Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find your answer here? Contact Space Jam Mission Control.
The Event
What is Space Jam?
Space Jam is a worldwide virtual STEM merit badge event for Scouts, run by Crew 272. Space Jam 21, "Crew the Future," is on Saturday, August 7, 2027, live on Zoom from 6 AM to 12 AM Eastern. The long day lets Scouts join from around the world, including the Transatlantic and Far East Councils.
Is this a one-day event?
No. Space Jam is not one-day-and-done. Each merit badge happens in three parts:
- Before the event: Scouts read the merit badge pamphlet, start the worksheet, and complete the prerequisites for each class.
- August 7, 2027: live, interactive Zoom sessions with counselors and the Scout's crew.
- The next three weeks: Scouts finish and submit their remaining work. Counselors work with them to complete every requirement.
What if my Scout doesn't finish in three weeks?
Space Jam counselors are committed to helping Scouts finish their merit badges during the three-week work period after the event. When the three weeks end, the event is over and blue cards are processed.
If a Scout needs more time, some counselors may choose to keep working with them through Scoutbook. This is up to each counselor, and not every counselor can do it, so talk with your counselor before the three weeks are up if you think you'll need more time.
A Scout can also take the partial blue card to a local merit badge counselor and finish the remaining requirements with them. Your Scoutmaster can help: they can connect you with a local counselor, and if they are a registered counselor for that badge, they can sign off the rest themselves.
What times will my Scout's classes be?
Every time is shown in your own time zone, so please set it correctly when you register. The registration system uses the time zone on your account to show class times, crew times, and deadlines. Until you log in, times show in US Eastern.
Crews and Merit Badges
What is a crew?
New for Space Jam 21, Scouts join a Flight Crew: three merit badges that build on each other, taught together as one mission to Saturn. There are seven Flight Crews. See the full list on the Registration Info page.
Can my Scout take a fourth merit badge?
Yes. After choosing a crew and a time, a Scout can add one more merit badge, called a Wildcard, from the other classes on offer. Only classes that don't overlap the crew's time are shown.
What if my Scout wants to pick their own badges?
Join Crew Vanguard. Vanguard Scouts skip the crew steps and pick up to four merit badges of their own, as long as the class times don't overlap.
What are Physics and Psychology?
They are new merit badges that Scouting America is still finalizing. We expect both to be available by August 2027.
Where do I find the prerequisites?
Each merit badge's prerequisites are listed on its page in the registration system. Please have them done before August 7 so class time goes to the live activities.
Registration and Cost
When does registration open and close?
Registration opens in November 2026. It closes July 31, 2027 at 5 PM Eastern, or earlier if the event fills up. Space Jam 20 sold out early, so don't wait.
How much does it cost?
- $25 Early-Bird for individuals, November through March, while Early-Bird spots last. Early-Bird may close early.
- $65 for individuals after Early-Bird closes. Includes the event patch.
- $250 for a group. Includes three event patches.
Who fills out the registration?
A parent or guardian registers, not the Scout. Before you start, set up an email address for your Scout and have your Scoutmaster's email ready. Be sure to choose your correct time zone, especially if you live outside US Eastern time, so every class time shows correctly.
In what order does registration happen?
- The parent creates an account, sets the correct time zone, and adds the Scout.
- The parent pays.
- The Scout chooses a crew and a time, then an optional Wildcard badge. Vanguard Scouts go straight to choosing up to four badges.
What's the difference between individual and group registration?
Individuals each follow their own schedule, and we track their badge requirements and blue cards. Groups follow one shared schedule, join each class as a single unit, and need a local unit leader to track requirements and sign blue cards.
Can I get a refund?
Refund requests must be emailed to Space Jam Mission Control at least 30 days before the event. We follow up with payment details within 30 days after the event. A 10% cancellation fee is taken out to cover processing. See the full policy on the Registration Info page.
What if a class is cancelled?
If a merit badge session is cancelled for reasons such as weather, internet or Zoom problems, or illness, we make it up at a later date, as soon as possible. There are no refunds for things beyond our control.
Blue Cards and Patches
How do blue cards work?
For individual registrations, counselors sign off each badge in the registration system once every requirement is complete. Blue cards can then be printed from the registration system or mailed to you.
Does every Scout get a patch?
Yes. Each individual registration includes the Space Jam 21 patch, and each group registration includes three. See past designs on the Patches page.
Using AI
AI is a useful tool for some merit badges and the wrong one for others. The Artificial Intelligence merit badge will use a lot of AI; Bird Study, not so much. So that Scouts and counselors start with the same understanding, Space Jam gives every counselor these four levels to choose from.
A counselor can set one level for a whole crew, a different level for one merit badge, or a specific level for a single requirement. The most specific setting is the one that counts: a requirement's level beats the badge's, and the badge's beats the crew's. Whatever the level, the work must be the Scout's own, and Scouts should be ready to explain any answer to their counselor.
| Level | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1. No AI | Absolutely no AI tools for this work. |
| 2. AI to understand | AI can help you understand a requirement, but you must also use other sources, like the merit badge pamphlet, and write your answers in your own words. |
| 3. AI with your own words | You may use AI, but you must restate everything in your own words and check that it is correct. |
| 4. Anything goes | Use AI however it helps you. |
Not sure which level applies? Ask your counselor before you start.
Community
Is there anything outside of August 7?
Yes. Space Jam has a worldwide community on Discord and Minecraft, and runs free off-season merit badge workshops during the year. Follow us on Facebook for announcements.