Carson Newman University

1646 Russell Avenue, Jefferson City, TN

October 3, 2026
8:30am-4:30pm

Great Smoky Mountain Leadership Summit - a premier event combining the best of Merit Badge College and the University of Scouting! Join us for an unparalled experience where Scouts and leaders come together to learn, grow, and achieve greatness.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to elevate your Scouting journey! Join us this October 3 for this annual event, showcasing both merit badges and adult leader trainings.

It is highly recommended for you to register with your unit, if your unit is not attending, then you may register as an individul. 

MERIT BADGE SCHEDULE HERE

MERIT BADGE CLASS SELECTION Begins Thursday, August 13th, 12:00 PM EST

CAMPUS MAP HERE

The schedule for the event is as follows:

• 8:30-9:00 AM: Check-in (Maddux Student Activity Center)
• 9:00-9:30 AM: Opening Ceremonies (Maddux Student Activity Center)
• 9:30-11:45 AM: Group A First Session
• 9:30 AM-12:30 PM: Group B First Session
• 11:45 AM-12:15 PM: Group A Lunch
• 12:30-1:00 PM: Group B Lunch
• 12:30 PM-4:00 PM: Group A Second Session
• 1:15 PM-4:00 PM: Group B Second Session
• 4:00-4:30 PM: Class Conclusion and Check-Out (Maddux Student Activity Center)

Scouts will be in the same merit badge course in both sessions.

Locations for each session will be announced at check-in.

Advancement:
Please see the prerequisites and requirements not covered for each merit badge. Remember that attendance alone will not guarantee a merit badge; only through preparation and participation will a merit badge be awarded. Research and prepare any reports or materials asked for in advance of the event. Requirements with time spans will not be handled by the instructors. If the requirements listed next to the badge are not completed, Scouts will earn a partial completion that may be finished at home by a local counselor.

Scouts should thoroughly read the merit badge pamphlet on-line (digital version) and access all resources at Scouting.org.  Scouts should bring a writing utensil and paper/notebook. Scouts should try to read through the merit badge pamphlet before they attend; if they are able to bring the pamphlet, that would be great.

In conclusion, thank you for registering for the Fall Leadership Summit. If you need additional information, please contact Brian Gossett (gossett0610@gmail.com).