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The Merit Badge Rally will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Heintz Center, located at 1956 Collegeview Rd E, Rochester, MN. This one-day event gathers Scouts and volunteers to work through a selection of merit badges and leader trainings with the goal of advancing rank and skills in a single, well-organized day. Scouts who complete the listed pre-requisites prior to arrival are much more likely to finish their chosen badges during the rally. Please note that the Order of the Arrow will operate a snack stand in the Commons area beginning at 8am, offering refreshments throughout the day.
Registration and what to bring
Registration opens on Tuesday, February 17th @ 7AM. On the morning of the rally, check-in runs from 7:00am–8:00am, followed by an opening assembly at 8:00am–8:30am. Scouts should bring a printed copy of any worksheets tied to their badge, writing implements, and any tools or equipment noted in the class description. Many instructors require completed pre-requisites before class; these are communicated in the class details and via counselor email. Leaders and parents are asked to confirm that Scouts start prerequisites as soon as they sign up to avoid incomplete work on event day.
Event schedule and flow
The day follows a clear timeline designed to maximize classroom time: 8:35am–11:30am for morning merit badge sessions, a lunch break from 12:00pm–12:45pm, and afternoon sessions from 1:00pm–4:00pm. Closing assembly and check-out at the registration table occur from 4:00pm–5:00pm, with cleanup and departure planned between 5:00pm–6:00pm. If a Scout is enrolled in a class that requires a signed document—such as the welding course—parents must hand in the signed waiver during check-in; without it the Scout cannot attend that session. Volunteers will staff rooms throughout the day to assist with transitions and questions.
Classes, rooms, and special labs
The rally will offer a broad mix of merit badges and trainings across the building. Available sessions include Citizenship in Community (Rm#H1113), Communications (Rm#H1424), Digital Technology (Rm#1422), Dog Care (Rm H1413), Drafting (Rm#1411), and First Aid (Rm#1418). Additional offerings are Journalism and Leader specific training in Rm#H1203, a Life Skills Test Lab in Rm#1415, Personal Management in Rm#H1113, Photography in Rm#H1440, Pulp & Paper and Soil & Water Conservation in Rm#H1109, Traffic Safety in Rm#H1440, Weather in Rm#H1106, and specialized shops such as Welding in Rm#H1110 and Woodcarving in Rm#H1146.
Welding waiver and shop safety
The welding session takes place in the designated welding lab (Rm#H1110) and requires extra paperwork: parents must complete and sign a waiver allowing their Scout to participate. Copies of this waiver should be printed, signed, and handed in at check-in; instructors will not permit attendance without the signed form. Similarly, the woodcarving shop (Rm#H1146) and other hands-on labs expect Scouts to follow safety instructions and bring any specified safety gear. Failure to provide required documentation or to follow safety protocols will prevent participation in those classes.
Position-specific training for leaders
On the same day, Joel Earl will present a Scoutmaster & Asst. Scoutmaster position-specific training from 9:00am–3:00pm in Rm#H1203, with a lunch break at noon. There is no cost for this course; interested leaders should register to secure a spot. The session covers role responsibilities and practical leadership skills, and it is intended for Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters who need to complete their position-specific requirements. For any questions about classes or counselor contact details, reach out to the listed class counselor emails in the class information packet.