DuPage Forest Preserve Merit Badge Opportunities:  As in past years, the DuPage County Forest Preserve operates a program throughout the year where scouts can earn several different merit badges.  Most are over the summer, but some are in the Spring or Fall.  These courses sometimes fill up, so early registration is recommended.  Some courses fully complete the merit badge while others may require some "homework".  Details are in the description for each class.  You can review the list and register here:  https://www.dupageforest.org/things-to-do/group-programs/scouts/merit-badges

*Rifle merit badge opportunity:  Scouts will not be able to earn rifle merit badge at the April campout.  The merit badge is quite involved and requires several sessions keeping score at a shooting range in addition to safety instruction.  (The campout will only have basic range safety instruction and one shooting session for fun.)  The ASC does offer a program for scouts to earn the merit badge by attending 3 full-day sessions in April:  https://aurorasc.org/images/Youth_Programs/2024_ASC_Junior_Rifle.pdf  

MBU Registration - Session 2 - The second session on May 4 is more focussed on outdoor merit badges and takes place at Camp Big Timber near Elgin.  Registration is now open: https://www.scoutingevent.com/127-MBU24