Alpha Merit Badge University will be held at Virginia State University near Petersburg on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The event is open to all Scouts BSA Troops in the Heart of Virginia Council and the Petersburg Tri-Cities community. Virginia State University was founded in 1882 and is a land grant institution.

Thanks to the support and involvement of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Nu Omicron Lambda Chapter), Virginia State University administration, faculty, staff, and community partners, we are proud to offer the 1st National Alpha Merit Badge University Day, featuring merit badge instruction taught by qualified counselors and instructors. Adults will also have the opportunity to participate in activities, including a FREE CPR course.

Registration Fees

$20.00 per Scout and registered Adult Leader

$25.00 per Non-Scout Adult

The registration fee includes:

• Chick-fil-A lunch in Harris Hall
• Adult Leader Sessions in Foster Hall
• Swag bag
• Alpha Merit Badge University Patch
• Opportunity for Scouts to attend up to two merit badge sessions
• Select merit badge sessions for non Scouts

Registration Information

1. Registration must be completed online by a certified BSA Adult Troop Leader. Troops are encouraged to register as a troop event. Provisional Scouts are permitted.
2. Girl Troops must register under their own Scouts BSA troop number and may not be combined with a Boy Troop registration.
3. Girl Troops must have at least one registered female Adult Leader included in the registration and present at the event.
4. Registration is available only through the designated registration link.
5. Online payment is required at the time of registration.
6. Two-deep leadership is required at all times for each participating Scouts BSA Troop.
7. Each registration must include a minimum of two Adult Leaders.
8. Troop registrations and provisional Scout, Non Scout registrations require named adult leadership or a parent/guardian.

Full-Day Merit Badges

• Citizenship in the Nation
• Citizenship in the World
• First Aid
• Fishing
• Swimming

Half-Day Merit Badges

• Artificial Intelligence
• Chess
• Crime Prevention
• Engineering
• Farm Mechanics
• Fingerprinting
• Film Making
• Health Care Professionals
• Photography
• Reading
• Scholarship
• Traffic Safety

Merit badge registration is now open.

Adult Leader Opportunities

CPR Training

Dress Code

Scouts and leaders may wear either their field uniform or activity uniform. Non-Scouts and adult guests are requested to wear khakis and a polo shirt.

Schedule

7:30 - 8:00 AM:  Registration in Harris Hall

8:00 - 8:45 AM:  Opening Ceremony & Photo in Harris Hall

9:00 - 12:15 PM:  Merit Badge Block 1

12:30 - 1:15 PM:  Chick-fil-A Lunch in Harris Hall

1:15 - 1:45 PM:  Eagle Panel/Program

2:00 - 4:30 PM:  Merit Badge Block 2

4:45 - 5:00 PM:  Survey/Closing Program

Cancellation Policy

Full refunds will be provided for cancellations received on or before September 28, 2026. No refunds will be issued after September 28, 2026.

We look forward to your participation in the National Alpha Merit Badge Day and welcome you to Virginia State University for a day of learning, leadership development, and fellowship.