The York College Scout Club will host a Merit Badge College on October 19, 2024 from 8 AM to 5 PM on the York College of Pennsylvania campus. The Scout Club is looking forward to welcoming over 200 Scouts and Scouters for the day.
At a cost of $25, Scouts will have the opportunity to earn two merit badges over the course of the day. While earning merit badges, Scouts will also gain a taste of “the college experience.” Scouts will travel around campus between merit badges, enjoy an array of food in the campus dining hall, and gain quality instruction in the college classrooms. Not to mention, most of the merit badge counselors are professors from the college.
Adults/parents may also join their Scout for lunch at a cost of $10.
If you have any questions or if you run into any issues registering, contact Tyler Roman at tyler.roman@scouting.org.
Schedule for the Day
8:00 AM – Check-in (Wolf Hall)
8:30 AM – Keynote Speech (DeMeester Recital Hall at Wolf Hall)
9:00 AM – First Merit Badge Class (designated class locations)
12:00 PM – Lunch (Johnson Dining Hall)
2:00 PM – Second Merit Badge Class (designated class locations)
Merit Badge Offerings
- Chemistry
- Citizenship in the Nation
- Citizenship in the World
- Digital Technology
- Disabilities Awareness
- Engineering
- First Aid
- Graphic Arts
- Moviemaking
- Nuclear Science
- Programming
- Public Health (AM only)
- Public Speaking
- Robotics
- Search and Rescue
- Signs, Signals, and Codes
- Surveying
Unique Non-Merit Badge Program
Join the York College WISE Club (Women in STEM and Engineering) for an exciting NEW program at the 2024 Merit Badge College. This unique opportunity offers Scouts a hands-on experience in the world of science and engineering. Participants will explore the forces exerted on the human body in daily life, learn how to calculate these forces, and design innovative solutions to address damage caused by exceeding the body’s limits. This program provides an engaging introduction to biomechanics and problem-solving in a real-world context. Scouts will also earn a special patch for completing the program!
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Do any merit badges have prerequisites?
Yes, some of the merit badges have prerequisites. To earn the merit badge on the day of the event, Scouts must complete these requirements before arrival and bring proof of completion with them. Scouts can also complete these requirements after the merit badge college with another merit badge counselor.
Citizenship in the Nation: #5 and #7
Citizenship in the World: #3a and #3b (prepare to discuss); #7
Chemistry: #6 (prepare to discuss); #7
Engineering #1, #2, #3, #5, #7, and #9 (prepare to discuss)
First Aid: #1, #5a, and #5b
Moveimaking: #4 (prepare to discuss)
Programming: #1a (video can be found here)
Public Health: #1 (prepare to discuss); #5
Public Speaking: #2 and #4 (prepare to present)
Robotics: watch videos (sent a few days in advance); #7 (prepare to discuss)
Signs, Signals, and Codes: #1 and #2 (prepare to discuss); #7
What is a merit badge prerequisite?
A merit badge prerequisite is a requirement that a Scout must complete before attending a Merit Badge College or meeting with a Merit Badge Counselor to earn a particular merit badge. These prerequisites are typically listed in the merit badge pamphlet or in advance by the Merit Badge Counselor or event organizer.
Prerequisites can take many forms depending on the specific merit badge, but they generally involve completing some portion of the merit badge requirements before attending a workshop or meeting with a counselor. For example, a prerequisite for the Personal Management merit badge might be to track and record daily expenses for a period of time or to create a budget for a hypothetical scenario. These prerequisites are designed to ensure that Scouts have a basic understanding of the topic before attending the event, and to allow for more efficient use of time during the workshop or meeting with the counselor.
It is important for Scouts to complete any prerequisites before attending a Merit Badge College or meeting with a Merit Badge Counselor to avoid delays or the possibility of not being able to complete the requirements in the allotted time. Scouts should carefully review the merit badge pamphlet and any instructions provided by the Merit Badge Counselor or event organizer to ensure that they have completed all required prerequisites.
How do you create an account and register for the event?
We have put together a guide to walk you step-by-step through the process to create an account in Tentaroo and how to sign-up for the event and merit badges. These instructions can be found at https://newbirthoffreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Creating-an-Accouting-and-Selecting-Merit-Badge-Classes-INSTRUCTIONS.pdf.
What is a Merit Badge College?
A Merit Badge College is an event where Scouts BSA members can earn merit badges in a concentrated period of time, often over the course of a single day or weekend. These events are typically hosted by local councils, districts, or troops, and are designed to provide Scouts with opportunities to learn from experienced merit badge counselors and to earn a variety of merit badges that are not readily available in their home troops.
During a Merit Badge College, Scouts participate in workshops or classes led by experienced counselors who are knowledgeable about the requirements and skills needed to complete the specific merit badge. Scouts are also given the opportunity to interact with other Scouts from different troops, which can help them build relationships and expand their network of contacts.
Merit Badge Colleges are a great way for Scouts to earn multiple merit badges at once and to learn from experienced counselors who can provide guidance and support throughout the process. Additionally, they provide an opportunity for Scouts to explore new interests and hobbies, and to develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
What is provided with registration?
The $25 registration fee per Scout covers their lunch in the Dining Hall, an event patch, a wristband, and an excellent merit badge program.
The $10 registration fee per adult covers their lunch in the Dining Hall and a wristband.
All fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.