Scouting America unveils 2 new merit badges: Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity
The Cybersecurity Merit Badge equips Scouts with essential knowledge and skills to navigate and protect the digital world. Scouts learn about online safety, ethical behavior, cyber threats, and how to defend against them using tools like firewalls, antivirus software, and strong passwords. They explore encryption, connected devices, and the risks of public Wi-Fi, while also practicing safe habits like updating software and backing up data. Through hands-on activities, Scouts investigate real-world cyber incidents, participate in cybersecurity challenges, and explore career opportunities in the field.
Artificial Intelligence
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Merit Badge introduces Scouts to the fundamentals of AI and automation through hands-on activities and real-world examples. Scouts learn key terms, explore how AI and automation are used in daily life, school, and work, and examine ethical concerns like bias and privacy. They also investigate deepfakes, practice communicating effectively with AI, and apply their knowledge through a project or teaching activity. Finally, Scouts explore career paths in AI by researching or interviewing professionals in the field. Interaction with the Scout AI bot “Scoutly” will be part of the merit badge.
In-Person & Online Learning
Base Camp offers interactive in-person and online workshops for youth ages 11-17 with hundreds of workshops on topics they’re most interested in. Dig into the past with Archaeology, shoot for the stars in Space Exploration, or dive head first into Oceanography !
For more information about our sessions, CLICK HERE.
Citizenship Merit Badge Day
November 15th 9am-4pm - New England Base Camp, 411 Unquity Rd, Milton, MA - Optional Lunch available here: Lunch
Citizenship in the Community - 9am-12pm - SOLD OUT
Citizenship in the Nation - 9am-12pm - SOLD OUT
Citizenship in the World - 9am-12pm - SOLD OUT
Citizenship in Society - 9am-12pm - SOLD OUT
Citizenship in the Community - 1-4pm - SOLD OUT
Citizenship in the Nation - 1-4pm - SOLD OUT
Citizenshp in the World - 1-4pm - SOLD OUT
Citizenship in Society - 1-4pm - SOLD OUT
Arts Merit Badge Day
January 17, 2026 - 9am-4pm - New England Base Camp, 411 Unquity Rd, Milton, MA - Optional Lunch available here: Lunch
Art - 9am-12pm
Sculpture - 9am-12pm - SOLD OUT
Music - 1-4pm
Graphic Arts - 1-4pm
Moviemaking - 1-4pm - SOLD OUT
Hobbies Merit Badge Day
February 21, 2026 - 9am-4pm - New England Base Camp, 411 Unquity Rd, Milton, MA - Optional Lunch available here: Lunch
Stamp Collecting - 9am-12pm
Animation - 9am-12pm
Railroading - 9am-12pm
Geocaching - 9am-12pm
Stamp Collecting - 1-4pm
Animation - 1-4pm
Railroading - 1-4pm
Geocaching - 1-4pm
Earth Merit Badge Day
April 25, 2026 - 9am-4pm - New England Base Camp, 411 Unquity Rd, Milton, MA - Optional Lunch available here: Lunch
Oceanography - 9am-12pm
Weather - 9am-12pm
Geology - 1-4pm
Space Exploration - 1-4pm
Eagle Merit Badge Day
May 16, 2026 - 9am-4pm - New England Base Camp, 411 Unquity Rd, Milton, MA - Optional Lunch available here: Lunch
Citizenship in Society - 9am-12pm - SOLD OUT
Communication - 9am-12pm - SOLD OUT
First Aid - 1-4pm - SOLD OUT
Sustainability - 1-4pm - SOLD OUT
Fall 2025, Winter & Spring 2026 Merit Badges
Salesmanship - November 22 - 12-3pm - Woburn, MA
Nuclear Science - December 6 - 12-3pm - Woburn, MA
Archery - December 6, 13 & 20 - 12-2pm - Milton, MA - SOLD OUT
Swimming - December 6, 13 & 20 - 10am-12pm - Milton, MA - SOLD OUT
Pioneering - December 6, 13 & 20 - 2-4pm - Milton, MA
Citizenship in Society - December 20 - 12-3pm - Woburn, MA - SOLD OUT
Textile - February 7 - 12-3pm - Woburn, MA
Photography - February 17 & 19 - 8am-12pm - Woburn, MA
Woodworking - February 17 & 19 - 1-4pm - Woburn, MA
Art - March 14 - 12-3pm - Woburn, MA
American Business - March 28 - 12-3pm - Woburn, MA
Graphic Arts - April 22 - 8am-12pm - Woburn, MA
Woodcarving - April 22 - 1-4pm - Woburn, MA
Online Merit Badges
Scholarship - November 18 - 4-7pm EST
Communication - December 2 & 4 - 4-7pm EST - SOLD OUT
Reptile & Amphibian Study - December 16 & 18 - 4-7pm EST
American Labor - January 6 - 4-7pm EST
Signs, Signals & Codes - January 20 - 4-7pm EST
Fish & Wildlife - February 3 - 4-7pm EST
Journalism - March 3 - 4-7pm EST
Family Life - March 24 - 4-7pm EST
Public Speaking - April 7 & 9 - 4-7pm EST
