Merit Badge College
A weekend of hands-on merit badge instruction at Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation. Choose from dozens of badges taught by experienced counselors across camp.
About the Event
The Lake of the Ozarks Merit Badge College is a weekend event held each May at LOTOSR. Scouts choose merit badge classes taught across camp program areas — from shooting sports and climbing to STEM, trades, and citizenship badges. All registrations include instruction, use of camp facilities, camping, and an event patch.
When
May 15–17, 2026
Friday evening check-in through Sunday afternoon. Scouts can attend Saturday only, Sunday only, or both days.
Who
Open to all registered Scouts BSA members. Adults, parents, and siblings are welcome to join Scouts in their merit badge classes or explore camp on their own.
Cost
Scouts: $40 both days, $27 Sat only, $15 Sun only
Adults: $20 both days, $12 Sat only, $8 Sun only
Includes instruction, facilities, camping, and patch.
Schedule
Friday
- 6:00–8:00 PM — Early check-in
Saturday
- 7:00–8:00 AM — Check-in at Welcome Center
- 8:30–8:45 AM — Opening Ceremony at Parade Field
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM — Morning session
- 12:00–1:00 PM — Lunch at Fingland Shelter
- 1:00–4:00 PM — Afternoon session
- 4:00 PM — Dismissal
Sunday
- 8:30–8:45 AM — Event brief at Parade Field
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM — Morning session
- 1:00 PM — Departure
Merit Badges Offered
Badges are grouped by session length. Full-day badges run both the morning and afternoon Saturday sessions. Half-day badges run during a single session. The full course catalog with prerequisites and class locations is available on the registration page.
Full-Day Saturday
Archery, Automotive Maintenance, Bird Study, Chemistry, Climbing, Communication, Cooking, Emergency Preparedness, Engineering, First Aid, Fishing, Golf, Metalwork, Radio, Rifle Shooting, Welding, Wilderness Survival, Woodwork
Half-Day Saturday
Citizenship in the World, Photography, Search and Rescue, Music
Half-Day Sunday
Chess, Citizenship in Society, Salesmanship, Scouting Heritage, Search and Rescue, Traffic Safety
Non-Merit Badge Activities
Service Crew, Intro to Blacksmithing
Prerequisites: Some badges require prerequisites to be completed before the event. Scouts must bring proof of completion (workbook pages or a signed Prerequisite Completion Form) to class. Without completed prerequisites, Scouts will receive a partial and must finish with a different counselor after the event.
Camping & Meals
Camping
Camping is available Friday and Saturday nights at no additional cost. Indicate your camping preference during registration — campsites are assigned at check-in. Campsite fire pits and shelter fire barrels are available; bring your own firewood and charcoal or contact camp to purchase.
Restrooms and showerhouses are located at Show and Do, Cherokee, the Program Building, and the Welcome Center/Pool area.
Meals
Saturday lunch at Fingland Shelter and a Sunday grab-and-go snack are included with registration. Units and attendees provide all other meals — bring cooking gear if applicable. The Trading Post will be open for snacks and supplies.
Nearby Lodging
If you prefer not to camp:
Lake House Inn — 245 S Main St, Laurie, MO · (573) 374-7744
Water’s Edge Motel — 25587 MO-5, Gravois Mills, MO · (573) 372-2201
What to Know
Blue Cards
No physical blue cards are issued at this event. After the event, log in to your registration on ScoutingEvent.com and use the Reports tab to access digital blue cards. Cards can also be exported directly to Scoutbook.
Things to Do
Adults, parents, and siblings are welcome to join Scouts in classes. For hikers, the Kit Carson Trail is an 8-mile loop around the reservation — trail map (PDF).
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 7 days before the event. Approved refunds deduct a 25% readiness fee (15% if credited to a GRC unit shop account). Requests must be submitted within 7 days after the event via the Refund Request Form.
Register Now
Registration closes May 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Optional event t-shirts ($20) must be pre-ordered by April 27.
Questions? Contact Dennis Kerns at dennis.kerns@scouting.org or (660) 221-0443