About Scouting University

Every year on the first Saturday in March, the Beta Rho chapter of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville hosts Scouting University.  The idea behind Scouting University is to allow area Boy and Girl Scouts a chance to earn merit badges or interest project badges that might be difficult to earn in their communities.  The event also provides Scouts with an opportunity to experience the university environment at one of the best college towns in the area. 

General Information

This year, the tradition continues.  Held on March 7th, 2009, this will be Beta Rho’s 17th Scouting University. The attendance for Scouting University has increased exponentially with each successive year, and this year will be no exception.  Last year, we hosted more than 600 Boy and Girl Scouts and taught over 28 merit and interest project badges.  As always our goals for Scouting U are high, and this year is no exception!
Scouting University is an all day event.  Plan to check-in at 7:15 A.M. and for ceremonies to close at approximately 5:00 P.M.  We will teach a variety of merit badges and interest project badges throughout the day, many for which all requirements will be completed.  There are however a few merit badges that will not be finished at Scouting University.  We’ve noted this in several areas (including the registration form) and have put together requirement lists for every merit badge we plan on offering.  Boy Scouts will still have the option of signing up for two half-day classes. 
Both Boy and Girl Scouts will attend classes during the day.  We encourage Scoutmasters or those who travel with Scouts to attend the classes to help maintain order within the classrooms (if they do not plan on participating in adult leader training).  Even without additional help, we will still have “two deep leadership” in all classrooms at all times. 
Like last year, fees this year will be $7 for each Scout that registers early (prior to February 1).  After February 1 (including the day of the event), the fee will be $10 for each Scout.  Scouts that register on the day of the event will only be allowed to join open classes, so we encourage you to register early. 
Included in the registration fee will be a patch that you will receive the day of the event.  It also helps to cover material costs as well as room and building reservations.  We assure you that Scouting University is not run by our chapter to earn a profit.  The event is our largest community service project of the year and the income from the event is used solely to fund the next year’s Scouting University.
Note: Lunch will NOT be provided to scouts that attend the event.  Please make arrangements for Scouts and those that travel with your group to bring their own lunch.  Scouts will NOT be released from their classes to have tailgate lunches with their Troops.
Click here for a map of the campus.