Another year brings another Merit Badge Midway! The Black Hills Area Council is excited to announce the 2026 Merit Badge Midway, once again featuring Friday evening sessions.

Merit Badge Midway is open to all registered Scouts BSA. For the best experience, we strongly recommend that Scouts who are new to Scouting, along with Webelos who have recently crossed over, consider enrolling in Trail to First Class.

All Scouts are expected to arrive prepared and ready to dive in. The best way to do that is by reviewing the appropriate Merit Badge book ahead of time. Class sessions are designed to build on what Scouts already know, allowing them to spend more time learning, doing, and engaging.

Please note that some Merit Badges include prerequisites. If these are not completed prior to the event, Scouts may not be able to finish the Merit Badge during the Midway and will need to follow up with a registered Merit Badge Counselor. Some Merit Badges also require post-event work. Wilderness Survival, for example, will cover instruction and planning during the session, while certain survival activities will be completed afterward within the Scout’s unit.

Scouts working on partial Merit Badges should bring their blue card and documentation showing completed requirements. A limited number of counselors may be available to help review partials, and units are encouraged to email the event chair in advance if a specific counselor is needed.

Please remember that lunch will not be served this year, so Scouts and leaders should plan accordingly.

Our goal is for every Scout to have a fun, engaging, and memorable experience. With a little preparation, Scouts will enjoy hands-on sessions led by enthusiastic Scouters, professionals in their fields, and South Dakota Mines faculty and students who love sharing their knowledge.

Heather Palmer