Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the maximum number of merit badges I can earn at the MBU?
A. No merit badges may be earned at the MBU*. Come for the up-
Q. If I can’t get my blue card signed, what will I get?
A. Besides getting a great experience with lots of information you can use in the merit badge process, you will get a “Letter of Participation,” which will note the date, the subjects you covered, the places you visited or the things you accomplished. You may present the letter to your merit badge counselor after the event, and he/she will decide if you met the requirements.
Q. What about “Partials” for the trips we take, or the requirements we cover at the MBU?
A. Your Letter of Participation will be specific about your activities and accomplishments at the MBU. If acceptable to your counselor, you may get credit when you are tested for your badge.
Q. If I can’t get blue cards signed at the MBU, how do I earn a merit badge for the subjects offered at MBU?
A. Think of the MBU as a place where you can get some valuable information, but not a place to get blue cards signed.
So... a merit badge is earned the same way you earn any other badge.
If you have already started your badge, you will have received permission from your Scoutmaster (SM) to begin. If you haven’t yet started, and this program has helped you become interested in a particular badge, see your SM after the MBU for an approved merit badge counselor. It might be the same one you had at the MBU, and it might be someone else. Then, get your SM’s initial signature on your blue card, and contact the counselor as you normally would. When your counselor asks for evidence that you have conducted interviews or visited certain places, you can present the Letter of Participation from the MBU. Like any other paperwork that you show to your counselor, it may be sufficient or it may not. It’s up to your counselor who has the final say.
Q. If no merit badges can be earned, why are all the faculty members registered merit badge counselors?
A. On any tour, it’s best to have a knowledgeable tour guide. Think of your faculty members as tour guides. Your faculty members will not only help you get the most out of the session, but because they are merit badge counselors, they will keep the information aimed at making it particularly relevant to the merit badge.
Q. Can I earn my religious emblem at the MBU?
A. Probably not. Each Council Religious Committee will have a representative at the MBU, and will present an orientation or give a particular class. This will be a great way to get valuable information about the emblem of your faith. But the requirements for every religious emblem are far more complex than can be earned in one class. Contact your applicable representative for an explanation of his/her program at the MBU.
* There is one exception to this rule. The MBU offers an approved course at the Cradle of Aviation Museum for the Space Exploration merit badge. It takes the scout from beginning to end, and includes the supplies each individual needs to do every requirement. Please read the course description carefully to ensure this badge is a good choice for you. This is the only merit badge that may be earned at the MBU. Each Scout registering for this course must have a blue card (official application) approved and signed by his Scoutmaster PRIOR to taking the course.
