Frequently Asked Questions
[For Scouts]
Can my friend who’s not a Scout attend?
Non-scouts can attend Explorations and Seasonal Programs such as Summer Program. Badge Labs, however, are specifically for Scouts only.
Do I get to keep the things I make?
It depends what you make! A drawing on a piece of paper? Absolutely! A chicken burrito? Of course! A LEGO robot? That’s going to have to stay at the Lab for other people to use again.
Do I need to wear my uniform or is class B attire okay?
You are more than welcome to wear your uniform, but Class B Attire is appropriate for all programs at the Adventure Lab. For certain programs (such as Home Repairs, Wood Working, Art, etc), Class B attire is preferred due to the potential mess that the program can make.
Help! I didn’t fully complete the Merit Badge after a Lab. What do I do now?
Don’t fret- we are here to help! At the Adventure Lab, we don’t leave you hanging. We will connect you with a Merit Badge Counselor (typically the one who led the class) and provide you step by step instructions on how to finish the badge in a timely manner.
While we offer programs with the intention to fully complete badges, there are some instances where time, materials, or circumstances can shift the timeline and require additional work outside of the lab. We try our best to complete the majority in the Lab, and make sure we provide clear instructions on how to complete it.
How do I get my blue card?
At the end of Badge Labs and Explorations, you can get your blue card signed off if you bring a physical one. If you didn’t bring a physical one, we will send you a digital one within the following week.
Can you update my ScoutBook with requirements completed at the Lab?
We do not have the necessary access to update ScoutBook. You should bring your physical or digital blue card to your Scout Master or designated Advancement Coordinator for ScoutBook updates.
How can I make sure I complete the Merit Badge?
We typically don’t assign prerequisites, but here are some ways you can be successful in the lab!
Read the Merit Badge book before the Badge Lab
Do you own research on the topics and requirements
Show up ready to learn, participate, and discuss!
Eat a meal before the Lab to be focused and ready to go
Listen carefully and work smart to stay on track
What supplies do I need to bring?
The Adventure Lab provides a majority of the supplies needed for Badge Labs and Explorations. A Scout can attend with very little. but we recommend bringing a notebook, water bottle, and writing utensil. Optional items to bring include a copy of the merit badge book, the merit badge worksheet, your Scout handbook, and a first aid kit.
[For Parents/Guardians]
Why do some Labs cost more than others?
Cost is primarily driven by time and resources. We try to keep costs at a minimum to allow access for all Scouts, but certain Badge Labs and Explorations require more consumable materials than others (for example, Cooking and Chemistry).
If I pay for a Badge Lab and my Scout attends, will my Scout complete the Merit Badge?
Just like all Merit Badges, Scouts must complete the necessary requirements to complete the Merit Badge and receive a blue card. Attendance at a Badge Lab alone does not guarantee a partial or completed blue card. Each Scout is still assessed individually, and it will be up to the Merit Badge Counselor to determine their level of completeness.
Who teaches these programs?
Each of our programs are taught by current Merit Badge Counselors who either work in a related field, or have vast knowledge and experience relating to the Badge. Merit Badge Counselors are guided by the Adventure Lab Director to provide engaging activities to accomplish requirements.
I don’t see any prerequisites! Where are they?
The Adventure Lab strongly believes that Scouts learn the best when given guidance first, rather than having them try to complete requirements on their own. Rather than providing prerequisites, should there be any uncompleted requirements at the end of a Badge Lab or Exploration, we will guide them on how to complete the badge in an asynchronous manner via email.
Still not sure about it? Here’s a real-life example: Sandy was getting ready to come to a Badge Lab and wanted to get ahead. She looked up information on most of the requirements, and expected a completed badge by the end of it. When reviewing her work, the Merit Badge Counselor noticed that she misinterpreted the requirements, and actually did work that wouldn’t count toward the badge. Sandy now feels defeated that her work accounted in nothing, Sandy’s father is now upset that she didn’t get a fully completed badge, and now she still has more work to complete the badge. At the Adventure Lab, we want to mitigate these future frustrations by making sure any work that is contributed to the badge is work that will count!
Is there a place where parents/guardians can wait until the Lab is finished?
Yes! Adults are able to stay in our lobby area during the Badge Labs and Explorations. If you know your Scout would benefit from having an adult in the learning space with them, you are able to sit in on the session, but waiting in the lobby space will promote an independent learning environment.
[For Volunteers]
How do I get involved in teaching at the Lab?
We would love to have you! Each Merit Badge Counselor must complete an Adult BSA application as well as a Merit Badge application and complete Youth Protection Training. If you are interested in teaching, reach out to the Adventure Lab Director (sarah.demetruk@scouting.org) with the Badges or topics you are interested in, and we will get you started on the proper paperwork and training!
My company/business would love to partner with the Adventure Lab! How can I do that?
Our programs thrive from community partners, and we would be honored to partner with you! Interested individuals and organizations should reach out to the Adventure Lab Director, Sarah (sarah.demetruk@scouting.org) to set up a meeting and discuss partnership opportunities.
Do you have more questions? Email Mike Evano at mike.evano@scouting.org.
