Merit Badges

Mattatuck Scout Reservation is proud to be offering 71 merit badges during the summer of 2026, plus two additional awards and adult leader training. In general, merit badges run from Monday - Thursday from 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM, 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM, 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM, 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM, although there are several exceptions to this framework (as noted in the schedule). We recommend that Scouts take between 3 and 5 merit badges per week. Please note that many open programs take place during the 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM time blocks, so Scouts may want to schedule around those times. Additionally, many merit badges have prerequisites, which are requirements that a Scout must complete before coming to camp in order to earn the badge. Failure to complete a prerequisite does not prevent the Scout from taking the class, but rather prevents them from completing the entire badge while at camp. If this is the case, the Scout will be issued a "partial" merit badge application (or "blue card"). In other cases, the Scout may have to be of a certain age to take part in the class. This is done for several reasons, but is primarily done for safety. For example, younger Scouts may have difficulties holding and properly aiming a shotgun. For this reason, Scouts must be 14 years old or older to take Shotgun Shooting merit badge (and use the shotgun range generally).

Merit badge sign ups are exclusively online in the BlackPug system. Merit badge registration will open around April, and close the Saturday before your week at camp starts at 11:59 PM EDT. Any modifications to a Scout's schedule beyond that point will have to take place in the reservation's office. When camp is over, advancement reports and "blue cards" will be emailed to each troop's registration contact.

Below is a complete schedule for all merit badges, adult training opportunities, and awards offered during summer 2026. This season, we are excited to announce the addition of Nuclear Science and Cybersecurity!