This Austin-centric list which suggests resources and locations which may help a troop develop a hands-on, adventurous merit badge program. Please note the inclusion of this list is not necessarily endorsement.
Do you have any resources you wish to share? Please email the Web Admin.
Refer also to the BSA-Sponsored events on the Merit Badge Events page.
Celebrations or festivals in or near Austin:
- AACC Lunar New Year Festival in January or February
- Dragon Boat Festival in April
- AARC CelebrASIA in May
- Travis County Juneteeth or Central Texas Juneteeth in June
- Fredericksburg Oktoberfest or Pflugerville Deutschen Pfest in October
- Round Rock Diwali Festival in October
- San Marcos Sacred Springs Powwow in October
- Mexiarte Museum’s Viva la Vida Festival and Parade in October
- ESB-MACC Day of the Dead Festival in November
- New Braunfels Wurstfest in November
- Austin Celtic Festival in November
- Austin Powwow in November
- ESB-MACC Tamalda in December
Place of worship, school, or other institutions in Austin:
Beef Cattle:
- King Ranch in South Texas
- BRC Ranch out toward Houston
- Natural Pasture Farms in Gause
Dairy:
- The Jersey Barnyard near LaGrange
- Volleman’s Family Farm
Sheep or goat:
- Austin Farm Sanctuary in Paige
- Lone Star Goats in Lampasas
- Natural Pasture Farms in Gause
Avian:
- Blue Star Ranch toward Brenham
- Natural Pasture Farms in Gause
At the Houston Museum of Natural Science Archaeology Merit Badge class, Scouts explore human cultures through the clues they left behind. Examine museum artifacts, complete a mock dig, and create a cuneiform tablet.
Firestone’s Car Care Academy for Youth meets many of the requirements for Girl Scouts of America and Boy Scouts of America merit badges.
The Lone Star Flight Museum near Houston offers a Aviation Merit Badge class a hands-on experience including pre-flight inspection with the small aircraft and flying a route in a flight simulator in real time. Merit badge workshops are offered every second Saturday of each month.
The Travis Audubon offers field trips and classes which may complement the earning of the birding merit badge. These are not merit badge classes.
Moody Gardens offers a Bird Study workshop. Scouts will learn all they need to know about these feather friends and complete requirements needed for their badge through guided bird watching, an animal presentation, and a Rainforest pyramid tour!
Check these organizations for events which may help support the Bird Study merit badge:
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Birding events
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Hawk Watches and Bird Hikes
In-person meetings in Austin which may be approved by your counselor:
Thunderbird’s Service resource may have ideas for charitable service organizations.
National Historic Landmarks in Austin:
National Monuments near Austin:
Units are responsible for ensuring all Guide to Safe Scouting requirements are met. Check Adult Training for upcoming climbing training courses.
Austin Acscent offers instruction at Enchanted Rock to provide participants with solid rock climbing and rapelling techniques and teach critial safety procedures. Qualified BSA Merit Badge Counselors are on staff. Program includes equipment and instruction.
Rock-About offers a guided experience at some of the best climbing destinations in Texas, including Enchanted Rock, Reimer’s Ranch, Mineral Wells State Park, and the Austin Greenbelt. They provide all necessary climbing gear.
Find upcoming Coin Shows at the J Fitz Coin and Currency Shows page and the Coin Zip Texas Coin Shows page.
Visit The Bureau of Engraving & Printing in Fort Worth, Texas.
State and Local Cycling Laws
Bicycle Maintenance
- The Yellow Bike Project typically offers a monthly bicycle maintenance class. They also offer an earn-a-bike program through volunteering hours in their repair shop; no repair experience required.
At the Lone Star Flight Museum hear Houston, take the Engineering Merit Badge worskshop. Learn how the Wright Brothers were master engineers solving multiple problems to invent powered aircraft. Study the properties of materials by performing heat conductivity and energy transfer experiments, disassemble an engine down to the piston to see how the components make it work, and talk to an engineer to learn about the career opportunities for you.
The Boy Scout Environmental Science program will help scouts understand the importance of critical habitats, such as the San Marcos Springs. Scouts will explore various environmental science concepts while learning about the endangered species of Spring Lake. This program is approximately 2.5 hours in length. This program is inspired by The Environmental Science Merit Badge but is not an official badge program and does not meet all badge requirements. Every tour includes a glass-bottom boat ride.
At Moody Gardens, scouts can participate in the Environmental Science merit badge workshop. From history to types of pollution, this badge gives scouts a greater awareness about how important it is to protect the environment around them. Badge requirement activities will be included along with a pyramid tour!
It is possible to request request a staff member of Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) to facilitate a training, serve on a panel, table at an event, or be a guest speaker.
The department also offers the community a basic emergency preparedness training resource: Ready Together. This free, 2-hour course is open to community members, regardless of preparedness knowledge. This class may complement or support the Emergency Preparedness merit badge.
Read about Emergency Prepardness Training for the Public.
The Central Texas Emergency Preparedness Fair is usually held in September.
HSEM hosts monthly pop-up events at a local library.
Austin Fire Department accomodates station visit tours to groups of 30 or fewer. Begin scheduling early because it can take several weeks to coordinate. See their Public Education Services page for how to arrange a visit.
Considering aligning this merit badge with the NFPA Fire Prevention Week in June.
At Moody Gardens, scouts can partcipate in the Fish & Wildlife Management merit badge workshop. Scouts will learn how to conserve and manage our wild resources in this interactive badge! From management practices to threatened species, we discuss the basics of keeping wildlife safe and abundant. An animal presentation and a pyramid tour are included with this badge workshop!
The Texas Honeybee Farm is located just West of Austin off of 290 towards Dripping Springs. Their beekeeping classes may complement the Gardening merit badge. Classes are usually held when the weather is neither too cold nor too hot: usually February through May and September though November.
Check these organizations for events which may help support the Gardening merit badge:
- Beevo Beekeeping Society
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Gardening events
Most of the state and national forests are three to four hours east of Austin. If you’re going that far, consider visiting the Forestry Museum in Lufkin.
National Forests in Texas:
Help your community by participating in the NFPA Wildfire Community Preparedness Day in May.
Innerspace Cavern offers a 2.5 hour merit badge class with all materials. Discussions led by a geologist, using pictures and samples, help the students gain an understanding of the earth, mining, road building, careers, rocks and minerals. Following the class time, students sift through a bag of dirt to find semi-precious gemstones. Using what they find, they start a rock collection which they keep in a craft box. Cave tours are not included, yet are available at a special Scout price.
Visit Inner Space Cavern’s Scout Groups for more information.
At the Houston Museum of Natural Science Geology Merit Badge Class, Scouts examine fossils, explore the history of the Earth and the processes that have shaped it over time. Visit the Hall of Paleontology to see how HMNS preserves and displays fossils.
Local institutions for genealogical research include:
Golf instruction resources:
Par 3 Golf Courses in Austin:
Beginner Disc Golf Courses in Austin:
At Circle Ten’s Trevor Rees-Jones Scout Camp both Guided Trail Rides and Horsemanship Merit Badge classes are available for Scouts BSA Troops and Venturing Crews through the lush pine and hardwood forests of East Texas. Beyond the Badge is open to youth registered in Scouts BSA Troops and Venturing Crews as well as registered adults. Ravines, creeks, and meadow views along with occasional glimpses of deer, raccoon, rabbits, squirrels, and other forest life are some of the features along the trails. No prior riding expierence is necessary.
Visit Circle Ten’s Scouting Event for more information about the 2025 program.
At Moody Gardens, scouts can earn the Insect Study merit badge. During this workshop, scouts will learn all about insect biology, anatomy, and how important they are to the environment! Participants will look forward to fulfilling badge requirements in addition to a guided Rainforest pyramid tour, animal presentation, and more!
Visit Moody Garden’s Education Programs for more information.
The Texas Honeybee Farm is located just West of Austin off of 290 towards Dripping Springs. Their beekeeping classes may complement the Insect Study merit badge. Classes are usually held when the weather is neither too cold nor too hot: usually February through May and September though November.
Visit the Texas Honeybee Farm’s Education for more information.
Check these organizations for events which may help support the Insect Study merit badge:
- Beevo Beekeeping Society
- Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Insect and Pollinator events
- Science Under the Stars at Brackenridge Field Laboratory
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Bug Safaris and Bug-Eat-Bug Hikes
Visit the Edison Museum in Beaumont.
At Moody Gardens, scouts can participate in the Landscape Architecture merit badge workshop. Scouts will put their environmental design skills to the test while completing badge requirements with a Moody Gardens Landscape walk and enjoying a Rainforest pyramid tour!
At Moody Gardens, scouts can earn the Mammal Study merit badge. Scouts will learn everything from mammal classification to biology and complete badge requirements with an included animal presentation and pyramid tour!
Visit Moody Garden’s Education Programs for more information.
Visit the Wildlife Exhibit at the Texas Science and Natural History Museum on UT campus.
Mining exhibits in Texas:
- Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center near Fort Davis
- Llano River Railroad Museum
Mineral exhibits in Texas:
- Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals in the Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Gem and Mineral Gallery at the UT Geology Library
- Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall in the Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Attending local, free music concerts may help complete the Music Merit badge:
- Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park in April through June
- Blues on the Green in June
- Music Under the Stars in June
- Pan Am Hillside Concert series in July and August
Pioneer Farms in Austin provides a fast-paced introductory class qualifies students to complete the Boy Scout Metalwork merit badge. Teaches basic hammer skills, basic ways to work metal with forging, bending and decorative twists, with a small project. Safety training included.
Visit Pioneer Farm’s Scouting Programs for more information.
At Moody Gardens, scouts can earn the Nature merit badge. Scouts will learn to admire the natural world around them while completing their badge requirements and participating in an animal presentation, Nature Trail walk, and pyramid tour!
Visit Moody Garden’s Education Programs for more information.
Visits to the following may help support the Nuclear Science merit badge:
- Nuclear Engineering & Science Center at Texas A&M in College Station
- Nuclear Engineering Teaching Lab at UT Austin
At Moody Gardens, scouts can earn the Oceanography merit badge. From biology to geography, scouts will learn about our oceans first hand and complete requirements needed for their badge while visiting the Aquarium pyramid.
Visit Moody Garden’s Education Programs for more information.
Earn the orienteering merit badge at the Spring-O at Lost Pines Scout Reservation. This is the most fun you’ll EVER have (with a map and compass).
Visit the Spring-O Orienteering Merit Badge Class for more information.
Art Off Center in Taylor provides a unique environment to fulfill the Pottery merit badge. Troops will tour of the facility and we’ll begin with a fascinating discussion of clay–how it was formed and its unique characteristics and historical uses. Additionally, we’ll discuss the various opportunities in the clay fields. Subsequently, Scouts will make a project using pinch, slab, and/or coil building techniques. The pieces will be fired and glazed after the completion of the class. Throwing on the potters’ wheel will also be demonstrated and discussed with the group.
Visit Off Art Center’s Scout Badge Workshop for more information.
A+FCU’s youth financial education team has registered as merit badge counselors for Personal Management Merit Badge. Their team offers multiple classes each year, and parents are welcome to attend with their Scout. Just like with any other merit badge, Scouts need to get approval from their Scoutmaster before starting this class.
Sign up with the Captiol Area Council to be notified when classes become available.
At Moody Gardens, scouts can earn the Plant Science merit badge. This badge immerses scouts into the world of plants and even the science behind how they grow! A Rainforest Pyramid tour is included along with badge requirement activities.
Visit Moody Garden’s Education Programs for more information.
Visits to the following may help support the Plant Science merit badge:
- Barton Springs Mill in Dripping Springs
- Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg
Check these organizations for events which may help support the Plant Science merit badge:
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Science Under the Stars at Brackenridge Field Laboratory
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Wildflower Hikes
The Rosenberg Railroad museum offers a Railroading merit badge workshop.
See the Rosenberg Scouts page for upcoming dates.
At Moody Gardens, scouts can earn the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge. Scouts will learn to identify various local species and complete badge requirements in addition to an animal presentation and Rainforest pyramid tour!
Visit Moody Garden’s Education Programs for more information.
Lost Pines Scout Reservation Summer Camp is proud to offer the SCUBA merit badge, with PADI certification. This program is available for scouts 13 years and older by the start of the camp session they attend. Thursday and Friday mornings, we will arrange to transport the participants offsite for their open water dives.
Find more information at LPSR Summer Camp 2025.
Educational places in Austin (excluding schools) may include:
Often, the Capitol Area Council will set-up a Scouting memorabilia exhibit at the Frank Fickett Center for JOTA/JOTI in October. They may offer a Scouting Heritage class during JOTA/JOTI.
Facilities in which to conduct this merit badge may include:
At Worth Ranch Summer Camp experience the thrill of skiing like never before on our unique artificial ski hill! Perfect for summer fun, Scouts 13 and over can enjoy this innovative slope that offers the excitement of skiing, snowboarding, and sledding in the heat of the Texas summer. Don’t miss your chance to conquer the slopes and create unforgettable memories!
Learn more about the 2025 summer camp.
PS. It’s in Oklahoma, yet the Hale Scout Reservation also has an artificial slope as part of their summer camp!
At Moody Gardens, scouts can earn the Soil and Water Conservation merit badge. Scouts will discover the importance of soil and water in a healthy ecosystem. We will dive into what each means to the environment and how to protect these valuable resources with activities and a guided Rainforest Pyramid tour!
Visit Moody Garden’s Education Programs for more information.
A visit to a local, managed preserve may help complete Soil and Water Conservation merit badge:
Check Tree Folks Events for opportunites which may help enable planting 100 trees.
At Moody Gardens, scouts can earn the Sustainability merit badge. Scouts will learn how to identify the best practices to maintain a healthy planet and complete requirements needed for their badge while enjoying a specialized Moody Gardens Sustainability Walk and pyramid tour.
Visit Moody Garden’s Education Programs for more information.
Attend the Shakespeare in the Park or Zilker Theatre Productions’ Summer Musical at the Zilker Hillside Theater.
Do you need help kick starting the Traffic Safety Merit Badge for your Scouts? The “Arrive Alive” program was started by a Scouting parent and has been working with local schools and law enforcement agencies for years. The program is being adapted to provide your Scouts with the opportunity to complete Traffic Safety requirements 1a, b, c & d in a 45-minute interactive session. Leaders and parents are welcome to join the conversation about how alcohol, drugs, and distractions while operating a motor vehicle or marine vessel can result in tragedy and severe consequences. Hear a real life story that changed four families’ lives forever. And, discuss how Scouts can address awkward or uncomfortable situations by partnering with other Scouts and parents. Arrive Alive is available for unit meetings; contact Tom Crawford at tomcrawford3@earthlink.net.
In Corpus Christi, the Del Mar Merit Badge College which is held once annually usually includes the Truck Transportation and Traffic Safety merit badges as a nearby CDL training facility. Previous sessions have included the opportunity to drive a big rig simulator.
Visit the recent Del Mar Merit Badge College page for the most recent information.
The Alamo Area Council Merit Badge University at St. Mary’s University often is taught at a working, animal hospital.
Watch for upcoming dates on either the Alamo Council Calandar or Thuderbird’s Merit Badge Events.
Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, a not-BSA camp north of Dallas, offers a Primative/Wilderness Survival Skills camp which meets the requirements for the merit badge.
Find upcoming dates on the Camp Tonkawa Survival Skills page.