Click on a Merit Badge tab below to learn more about upcoming offerings and the program partners supporting these events:
Wings of the North AirExpo
The Wings of the North Museum offers the Aviation Merit Badge as a part of the AirExpo held at Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie each July. Merit Badge participants and their families receive discounted admission to the AirExpo as a part of the event. Merit Badge instruction is provided by museum volunteers and subject matter experts. This unique event allows Scouts to complete the entire Aviation Merit Badge and provides a fun activity for the entire family. Since 2017, this event has been responsible for 40% of all Aviation Merit Badges earned in Northern Scouting. Special thanks to the Wings of the North Museum, and their continued support of Scouting and youth education!
2023 Event Coming Soon
Minnesota Pilots Association - Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering
The Minnesota Pilots Association offers the Aviation Merit Badge as a part of the Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering (GMAG) held at Buffalo Municipal Airport in Buffalo each May. Merit Badge participants and families can enjoy GMAG and the onsite exhibits while participating in the course. Merit Badge instruction is provided by licensed pilots and has often featured advisors from two of Northern Star Scouting’s Aviation Exploring Posts.
Interested in Aviation Exploring, or want to learn more about Northern Star Scouting’s two aviation-related Posts? Visit: https://explorenow.org/.
2023 Event Coming Soon
Civil Air Patrol - North Hennepin Squadron
The Civil Air Patrol-North Hennepin Squadron periodically offers Merit Badge Days for area Scouts at Crystal Airport in the west metro. Class sizes are normally around 20 Scouts and are taught by members of the North Hennepin Squadron. Traditionally, Merit Badge events offered by the North Hennepin Squadron have been held in the Spring between March and May. Special thanks to the Cadets and Senior Members of the North Hennepin Squadron for offering this opportunity to Northern Star Scouting youth!
The Civil Air Patrol is a public service organization that also serves as an Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. The North Hennepin Squadron is a local entity, similar to a Scouting unit, that fulfills the mission of the Civil Air Patrol in our community. Consisting of both Cadet (youth), and Senior (adult) programs, the Civil Air Patrol seeks to support three missions in providing for aerospace education, emergency services, and leadership and youth development through the Cadet program. More information about the Civil Air Patrol-North Hennepin Squadron can be found here: https://northhennepin.cap.gov/.
Click Here for Upcoming Events and Registration
Minneapolis Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee
The Minneapolis Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee periodically offers Merit Badge Days for area Scouts at their training facility in St. Michael. Class sizes are normally around 25 Scouts and are taught by trained electricians that serve as instructors at the facility. In addition to covering the Merit Badge requirements, Scouts will have the opportunity to experience on-site training labs for a truly hands-on program. Traditionally, Merit Badge events offered by the Minneapolis Electrical JATC have been held around January. Special thanks to the Minneapolis Electrical JATC for their work in providing program to area Scouts! In 2022, the Minneapolis Electrical JATC will be offering session on March 5th, June 11th, and November 11th. Online registration is available now, here: https://scoutingevent.com/250-electricitymbd2022.
Registration For 2023 Events Coming Soon
The Minneapolis Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) is a non-profit organization jointly sponsored by Minneapolis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and Local Union 292 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The Minneapolis JATC offers continuing education for electricians, as well as a five-year apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program offered by the Minneapolis JATC is registered through the Minnesota Department of Labor and consists of both on-the-job training and classroom education. More information about the Minneapolis JATC and their programs can be found here:
https://mplsjatc.org/.
Lynnes Welding Training
Lynnes Welding Training in Ramsey has been providing Merit Badge experiences to Scouts at their Fargo, North Dakota location for years. With the opening of their new location in Ramsey, Minnesota, Dave Lynnes aims to introduce Scouts in Northern Star Scouting to the welding trade, and the careers available in that field. Taking a hands-on approach, Lynnes Welding Training will provide expert instructors as well as equipment to Scouts participating in the course. In addition to youth participants, Lynnes Welding Training will also have a few slots for adult participants. Events are limited to 12 Scouts and 4 adults. More information about the event, and the required clothing list will be published when registration is available. Want to learn more about Lynnes Welding Training and their offerings? Visit: https://learntoweld.com/ramsey/.. Special thanks to Dave Lynnes and his volunteer team for offering the opportunity for area Scouts to learn about the welding trade!
2023 Dates Being Scheduled
Ten Ring
Ten Ring, working with the Rapids Archery Club and Beaverbrook Sportsmen's Club are offering Scouts the opportunity to earn their Archery or Rifle Merit Badges during weekend events in the Winter and Spring of 2023. Merit Badge courses are designed to cover the entire Merit Badge in a single day session. Scouts that currently have a partial in either Merit Badge can communicate their open requirements in advance to complete their Merit Badge coursework. See the link below for more information.
Click Here to Find Out More About 2023 Offerings
St. Paul College
On Saturday November 12th, St. Paul College will be offering 7 different Merit Badge courses, including Chemistry, Composite Materials, Drafting, Health Care Professions, Truck Transportation, Welding and Woodwork. St. Paul College staff as well as Scouting volunteers will support the course instruction, while using St. Paul College's state-of-the-art facilities. Check out the registration link below for more information and registration.
2023 Dates Being Scheduled
Northwest Coin Club
The Northwest Coin Club offers annual opportunities to earn the Coin Collecting Merit Badge during a single-day session. Founded in 1934, the Northwest Coin Club is the oldest numismatic club in the Twin Cities. The Northwest Coin Club's next offering will be held on Saturday March 18, 2023. The event will be held at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Park. Check-in begins at 8:30AM, with the course to run from 9AM until 1:30-2PM in the afternoon. Some prerequisites are required and registration is limited, so please check out the link to the website for more information and instructions on how to sign-up. Special thanks to the Northwest Coin Club for sharing this opportunity to area Scouts!
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