Merit Badge University

Registration closed!

January 17, 2026

Civics on the Square presents the second annual Merit Badge University. Join us on a journey through Springfield’s past as we explore civics and citizenship through the years and earn badges along the way! Scouts can earn 1 to 2 merit badges. Partnered with the Discovery Center of Springfield, badge options include Eagle Scout required Citizenship in the World, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Communication and Environmental Science, as well as Archaeology.

Lunch is available. If your scout is staying during lunch, whether they are eating the provided lunch or a packed lunch, you MUST register them for the lunch session.

Questions regarding Merit Badge University can be sent to Al Thompson, HMS Civics Education Coordinator, at [email protected] or 417-831-1976.

HOW TO REGISTER SCOUTS:

There are 4 steps to MBU registration:

1. Purchase MBU session ticket(s) on this webpage. Refer to the MBU Schedule below when selecting session options.
2. Click here to fill out the MBU Scout Registration Form for EACH scout you are registering. You will have to submit multiple forms if you are registering multiple scouts.
3. Click here to download and read the Parent Packet. This includes necessary event info and will help you prepare you and your scout for the MBU.
4. You will receive a follow-up email prior to the MBU event with a MBU Permission Form. You must print, read, sign, and submit the MBU Permission Form by the time of scout drop-off on January 17, 2026.

As we are providing a customizable experience, event registration may be confusing. Here are some tips for how to navigate this page and checkout:

1. • Select an option for the morning or afternoon session you would like one scout to attend and add to your cart.
   • If you would like the scout to attend multiple sessions and/or you are registering multiple scouts, select “continue shopping” to select another session option to add to cart.
   • Repeat this process until you have selected every session for all the scouts you are registering.
   • Select “Proceed to Checkout.” Enter your billing information and the first & last name of the scout attending each session. (You will have to fill in the scout’s name multiple times for every morning/lunch/afternoon session they are attending in your “cart”).
   • The form asks for an email for each scout, you may repeatedly enter your own email. (We apologize, this is a quirk of our system).

Update: Unfortunately, we are no longer able to offer the Radio Merit Badge, as our intended expert speaker is no longer able to attend. This will not negatively impact the Archaeology Merit Badge that is also being offered during the afternoon session – scouts will still be able to obtain their archaeology badge, and the class will be extended to last for the full afternoon session.