Tours, Programs, and Badge Workshops for Scouts of All Ages!
Scout BSA Merit Badge Programs
Scout BSA Merit Badge Programs
Scout Merit Badge Programs are intensive, all-day programs for Grades 5 and up that allow the Scout to complete all requirements for the Aviation and Weather Merit Badge. Individual Scouts or small groups of Scouts from the same Troop may join one of the many open enrollment dates offered throughout the year, and Troops of 12 or more can make a special reservation for additional dates. All registrations are handled through the Hiller Aviation Museum.
Scouts may complete all requirements for their Aviation Badge in a single day. Scouts joining the Weather Badge program will need to complete a week of weather observations using a weather station built during the program and submit the results to the Museum by mail to complete the last requirement.
Programs include the following:
- Admission to the Hiller Aviation Museum
- Advanced lab activities in the badge specialty, including aerodynamics and meteorology
- Content presentations and workshops in an aviation-themed environment
- Flight Simulation missions in the Flight Sim Zone
There are no prerequsites for either the Aviation or the Weather MB program. Just show up ready to learn and have fun!
On the day of your program, wear your uniform (Class A or B okay) and bring a lunch!
Aviation Merit Badge Workshops
$63 per Scout
Aviation Merit Badge Info
The in-person Aviation Merit Badge program allows Scouts to complete their requirements in an immersive aviation environment. Scouts use Hiller Aviation Museum exhibits and aircraft to satisfy the various requirements for the Aviation Merit Badge, including hands-on aircraft checkout and a realistic flight simulation session.
Scouts enrolled in an upcoming Aviation Merit Badge program may wish to review the Aviation Badge Study Guide Workbook prior to their program date.
There are no prerequsites. Just show up ready to learn and have fun!
Program Dates
9:30 AM – 4 PM
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Availability: YES
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Availability: YES
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Availability: YES
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Availability: YES
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Availability: YES
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Availability: YES
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Availability: YES
Before program:
- Fill out blue card with Scout & Hiller information and Aviation requirement #s. See the Blue Card instructions slides from the program.
- Here is a pre-filled Aviation Blue Card (with Hiller information) you can print and bring with you.
- Hiller will have extra printed blue cards available onsite.
During program:
- Bring your Aviation MB Study Guide Workbook. Taking notes during the program using the workbook will help guide the scouts through each requirement.
Scouts will leave the program with a fully endorsed Aviation blue card.
Weather Merit Badge Workshops
$69 per Scout
Weather Merit Badge Info
Weather Merit Badge participants complete most of the requirements for the Weather Merit Badge onsite at the Hiller Aviation Museum.
Special attention is given to impacts of weather on private and commercial flight, and Scouts complete a challenging flight simulation in different instrument meteorological conditions as part of their program.
There are no prerequsites for the program. Just show up ready to learn and have fun!
Homework: Scouts completing the on-site Weather Merit Badge program must give a weather safety talk to their family members following their program, and must also conduct a seven-day series of weather observations using a weather station that will be constructed on the program date. Confirmation of the safety talk and weather observation data collected must be submitted via US Mail to Hiller Aviation Museum following the program for final endorsement of blue card.
Program Dates
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Availability: YES
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Availability: YES
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Availability: YES
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Availability: YES
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Availability: YES
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Availability: YES
Before program:
- Fill out blue card with Scout & Hiller information and Weather requirement #s. See the Blue Card instructions slides from the program.
- Here is a pre-filled Weather Blue Card (with Hiller information) you can print and bring with you.
- Hiller will have extra printed blue cards available onsite.
During program:
- Bring your Weather MB Study Guide Workbook. Taking notes during the program using the workbook will help guide the scouts through each requirement.
After program:
- Complete requirements 2 and 9A. Submit homework for review and final blue card endorsements. Homework instructions and resources can be found on our Weather MB homework page.
Merit Badge Registration and Fees
Registration fees must be paid at the time of enrollment and pre-registration is required. Space is limited and all registrations are subject to confirmation.
Cancellations and changes must be made at least seven days prior to the program. Refunds and changes are subject to a $10 processing fee per scout per program. No refund for cancellations made fewer than seven days in advance.
Companions
The Merit Badge programs are a drop-off program. Adults are welcome but not required to remain onsite.
Any Adults staying onsite and/or joining in-person programs will be admitted at the discounted rate of $12/person. Adult admission is not charged together with Merit Badge registration, but must be paid in person on the day of the program.
Online Registration
To register online, use our online registration system. Registrations and payments can only be accepted for programs with spots available.
Waitlist
If a program is full, you may use the online registration system and select to be added to the waitlist. Payment is not collected for waitlisted scouts.
Mail/Fax/In-Person Registration
Download the Merit Badge Registration Form and return to the Museum by mail, fax, email, or in person:
Hiller Aviation Museum
Attn: Merit Badge Program
601 Skyway Road
San Carlos, CA 94070
Fax (650) 654-0220
education@hiller.org
Paper registrations will be processed and confirmed via email within 3 business days of submission. Note that space for Merit Badge programs is limited and individual registrations cannot be confirmed until processed. Online enrollment is strongly recommended for programs scheduled within the next 7 days.
Food
Scouts should bring a lunch and snack.
Please note that no food service is available except for limited packaged snacks and drinks available at the Museum Gift Shop. Outside food and drinks are welcome and may be consumed outside or in the lobby only. (No food inside the Gift Shop or Museum Gallery).
There is a Starbucks located 2 buildings over from the Museum. Scouts must have written permission from a parent or guardian to leave the Museum during lunch to eat at an offsite location. Permission can be indicated in the registration form or by email to education@hiller.org.
More Information
Group rates and additional dates are available for Scout groups of 12 or more. Contact the Education Department at (650) 654-0200 x 219 or education@hiller.org for more information.
