Merit Badge Opportunities

Merit Badge Days​The merit badge classes are interactive and require active participation by each Scout. Merit badge class sizes are limited so that each Scout can learn about future careers, trades, citizenship, hobbies, and life skills while working on merit badge requirements.

Registration

Registration is completed online using a credit card or electronic check. There is no onsite registration. Council refund policy. (How to register.) 

  • Classes that are full will not show in the registration system.
  • Important: Before registering, check the school and troop calendars for conflicts. Check which merit badges the Scout has already completed. Scouts must confer with their unit leader before participating in the class.
  • Member ID Number: Have the Scout's member ID number ready before registering. The correct ID number is critical to identifying the Scouts in Scoutbook to ensure the Scout gets credit for requirements completed. The ID number can be found • Scoutbook (click on "My Dashboard"—>click on name of Scout—>click on "Edit Profile"); • My.Scouting.org (click on "My Profile"); • Membership card; or • ask the unit leader to check the unit roster.
  • Changes: Class changes can be made after registering if space is available.
Date
Class or Event
Prerequisites / Notes
Status
Location
Volunteer
(merit badge counselor or staff)
Register
(click link to register)
Contact
District Merit Badge Event            
September 7, 2024 District Merit Badge University ~25 merit badge classes   Katy   Opens Soon  
Council Merit Badge Days            
September 28, 2024 Fire Safety    

The Woodlands Fire Department

9951 Grogan's Mill Road
The Woodlands, TX 77380

   Opens Soon  
October 5, 2024 Law • Prerequisite: Read merit badge book.   Historic 1910 Courthouse, 
301 Fannin, Houston, 77002		   Opens Soon  
Architecture    

City of Houston Permitting Building 

1002 Washington Avenue

Houston, TX 77002
Automotive Maintenance • Prerequisite: Read merit badge book
• Not covered: #11		   Christian Brothers Automotive
1455 W Grand Parkway S Access Rd
Katy, TX, 77494
Council Merit Badge Days              
December 7, 2024 Architecture • Prerequisite: Read merit badge book.
• Not covered: TBD		   City of Houston Permitting Building 
1002 Washington Avenue,Houston, 77002		   Opens Soon  
Automotive Maintenance • Prerequisite: Read merit badge book
• Not covered: #11		   Christian Brothers Automotive Grand Parkway
1455 W Grand Parkway S Access Rd, Katy, 77494
Disabilities Awareness     Cockrell Scout Center
First Aid • Prerequisite: must have completed all first aid requirements for
  Tenderfoot through First Class rank (refer to #1), 
• Prerequisite: complete #5b prior to camp
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book
• Bring: #5a (first aid kit), completed worksheet		   Cockrell Scout Center,
2225 N Loop W, Houston, 77008
Journalism     Cockrell Scout Center
Law • Prerequisite: Read merit badge book.   Historic 1910 Courthouse, 
301 Fannin, Houston, 77002
Surveying • Prerequisite: Read merit badge book
• Bring: #2		   Cockrell Scout Center,
2225 N Loop W, Houston, 77008
Camp Camping Events            
August 17, 2024 Aquatics Day Aquatics-related merit badge classes and more   Camp Strake      
September 28, 2024 Angler Classic Fishing-related merit badge classes   Camp Strake      
November 2024 STEM Camp
(for units and individual Scouts)		 ~20 STEM-related merit badge classes   Camp Strake Volunteer Register Contacts
December 26-31, 2024   Winter Camp
(for units and individual Scouts)		 ~80 merit badges classes   Camp Strake   Opens in August Contacts
March 9-12, 2025 Trail to Eagle Camp ~14 Eagle Scout-required merit badge classes   Camp Strake   Register Contacts
June/July 2025 Summer Camp
(for units)		 ~45 merit badges classes   Camp Strake   Check with Scoutmaster Contacts
July 2025 Trail to Eagle Camp     Camp Strake      
July 2025 Super Troop 
(for individual Scouts)		 ~45 merit badges classes   Camp Strake   Register Contacts
             

*Class sizes are limited. Full classes will not show in the registration system. Find additional merit badge classes sponsored by our community partners.

How to Register or Update a Registration

Click on the registration link, then click Register. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Step 1: Select a participant: Schedule For​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Step 2: If applicable, select class​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Step 3: Select a class add​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Repeat step 2 and 3: afternoon class​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​, if needed if more than one class is offered in a day.
Continue steps 1, 2 and 3 for additional participants
Step 4: Review the schedule.
Step 5: ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​  continue​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Step 6:  checkout​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Step 7: Select payment type ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ payment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Step 8:  make payment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Classes that are full will not appear.

Change Classes

To modify your registration:

  • Login to https://samhoustonbsa.doubleknot.com/signon/2563.
  • To obtain your User ID and Password, click on  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ You must use the same User ID that you used to initially register.

  • Click on My Account.   account​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

  • Click on the Registrations tab. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • Click on Updates/Edits.     ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
    Classes that are full will not appear.
    Doubleknot Support.        

View Advancements Completed

A few weeks after the event, advancements completed will be entered into Doubleknot and then uploaded directly into Scoutbook. If a parent doesn't enter the first and last name and member ID correctly in the registration system, then the advancements won't upload into Scoutbook. Some troops don't use Scoutbook. A parent can login to Doubleknot and pull a report to provide to the Scoutmaster or unit advancement chair.

  • Login to https://samhoustonbsa.doubleknot.com/signon/2563.
  • To obtain your User ID and Password, click on ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ You must use the same User ID that you used to initially register.
  • Click on My Account.   account​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • Click on the Registrations tab. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • Click on Reports.     report​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • Click on Class / Activity Completion Award completion award​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

            Doubleknot Support.  

What to Bring

  • what to bring​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Bring a copy of your Annual Health and Medical Record (do not bring the original). Parts A, B1 and B2 are required for all participants.
  • For each merit badge class, bring:
    ⇒ Merit badge book (available from the Scout Shop); read prior to the class
    ⇒ Proof of completed prerequisites and any items noted to bring
    ⇒ Documentation of any completed requirements is optional, but highly recommended. (Learn more about partials.)
    ⇒ Some events require Blue Card (Application for Merit Badges)
  • Note-taking materials and writing utensils
  • Field uniform (Scout uniform) or activity uniform (Scout t-shirt) is encouraged
  • Eat breakfast before arriving
  • Sack lunch
  • Water bottle
  • Healthy drinks and snacks, optional 

Partials and Completions

partials​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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 and 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: For all classes, the Scout must 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. These unofficial merit badge worksheets  are helpful to prepare: http://usscouts.org/usscouts/mb/worksheets/list.asp

Some merit badges require additional prerequisites to be completed before Merit Badge Days. 

Requirements not covered: Some of the requirements cannot be completed during the class. The Scout should bring documentation of requirements not covered. 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: 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. The partial completion will be noted on the blue card and given to the Scout at the completion of the class. 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. Your unit leader can help you find a list of merit badge counselors by logging into https://scoutbook.scouting.org and clicking on "My Dashboard"—>"Administration"—>your unit—>"MB Counselor List". 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 relative—or better yet, another Scout working on the same badge. 

Blue Cards (Application For Merit Badge)

blue card​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The Application For Merit Badge, or "Blue card", is a two-sided, three-section document. It is a perforated trifold card with three distinct parts: the actual application, the applicant’s (Scout’s) record, and the counselor’s record. The document serves as a sort of passport while a Scout is working on a badge and then later as a permanent record. Blue cards are an official document that serve as a record of progress toward completion of a merit badge. There are two official ways to complete blue cards: on paper, and online using Scoutbook.

Some events require Scouts to bring a blue card for each merit badge class. Learn how to fill out a blue card. 

Advancements Completed: The merit badge counselor will document all requirements completed on the blue card and return it to the Scout before the Scout leaves the class; the Scout needs to return the blue card back to the unit leader after the event. If the Scout ends up with a partial and working with more than one counselor, multiple registered counselors can sign the card. Keeping up with the blue card helps the Scout learn personal responsibility.

How to Fill Out a Blue Card       Learn More about Blue Cards

General Rules 

  1. Scouts need to be prepared for each of the requirements of the merit badge class including reading the merit badge pamphlet before the class.
  2. Scouts are expected to participate fully during the class in order to receive full credit for the requirements completed onsite. 
  3. Scouts who do not behave appropriately in class will be asked to leave.
  4. If a Scout is unable to attend once registered, please use the link provided in the emailed receipt to delete the class so a spot can be opened up for another Scout. Council Refund Policy.   

Merit Badge Counselors

It is the purpose of the event to provide an exciting program for youth and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of citizenship and to develop personal fitness. Providing advancement opportunities is a primary part of this educational program. Merit Badge Days can only be offered to our Scouts if merit badge counselors are available to teach classes. Let us know when you are available to teach classes, where you are willing to teach (e.g., Cockrell Scout Center, council camp, etc.) , and which merit badges are you registered to teach.

Volunteer to Serve as a Merit Badge Counselor

 

Merit Badge Counselors merit badge counselor​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​are needed to teach merit badge classes. Counselors must be registered as a merit badge counselor and have current Youth Protection Training (YPT) taken only at My.Scouting.org. It is our goal for the Scouts to be afforded opportunities to share resources from other units with diverse occupations and skills. Participants will be expected to complete all the requirements as indicated by Scouting America. Merit badge counselors should wear their Scout uniform if possible.  

The merit badge counselor is a key player in the advancement program. Whatever your area of expertise or interest—whether it is a special craft or hobby (basketry, leatherwork, coin collecting), a profession (veterinary medicine, aviation, engineering), or perhaps a life skill (cooking, personal management, communications)—as a merit badge counselor, you can play a vital role in stirring a young Scout's curiosity about that particular topic. By serving as a merit badge counselor, you offer your time, knowledge, and other resources so that Scouts can explore a topic of interest

Scouting Safely

Safety is Your Responsibility poster​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Scouting America'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. 

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.

Youth Protection Guidelines     Guide to Safe Scouting