Scout Merit Badges

Scouts can add a different merit badge to their sash at one of our education centers. These fun, hands-on programs are for Scouts ages 11 – 17 and are $10 per program hour per Scout. Some programs have prerequisites that Scouts must complete in advance and turn in at the program. Questions about any of the badges? Call Visitor Services at 630-933-7247.

April 11 • 9 a.m. – Noon • Kline Creek Fam • $30

Learn the merits and uses of various breeds of livestock, including heritage breeds, and discuss proper planning and management. Prerequisites: Complete requirements 1, 2, 3, and 7 and turn them in at the program. Requirement 6 will focus on the farm's heritage milking shorthorn cattle. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Register on ActiveNet or at 630-933-7248.

Sept. 19 • 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. • Blackwell
Sept. 20 • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. • Blackwell (optional)
$50

Learn the basics of using a bow and arrow and the proper techniques for shooting a compound bow. Equipment provided. If needed, Scouts can meet on Sept. 20 to complete the proficiency requirement. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Register online or at 630-933-7248.

May 23 • 9 a.m. – Noon • DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center • $30

Learn about bird anatomy and identification — including bird calls — and how to use binoculars and field guides. Prerequisites: Complete requirements 5, 7, and 9 and turn them in at the program. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Register online or at 630-933-7248.

July 27, 28 & 29 • 9 a.m. – Noon • Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center • $90

Learn how to help conserve our most precious resource — the planet — through hands-on experiences. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Register online or at 630-933-7248.

June 6 • 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. • Blackwell • $60

Learn fishing safety, first aid, common fishing equipment, knot tying, fish identification, sportsmanship, ethical angling, and how to catch fish. Prerequisite: Complete requirement 10 and turn it in at the program. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Register online or at 630-933-7248.

Dec. 12 • 9 a.m. – Noon • Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center • $30

Explore the world of minerals, rocks, and fossils of northeastern Illinois through hands-on experiences. Instructors will cover the Earth History option (5d) for requirement 5. Prerequisite: Complete requirement 4a or 4b and turn it in at the program. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Register online or at 630-933-7248.

Aug. 15 & 16 • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. • Hidden Lake • $80

Learn about boating safety and the parts of a kayak, then practice proper paddling techniques. All scouts participating in the program must submit proof of BSA Swimmer test completion at least one week prior to program. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Register online or at 630-933-7248.

May 9 • 9 a.m. – Noon • St. James Farm • $30

Explore a completed landscape project, design new outdoor spaces, and identify local plants during this hands-on experience. Learn from expert landscape architects, and gain valuable skills in design, planning, and environmental stewardship. Prerequisite: Complete requirement 5 and turn it in at the program. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Register online or at 630-933-7248.

Oct. 10 • 9 a.m. – Noon • DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center • $30

Spend time in the prairie and woods learning about mammals and the features that distinguish them from other animals. Then, participate in a project to benefit mammals in DuPage. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Register online or at 630-933-7248.

Aug. 8 • 9 a.m. – Noon • Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center • $30

Explore the science of plants while learning about DuPage County's pollinators and native flora through hands-on activities. For requirement 8, we will complete Option 3: Field Botany & Tree Inventory. Prerequisite: Complete requirements 5 and 7 and turn them in at the program. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Register online or at 630-933-7248.

April 25 • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. • St. James Farm • $40

Earn a merit badge in its trial phase! Explore the science, safety, and strategies of wildland fire management through interactive lessons, outdoor demonstrations, and expert guidance. All requirements will be covered, except requirement 16, which can be emailed after the program. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Register online or at 630-933-7248.

Nov. 14 • 9 a.m. – Noon • Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center • $30

Learn about different hazardous situations in the wild and how to prepare for them. Practice survival techniques like water filtration, emergency signals, and ways to start a fire. Prerequisites: Complete requirements 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 and turn them in at the program. Requirement 5e requires Scouts to build and spend the night in a natural shelter. This must be completed outside of the program, such as during an overnight scouting event or camp. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Register online or at 630-933-7248.