A Weekend of Badges and Adventure: MMA Hosts 2025 Merit Badge University

Missouri Military Academy (MMA) hosted its annual Scouting America Merit Badge University from March 21-23, 2025. The event provided Scouts with opportunities to earn merit badges while engaging in hands-on learning experiences across MMA’s 288-acre campus.

This year, over 500 Scouts participated, with 206 Scouts taking merit badge classes and 208 campers staying on campus. The event attracted Scouts from six different states — Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Arkansas, Illinois and Kansas — and represented 10 different councils.

Throughout the weekend, Scouts, including cadets from MMA’s Scout Troop 1889, completed merit badge requirements with support from MMA staff, faculty and local and regional Scout volunteers. Activities took place in diverse locations across campus, including the rappel tower, indoor swimming pool, rifle range and stables.

More than 30 different merit badges were available, covering a wide range of skills and interests. Scouts had the opportunity to earn badges in fly fishing, geocaching, horsemanship, photography, public speaking, art, archery, animal science, radio, swimming, chemistry, climbing, digital technology, engineering, rifle shooting, fingerprinting and more.

Scout families arrived on Friday evening, March 21, with many troops choosing to camp on campus as part of the experience. While activities officially concluded on Saturday at 4:00 p.m., some troops remained to camp through the weekend.

For over 100 years, both Missouri Military Academy and Scouting America have helped young men develop academic, leadership and character-building skills. MMA cadets can join Scout Troop 1889, named in honor of the Academy’s founding year, and participate in challenging experiences that reinforce leadership and personal growth. MMA’s structured environment provided the discipline, consistency and camaraderie to help Scouts advance while strengthening their connection to the MMA brotherhood.

Below, the MMA Fusileers drill team shared an exhibition performance with the Scouts during the MBU.