Texas Trails Council

Your unit is invited to attend the second annual Abilene Christian University Merit Badge University, sponsored by ACU and the Texas Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America.  This will be a unique opportunity for your Scouts to work on merit badges—some of which are not normally available to your unit.

Time & Place:   The Merit Badge University will be conducted on the ACU campus on Saturday, January 16 & Sunday, January 17.  Camping or lock-in facilities are available on Friday, January 15 (please camping information sheet located in the packet).  A schedule of events for the weekend is also in the packet.   

Cost:          The fee for the Merit Badge University is $30.  Other fees may apply (see registration form in the packet).  This fee covers a continental breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday lunch, patch, supplies, and facility rental.  Adult fees may vary (see registration form in the packet).  Additional fees are noted for CPR and First Aid.   

Deadline:    REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 11, 2009. (There will be no refunds after this date.)  PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  FEES MUST BE PAID BEFORE REGISTRATION WILL BE ENTERED.  Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis—so mail your registration in as soon as possible!   

Merit Badges:   A Scout may work on up to three (3) different merit badges from a list of approximately sixty merit badges offered. We have several sessions for some of the required Eagle merit badges to keep the classes smaller. Every merit badge listed is taught using both Saturday and Sunday.

Leadership:     Each Troop must have at least TWO (2) ADULTS, one of whom must be over 21 years of age, with your troop at all times, while traveling and camping.

Adult          A computer lab will be available for all adult on-line training.  CPR and First Aid will be offered at an additional cost.

Program:    A “Life to Eagle” orientation session will be held after the close of class sessions on Saturday for any interested Scouts and parents.

Uniform:    All Scouts and leaders must wear their full Class A uniform for classes, meals, and chapel.  A Scout-related t-shirt is adequate for off-times and activities.

THE PLAN

How will this work?

Step 1.    Review the packet in total. All merit badges will be taught by the following schedule: 

               Class A—Saturday at 9:00 a.m.; Sunday at 10:40 a.m.

               Class B—Saturday at 10:40 a.m.; Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

               Class C—Saturday at 1:30 p.m.; Sunday at 3:05 p.m.

When registering, first AND second choice is required for each class choice (registrations will not be accepted without second choices).

Step 2.    Review merit badge requirements to determine if a Scout should register for the class. Consider the needs of the Scout and the work, which may be required before class.

Step 3.   Scouts may choose up to three (3) merit badges. Most merit badge classes take three (3) hours of total class time and are taught for 90 minutes each day. Scouts must attend classes on both Saturday and Sunday. Emergency Preparedness, First Aid, and Plumbing take two class sessions on each day. This totals six hours of class time.  Minimum class size is 3 participtiants or class may be cancelled.  Maximum class size is 30 unless otherwise stated.

Step 4.   Have the Scouts study the merit badge pamphlets prior to attending the University.  Some work may need to be completed before class and/or may have “time requirements”.

Step 5.   Register the Scouts and adults who are attending and mail registration form(s) and fee payment to the Texas Trails Council, 1208 N. 5^th St., Abilene, TX 79601, no later than December 11, 2009.

Step 6.   The Merit Badge University Staff will assign classes to all scouts and will try to register each scout with his first choice in each time slot. Due to the number of merit badges we must schedule, and in trying to keep class size reasonable, some flexibility is expected. We do our best. Class lists will be faxed or mailed to your  Troop Information Person by December 30th.  BE SURE THE FAX AND MAILING ADDRESS INFORMATION IS CORRECT FOR THE PERSON TO WHOM THE INFORMATION IS TO BE SENT.

Step 7.   A roster will be mailed to your Troop Information Person.  An individual class list and map will be included in your registration packet to be picked up by leader before the Saturday general meeting.

Step 8.   Attend the Merit Badge University.  In class, each Scout will be given a Merit Badge Requirement Sheet for his use. The instructor will have a master sheet for each Scout. This master sheet will be mailed to the Troop Information Person after the event. The Merit Badge University Staff retains the attendance sheet by classes.  NOTE: Remember, attendance in class does not mean a Scout will complete the Merit Badge.

Step 9:    Plan now to participate in the extra-curricular activities planned for Saturday!

Step 10.  Review partials and completions received after the event. Return any misfiled papers and recognize your Scouts for their achievements.

MEALS.......WHAT’S FOR LUNCH?

Lunch will be provided in the “The Bean” in the McGlothlin Campus Center for Saturday lunch & dinner, and Sunday lunch.  A continental breakfast will be served on Saturday and Sunday in Bennett Gym.

Tickets will be included in your registration packet to be picked up by leader upon arrival.

Scouts and Leaders are asked to vacate the classroom buildings during the lunch hour.

What's New?

Kickapoo Pinewood Derby

Council Recognition Banquet

Annual Business Meeting

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QUICK LINKS

ACU Merit Badge University 2010

CSP Contest

2011 Philmont Trek

Texas Trails e-News - Jan 2009 - Apr 2009

2010 Council Philmont Trek

Northern Tier

Philmont Scout Ranch

2010 National Jamboree

Boy Scout Retention

Good Turn for America