Johnson College will host over 150 Scouts during the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council Boy Scouts of America’s 28th annual Merit Badge College on Saturday, January 23, 2027, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on its campus in Scranton, PA.

Merit Badge College is a special advancement program available to all Northeastern Pennsylvania Scouts holding a rank of 1st class or above. Through the pre-registration process, scouts enroll in one to four courses from a slate of nearly 25 different Merit Badge offerings, such as Automotive Maintenance, Electronics, Chemistry, Welding, Digital Technology, Woodwork, Citizenship, Business, Metalwork, and many more. Classes range from 2 to 6 hours. Volunteers from Johnson College’s faculty, staff, and Boy Scout Leaders facilitate them, selected for their accomplishments as professionals or experts in the field.

Merit Badges are earned by Scouts only through the completion of designated prerequisites, active participation, and demonstrated knowledge of the specific material. This event helps Scouts gain understanding and make progress in their Scouting advancement. It also affords opportunities to meet other Scouts and adults throughout the area and get a real taste of a collegiate atmosphere.