Open daily, 10am - 5pm
Overview
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 Schedule 2024-2025
Merit Badge Workbook Downloads 2024-2025
Scroll down to see all dates or register for a specific public merit badge workshop
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.
Public Workshop Adult Chaperones
$7
Required for scouts under 12
member discount available!
Additional Information
Workshops include:
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.
Reservation Process:
Group Pricing:
For 2-hour workshops*
For 3-hour workshops*
For 4-hour workshops*
*Check workshop description for duration of each workshop.
Add-ons available at Discounted Group Rate:
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
Dec 15, 2024 1:00 pm
Learn how forensic scientists use techniques like matching fingerprint records and DNA sampling to answer mysteries and solve crimes.
Prerequisites: none
Covered: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Last Day to Register: Thursday, December 5th
Jan 12, 2025 10:00 am
Explore the states of matter, learn about physical and chemical changes, and conduct fun, fizzing, foaming, and even explosive experiments in the lab!
Prerequisites: 5, 6a and 6b, 7
Covered: 1 (a-d), 2 (a-c), 3, 4 (a-d), 6c, 6d
Meets MB requirement for Nova Award (s): Splash!, Up and Away
Last Day to Register: Thursday, Jan. 2nd
Jan 25, 2025 1:00 pm
Build and launch chemical rockets and design a space station as you discover the science behind exploring the stars. Don’t miss signing up for the Astronomy Camp-in as well to get two badge workshops in one weekend!
Prerequisites: 2, 5a or 5b, 6, 8
Covered: 1, 3, 4, 7
Meets MB requirement for Nova Award (s): Shoot!, Start your Engines!
Last Day to Register: Thursday, Jan. 9th
Jan 25, 2025 7:00 pm
Spend a fun filled evening at MOSI exploring the cosmos! Gaze into the night sky with telescopes, learn the stories behind the constellations in the Saunders Planetarium. The camp-in includes the Astronomy merit badge workshop, light snack, sleeping at MOSI, light breakfast, a MOSI Fun Patch for scouts, and general admission to MOSI after the event. At least 1 adult chaperone required per 10 children.
Prerequisites: 1, 6b, 9 Covered: 2, 4a-d, 5a-d, 6a, 6c-d, 7a-c, 8a
General cost: $48 per scout, $36 per adult (1 adult free per 10 scouts)
Member cost: $40 per scout, $30 per adult (1 adult free per 10 scouts)
Last Day to Register: Thursday, Jan. 9th
Feb 2, 2025 10:00 am
Feb 9, 2025 10:00 am
Construct circuits with resistors and capacitors and learn about electrical components with this badge workshop!
Prerequisites: 1, 6
Covered: 2a-b, 3a-c, 4a-c, 5a-c
Meets MB requirement for Nova Award (s): Whoosh!, Next Big Thing
Last Day to Register: Thursday, Jan. 30th
Mar 1, 2025 10:00 am
Learn how to contribute to a sustainable environment through conservation and waste reduction.
Prerequisites: 1, 8a-c, 9
Covered: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (b, and f)
Meets MB requirement for Nova Award (s): Shoot!, Splash!
Last Day to Register: Thursday, February 13th
Mar 23, 2025 10:00 am
Become a botanist for the day as you explore horticulture and agriculture.
Prerequisites: 6, 7, 8
Covered: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Meets MB requirement for Nova Award (s): Let it Grow!
Last Day to Register: Thursday, March 13th
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
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
Scout Sleepover
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.
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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