badge pamphlets (available free online at scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/all)
• Any required project materials or documentation

3. Respect Your Instructors and Peers

• Listen attentively and participate actively in workshops.
• Follow directions from counselors and event staff.
• Avoid disruptive behavior that could interfere with learning.

4. Represent Scouting with Pride

• Wear your Class A uniform, and conduct yourself in a way that reflects positively on Scouting.

6. Cell Phones and Electronics

• Use of phones and other devices should be limited during workshops unless permitted by the counselor for educational purposes.

Need to Know:

• Scouts should wear their Class A uniform
• Make sure that you have water and/or snacks if needed.
• This is a college campus, and you will be walking outdoors in-between buildings, so be dressed for the weather. 
• Scouts should be picked up no later than 5:00 pm

Blue Cards:

Prerequisites: Details about prerequisites, required projects, and any outside work are listed in the course catalog available on the Merit Badge College website. It is the Scout’s responsibility to review this information and complete all required work prior to the event.

Scouts must bring evidence of completed prerequisites—such as worksheets, project materials, or documentation—and present it directly to their Merit Badge Counselor during the session.

Two Deep Leadership: To ensure the safety and success of all participants, adults serving in a Two-Deep Leadership role at Merit Badge College are expected to uphold the following responsibilities.

• Maintain safeguarding youth standards.
• Help counselors by taking attendance, tracking completion of requirements, and promoting positive classroom behavior to ensure a productive learning environment.
• Model Scouting values

Hope Scholarship Seminar: Rhode Island College is excited to invite parents of Scouts to an informative seminar about the HOPE Scholarship, a valuable opportunity to help make college more affordable for your family.

Join us to learn how the HOPE Scholarship works, who qualifies, and how it can support your Scout’s path to higher education. RIC representatives will guide you through the application process, eligibility requirements, and answer any questions you may have.

Interested? Please register yourself during the registration process. There is no additional cost to attend.

Registration Changes & Refunds: If you would like to make a change to your class selections after you have registered sign back into your account using your username and password to make changes. Changes can be made until 1/6/2026.

Please note that refunds will not be issued for Merit Badge College registrations. However, you may transfer a Scout or Scouter registration to another individual if needed.

Thank you to our Merit Badge Sponsors!