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Overview

Merit Badge Programs

All MOSI merit badge programs are led by experienced, knowledgeable, and engaging merit badge counselors registered with the BSA.  Programs include 3 hour workshops, 4 hour workshops, and overnight camp-ins. 

The program fee includes supplies for hands-on activities, access to digital workbooks, blank Blue Card, and admission to MOSI after the program. Any scouts under age 13 must have an adult chaperone registered. All scouts need a chaperone for overnight programs (min. 1 chaperone per 10 scouts), chaperones must be at least 18.

Public Merit Badge Programs

  Public Merit Badge Programs Schedule 2024-2025

  Merit Badge Workbook Downloads 2024-2025

Scroll down to see all dates or register for a specific public merit badge workshop

Private Scout Programs

Interested in booking a scout program just for your troop? Request a quote by filling out the form below or reach out to us directly at reservations@mosi.org or by calling (813) 987-6000.

 

Request a Private Program or Quote

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Merit

Pricing & Information

Public Workshop (3 hours)

$21

per scout
member discount available!

Public Workshop (4 hours)

$28

per scout
member discount available!

Public Workshop Adult Chaperones

$7

Required for scouts under 12
member discount available!

Additional Information

Program Details

Workshops include:

  • Hands-on science activities and materials
  • Engaging instructors, with certified BSA counselors for blue card sign off
  • 3-4 hour workshops or overnight camp-ins available
  • Admission to MOSI the day of your workshop

Program Requirements:

Scouts under age thirteen (13) are required to have at least one (1) adult chaperone per ten (10) children. Adults are encouraged to participate in the program with their child. Scouts aged thirteen (13) and older may attend without a chaperone.

Workshops meet most, but not necessarily meet all badge requirements. Especially for requirements that may take more than the length of a workshop, scouts may need to complete some sections independently.

Booking a Private Workshop

Reservation Process: 

  • Booked at least 1 month in advance 
  • $50 deposit due at time of reservation  
  • Final numbers and final payment due 10 business days prior to program date

Group Pricing:

For 2-hour workshops* 

  • Groups with 15 or more scouts: $14/child and $7/adult, 1 adult free for every 10 children
  • Groups with less than 15 scouts: $200 flat fee

For 3-hour workshops* 

  • Groups with 15 or more scouts: $21/child and $7/adult, 1 adult free for every 10 children
  • Groups with less than 15 scouts: $300 flat fee

For 4-hour workshops* 

  • Groups with 15 or more scouts: $28/child and $7/adult, 1 adult free for every 10 children
  • Groups with less than 15 scouts: $400 flat fee

*Check workshop description for duration of each workshop. 

Add-ons available at Discounted Group Rate:

  • Ropes Course $5/person, flat fee of $75 for groups under 15
  • MOSI Fun Patch $4/patch
  • Planetarium Show $150 flat fee
Refund and Cancellation Policy

Public Scout Programs:

Refunds for public scout programs are only available before the registration deadline, so that your spot can be given to others on the waitlist. If MOSI needs to cancel a program due to low attendance or other unforeseen issue, guests will be notified via email and given a complete refund. To request a refund, please email your request and reservation details to reservations@mosi.org.

Private Scout Programs:

A full or partial refund minus your deposit may be issued as long as the program is cancelled before the final payment date, 10 business days prior to your program date. Please refer to the terms and conditions given at registration for more information. To request a refund, please email your request and reservation details to reservations@mosi.org.

Overview

                       

Merit Badge Programs Dates

April 2025
Merit Badge Workshop: Geology

  Apr 5, 2025 1:00 pm

Discover the science behind extreme weather conditions and learn what it takes to be a meteorologist.

Prerequisites: 1, 9, 11 Covered: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
Last Day to Register: Thursday, April 3rd
Meets MB requirement for Nova Awards: Shoot!, Splash!, and Designed to Crunch

Register

Merit Badge Workshop: Weather (Sold out)

  Apr 13, 2025 1:00 pm

Discover the science behind extreme weather conditions and learn what it takes to be a meteorologist.

Prerequisites: 1, 9, 11 Covered: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
Last Day to Register: Thursday, April 3rd

SOLD OUT

May 2025
Merit Badge Workshop: Nuclear Science (Sold out)

  May 4, 2025 10:00 am

Explore how nuclear reactors work, how we can use energy created through nuclear science, build tools that measure and track radiation, and more!

Prerequisites: 1, 2a, 8
Covered: 2b, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Meets MB requirement for Nova Award (s): Start your Engines!

Last Day to Register: Thursday, April 24th

SOLD OUT

Merit Badge Workshop: Nuclear Science (NEW Session)

  May 11, 2025 10:00 am

Explore how nuclear reactors work, how we can use energy created through nuclear science, build tools that measure and track radiation, and more!

Prerequisites: 1, 2a, 8
Covered: 2b, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Last Day to Register: Thursday, May 1st

Meets MB requirement for Nova Award (s): Start your Engines!

Register

Merit Badge Camp-in: Emergency Preparedness (Sold out)

  May 17, 2025 7:00 pm

A hurricane is headed towards the Tampa Bay area and you are setting up a shelter at MOSI! Learn how to prepare for and survive a natural disaster, as you spend the night at a mock hurricane shelter.

The camp-in includes the Emergency Preparedness merit badge workshop, light snack, sleeping at MOSI, light breakfast, a MOSI Fun Patch for scouts, and general admission to MOSI the following morning. At least 1 adult chaperone required per 10 children.

Prerequisites: 1, 6, 7b, 8b, 9*
Covered: 2a-b, 3, 4, 5, 7a, 8a
Last Day to Register: Thursday, May 1st
*Must have completed First Aid Merit Badge to get complete sign off for this badge. Counselors can sign off on other requirements if needed.

SOLD OUT

Scout Sleepover

All Night Camp-ins

Interested in spending the night at MOSI with your scout group? MOSI offers a small amount of Public Merit Badge Camp-ins each year. Troops can also book private overnight camp-ins anytime. See our camp-in page for more information or reach out to us at (813) 987-6000.

Troops have the option of booking a private program with a standard camp-in theme or work towards a specific merit badge.

See Camp-ins

Merit Badge Workshop FAQS

Do I need to be a scout to sign up?

No! Scout programs are open to any child between 6th and 12th grade. Children under aged 12 are required to attend with a chaperone. Siblings who register are welcome.

Can I attend without the rest of my troop?

Yes! Our public scout workshops are designed for scouts to sign up individually. Private workshops just for your troop are also available by reservation.

Do I need to attend with my child?

Yes, if your child is under the age of 12 an adult chaperone is required to sign up and attend with them. Only one chaperone is needed per every ten children if you are a leader or parent responsible for multiple children.

Children 12 and older do not need a chaperone for workshops, but must pick up their child immediately following the workshop.

Adult chaperones are always required for overnight programs regardless of age.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to bring a Merit Badge Workbook (NOT the whole pamphlet), a pen or pencil, completed prerequisites, and proof of registration to the workshop. Outside snacks are allowed during the short break.

Do I need to wear a uniform?

Uniforms are completely up to you! Most activities will take place in a lab or classroom setting and you may want to explore MOSI exhibits after the workshop, so we recommend comfortable clothing, layers for air conditioned rooms, and closed-toed shoes.

What if I don't finish all the Merit Badge requirements by the end of the workshop?

Immediately following a workshop is the best time to get your Blue Card signed. If for any reason you are unable to do so the day of, you can also submit your workbook via email within three months of the workshop. MOSI’s certified counselors can then provide a digital copy of your blue card, provided you attended the workshop at MOSI, and demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of the material. Please email scoutreach@mosi.org, letting us know which workshop you attended, include a copy of your completed Merit Badge Workbook, and the contact information you would like us to include on your blue card.

What kind of background/qualifications do MOSI Merit Badge counselors have?

All of our MOSI Merit Badge counselors are trained by MOSI, certified by the BSA, and have also completed BSA Youth Protection training. All counselors undergo background checks and fingerprinting before leading any Merit Badges. Counselors also have a background in a STEM field, a love for all things STEM, and a passion for teaching others.

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