Houston Muslim Scouts Merit Badge University

January 24, 2026  |  8:00 am - 6:30 pm

Masjid As Salam
16700 Old Louetta Rd.
Spring, TX 77379

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The Merit Badge University is an opportunity for Scouts in troops to work on requirements for up to four merit badges. Scouts can work on Scholarship and Reading Merit Badges at home, and a merit badge counselor will review the materials during the event. These are not giveaway merit badges. Each Scout is expected to fulfill all the requirements by reading the merit badge book before the event, attending the class, completing prerequisites, and participating fully during the class to receive full credit for the requirements offered. Adult participation is needed to offer this event. 

Registration

Join the advanced notification to receive an email when registration opens.

 Register        Class List / Prerequisites         What to Bring      

merit badge sash​Registration is completed by parents online with a credit card or electronic check. Council refund policy.  The registration fee is $45 per Scout and includes an event patch, lunch, dinner, snacks, and class materials; the fee for adults is $20 and includes lunch, dinner and snacks. Dinner will be served at 6:00 pm.  

  • Due to high demand and limited counselor availability, some classes will fill up quickly. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Scouts who register early have the best chance of getting their desired classes. All class sizes are limited to 20 Scouts; any merit badge class with fewer than five Scouts will be canceled.
  • Full classes will not show in the registration system.
  • Before registering, check the Scout's school and troop calendar for conflicts. Check which merit badges the Scout has already completed. Before registering, read the prerequisites below.
  • New:  Before attending a merit badge opportunity, "a Scout must meet with their unit leader or their delegate … this meeting is a required part of the merit badge process, and that it should be documented … in Scoutbook Plus or other method.” (Source, p.40, 7.0.0.3). Have the Scout discuss which merit badges they should sign up for with their Scoutmaster. 
  • Member ID Number: Have the Scout's Member ID number ready before registering. The ID number can be found in Scoutbook (click on My Dashboard, then click on the name of Scout and select Edit Profile).
  • Changes: Class changes can be made after registering by going to https://scoutingevent.com/000/Login (click on profile name at the top right) or using the link in the emailed receipt. See the instructions below.
  • There is no onsite registration. You must register online before the event  

2026 Classes and Prerequisites

Merit Badge Classes
(click on class for requirements)
Class Sessions
  
 Tentative Prerequisites, Requirements Not Covered, Items to Bring
 
Requirements completed may vary depending on the Scout’s preparation and participation, makeup of the class, material covered within the allotted time, and weather (for outdoor classes).
    

1
(4 hrs)
8:30-
12:30 pm

2
(3  hrs)
8:30 -
11:30 pm

3
(3.5 hrs)
11:30 am -
4:30 pm

4
(2.5 hrs)
2:00 -
4:30 pm

All Day
8:30 am -
4:30 pm

 Age
Recommendations
 
American Business   ♦         • Not covered:  #5, 6
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Suggest preparing using the American Business Worksheet		  
Art   ♦ ♦       • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #4, 6
• Suggest preparing using the Art Worksheet		  
Artificial Intelligence   ♦         • There is no merit badge pamphlet for this class.
• Research requirements using Scoutly;
• Suggest preparing using the Artificial Intelligence Study Guide		  
Automotive Maintenance   ♦ ♦       • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: #11, 12
• Suggest preparing using the Automotive Maintenance Worksheet (with 2026 updates)		  
Camping         ♦   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered: #3, 4b, 5e, 7b, 8d, 9
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Camping Worksheet		 ​
Chemistry   ♦ ♦       • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
​• Bring: research for #8. Not all requirements will be covered due to time constraints.
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Chemistry Study Guide		  
Citizenship in the Community ♦           • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: ​3, 4, 7, 8
• Bring: #2 (community map and government chart)
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Citizenship in Community worksheet		 ​
Citizenship in the Nation ♦           • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. Watch the national news for five days for #5. Research #6
• Not covered: #7, 8 (and #5, 6 if not prepared)
• Bring copies of #8 (letters) and highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Citizenship in the Nation Worksheet (with 2026 updates)		 ​
Citizenship in the World ♦   ♦     • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. Prepare #3 (a current world event or geography topic to discuss during class).
• Not covered: #7 (and #3, 4 if not prepared)
• Bring #4, 7
• Bring: and highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Citizenship in the World Worksheet (with 2026 updates)		 ​
Citizenship in the Society       ♦ 14+
required		 • For ages 14+ and First Class and above
• Prerequisite: Scouts must research the requirements, especially #7, 8 (recommend utilizing the worksheet)
• Class will be taught in a small group with Scouts of similar age by a council-approved counselor
• Bring: Research for #7, 8; highly recommend preparing & bringing compketed Citizenship in Society Worksheet
Communication     ♦   13+ • Recommended for older Scouts (ages 13+)
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. Prepare and practice #3 (800+ words depending on rate of speaking)
• Requirements not covered: #5, 8
• Bring #1, 2, 3, research #9, and highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Communication Worksheet		 ​
Cooking         ♦   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered:#4-7
• Bring: tablet or laptop with wifi
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Cooking Study Guide
Cybersecurity       ♦   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet; bring verification of viewing the Personal Safety Awareness "Digital Safety" video
• Bring a tablet or laptop with wifi
• Suggest preparing using the Cybersecurity Study Guide		  
Emergency Preparedness ♦         13+ • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet,
• Prerequisite: Have already earned the First Aid Merit Badge
• Not covered: #3, 4, 9c, 9d
• Bring: research for #10b or c 
• Suggest preparing using the Emergency Preparedness Study Guide

​
Entrepreneurship       ♦     • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #3, 4, 5
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Entrepreneurship Worksheet		  
Environmental Science  ♦         13+ • Recommended for older Scouts (ages 13+)
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Not covered: #2, 6, 7,
• Bring: research for #11, suggest bringing a cell phone to use during the class and downloading one of the apps in #2 prior to class
• Suggest preparing using the Environmental Science Study Guide
Family Life   ♦     ♦ 13+ • Recommended for older Scouts (ages 13+)
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: ​#2, 3, 4, 5, 6
• Suggest preparing using the Family Life Study Guide		 ​
First Aid         ♦   • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Bring: #2b1 (first aid kit), research #15b
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed First Aid Worksheet		 ​
Game Design     ♦     • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #5,6,7,8.
• Merit Badge focus will be on non-electronic/programmed games. 
• Suggest preparing using the Game Design Worksheet		  
Law        ♦     • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Prerequisite: #4
• Suggest preparing using the Law Worksheet (updated 2026)		  
Personal Fitness   ♦   ♦     • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered #7 (plan)
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Personal Fitness Study Guide (with 2026 updates)
• Bring: Wear activity uniform (e.g., Scout shirt) and appropriate clothes for the fitness test, including tennis shoes		 ​
Personal Management   ♦ ♦   13+ • Recommended for older Scouts (ages 13+)
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #2, 8. Not all requirements will be covered due to time constraints.
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Personal Management and research for #10
Photography   ♦      

• Requirements not covered: #7
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet; bring verification of viewing the Personal Safety Awareness "Digital Safety" video
• Bring camera, and 12 digital pictures that you are willing to share for #4, 5
• Suggest preparing using the Photography Worksheet

  
Public Health   ♦ ♦   14+ • For Scouts ages 14+ due to content covered
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: #1, 7, 8. Not all requirements will be covered due to time constraints.
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed Public Health Worksheet
Not all requirements will be covered due to time constraints.		  
Public Speaking   ♦ ♦     • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. Prepare and practice #2 (500-800 words depending on rate of speaking) and #4 (~1,500 words)
• Not covered: #2, 4 (if not prepared before the event)
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed worksheet
• Suggest preparing using the Public Speaking Worksheet		  
Robotics ♦           • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet. Not all requirements will be covered due to time constraints.
• Suggest preparing using the Robotics Worksheet		  

Drop-off Merit Badges (complete most requirements at home and drop them off at check-in for review)
Reading^              • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Bring all requirements in an envelope, folder or notebook clearly marked with the Scout's name. Please type answers; using the Reading Study Guide (with 2026 updates) is encouraged. 
• Special Instructions: Drop off requirements at check-in before 9am for review by the merit badge counselor. Meet with the merit badge counselor during lunch or dinner to finish the requirements.		  
Scholarship^              • Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Bring all requirements in an envelope, folder or notebook clearly marked with the Scout's name. Include: completed Scholarship Worksheet, #1 (copy of report card), #3 (letter from principal/counselor), #5 (report)
• Special Instructions: Drop off requirements at check-in before 9am for review by the merit badge counselor. Meet with the merit badge counselor during lunch or dinner to finish the requirements.		  

^For the Packet Drop-off Merit Badge, complete all requirements at home and drop them off.
*Classes that are full will not show up in the online registration.
 Classes will be added as additional merit badge counselors volunteer.
​ = Eagle Scout required merit badges; require more preparation (e.g., completing the worksheet).

Schedule

7:30 am Check-in  and Leaders' Meeting
8:10 am Opening Ceremony
8:30 - 12:30 pm Class 1
8:30 - 11:20 am    Class 2
11:30 - 4:30 pm Class 3
12:30 - 1:45 pm Lunch / Capture the Flag
1:45 - 2:00 pm Zuhr Prayers
2:00 - 4:30 pm Class 4
4:35 - 4:55 pm Asr Prayers
5:00 - 5:30 pm Closing Ceremony
5:30 - 6:30 pm Maghreb Prayers / Dinner
6:30 pm Dismissal

What to Bring

Prerequisites, Requirements Not Covered and Partials

what to bring​Attending a merit badge class does not guarantee that a Scout will complete the merit badge, but it is an opportunity for Scouts to meet with qualified counselors, to help them work on the requirements needed to complete a merit badge. Scouts should come prepared to participate. The counselor's job is to encourage self-discovery and then check that each Scout has the minimum knowledge and does the requirements. Scouts should be ready to take notes and come prepared with notetaking materials and writing utensils. Remember one goal of the merit badge advancement system is to develop individual growth and initiative. 

Prerequisites: All Scouts are to read the merit badge book prior to the event. Merit Badge books can be purchased at an area Scout Shop. Scouts are to be prepared to answer the questions to each of the requirements before the merit badge fair; completing worksheets available at http://usscouts.org/usscouts/mb/worksheets/list.asp can help Scouts prepare. Some merit badges require additional prerequisites to be must be completed before the merit badge fair.

Merit Badge Worksheets

Requirements not covered: Some of the requirements cannot be completed during the class. The Scout should bring documentation of requirements not covered. Scouts are encouraged to complete requirements not covered before the merit badge fair and bring proof of completion; otherwise, the Scout will receive a partial.

Partials: If the Scout does not complete the requirements not covered and bring documentation to the class, the Scout will receive a partial completion of the merit badge. Partials will be noted on the documentation provided after the course. Scouts will need to complete the badge with a registered merit badge counselor approved for that particular badge back with their unit. Merit badge counselors are not usually available to serve as a counselor after merit badge fair ends unless arrangements are made. Find a list of merit badge counselors by logging into http://scoutbook.scouting.org with your my.scouting userID and password, click on My Dashboard, Administration, your unit and scroll down the page. Remember that a youth member must not meet one-on-one with an adult. Sessions with counselors must take place where others can view the interaction, or the Scout must have a buddy: a friend, parent, guardian, brother, sister, or other relatives—or better yet, another Scout working on the same badge. 

Merit Badge Completions

A few weeks after the event, all of the completed requirements will be posted in BlackPug, the registration site. The Scoutmaster, committee chair, or registrant contact (i.e., person who registered the unit for the event) can log in to BlackPug and view the reports. 

⇒ 2026 Merit Badges Earned (will be posted after the event):  Provide the Advancement Report to the unit leader to enter into Scoutbook or follow these steps:.  • Go to https://scoutingevent.com/000/Login. • Click on profile name (top right). • Click on View Activity (tab: Summer Camp & Activities). • Select the activity. • Click on Reports Tab • Pull a report:

  • Scoutbook Export: is a report of all merit badge completions that can be uploaded into Scoutbook so Scouts get credit for advancements completed.  
  • Unit Advancement Summary: summarizes all advancements completed at camp  (e.g., merit badges, rank advancements)
  • Unit Advancement Detail: list of all advancements completed at camp in a grid  (one page per Scout) . 

Registration Support

Helpful Registration Videos
Reports

A variety of reports are available:

     - Preparing for Full Throttle   ⇒ Class Schedule Checklist Sheet: report Scouts can use to indicate which classes they are interested in (print a copy for each Scout)
⇒ Unit Roster: Scoutmaster report with a list of all Scouts attending with check boxes to keep track of things like medical forms
⇒ Unit Roster Registrant: Scoutmaster report with a list of all Scouts by registrant type attending with check boxes to keep track of things like medical forms
⇒ Prerequisites by Scouts: a report for Scouts listing prerequisites they should work on before the event (one page per Scout).
⇒ Prerequisites by Unit: summarizes all prerequisites that Scouts should work on before the event, making it useful for planning troop meetings le
  - Print Before Arrival  ⇒ Class Schedule or Participant Class Schedule: two types of reports for Scouts with their merit badge schedule (one page per Scout)
⇒ Scout Summary:  summarizes all Scouts' schedules. 
⇒ Period Summary:  lists where every Scout should be each period. 
⇒ Class Summary:  lists Scouts taking each class
⇒ Scoutmaster QR Codes: QR codes for the unit and each Scout used to access class and merit badge schedules on mobile devices.
  - After the Event ⇒ Scoutbook Export: is a report of all merit badge completions that can be uploaded into Scoutbook so Scouts get credit for advancements completed.  Note: rank advancements have to be entered manually.
⇒ Unit Advancement Summary: summarizes all advancements completed at camp  (e.g., merit badges, rank advancements)
⇒ Unit Advancement Detail: list of all advancements completed at camp in a grid  (one page per Scout)
  - Resources ⇒ Class Data: Excel report listing all Scouts and merit badge classes
⇒ Customer Invoice: shows all payments
⇒ Event Additional Fees: lists any additional fees

Scouting Safely

Safety is Your Responsibility poster​The BSA's Commitment to Safety is ongoing and we want you to know that the safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, and employees cannot be compromised. Scouting America puts the utmost importance on the safe and healthy environments for its youth membership. The Sam Houston Area Council takes great strides to ensure the safety of its youth as well as the adult volunteer leadership that interacts with them. 

BSA Guide to Safe Scouting policies must be followed. All participants must follow Youth Protection Guidelines at all Scouting events. Highlights include:

  • Two-deep leadership on all outings required.  
  • One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is prohibited. 
  • The buddy system should be used at all times. 
  • Discipline must be constructive.

Health and safety must be integrated into everything we do, to the point that no injuries are acceptable beyond those that are readily treatable by Scout-rendered first aid. As an aid in the continuing effort to protect participants in a Scout activity, the BSA National Health and Safety Committee and the Council Services Division of the BSA National Council have developed the "Sweet Sixteen" of BSA safety procedures for physical activity. These 16 points, which embody good judgment and common sense, are applicable to all activities.

Youth Protection Guidelines     Guide to Safe Scouting      Sweet Sixteen      Enterprise Risk Management 

Contacts

For questions about registration, go to shacbsa.org/dk.  For questions about the event, contact RMirza0@gmail.com.