The purpose of Merit Badge Colleges and Skill Centers is to offer Scouts an opportunity to meet with highly qualified professionals to learn and foster the development of lifelong interests. Particular emphasis is given to career and hobby oriented Merit Badges especially those with limited availability of counselors. The Great Rivers Council hosts numerous colleges and skill centers throughout the year.
State Fair Merit Badge College
September TBD, 2023
Location: State Fair Community College
Join us for our inaugural State Fair Merit Badge College in partnership with the State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Missouri.
Visit our Council Calendar for registration information.
Mizzou Merit Badge University
November 4, 2023
Location: University of Missouri
We are looking forward to you and your Troop joining us and over 1,000 other Scouts and Scouters from across the state and beyond.
Visit our Council Calendar for registration information.
Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation Merit Badge College
May 5-6, 2023
Location: Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation
A new event at Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation in 2020. The Merit Badge College in 2021 hosted over 500 Scouts and leaders from across the region.
We are excited to host this opportunity to open our camp, facilities, and the Sinquefield Invention Campus for Scouts to earn one of over 40 different merit badges.
Visit our Council Calendar for registration information.
Linn Merit Badge University
July 22, 2023
Location: State Technical College of Missouri
Join us for a great opportunity for Scouts to earn a merit badge led by the experts at State Tech. Over 40 merit badges to choose from. Make it a weekend by camping across the street from campus.
Visit our Council Calendar for registration information.2
Virtual Merit Badge Academy
Location: Via Zoom
Launched as part of the Scouting @ Home during COVID. The demand for virtual merit badge classes continues. Through small groups via Zoom, our expert-led merit badge counselors will instruct Scouts on a variety of class offerings. Branded content, powerpoints, and program material is provided to the Scouts enrolled. Please subscribe to our Program Newsletter to receive monthly updates on new virtual merit badge classes.
Visit our Council Calendar to see the latest classes available.