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:

1. Before the event: Scouts read the merit badge pamphlet, start the worksheet, and complete the prerequisites for each class.
2. August 7, 2027: live, interactive Zoom sessions with counselors and the Scout's crew.
3. The next three weeks: Scouts finish and submit their remaining work. Counselors work with them to complete every requirement.

What if my Scout does not 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 will 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.

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 eight Flight Crews. See the full list on the Crews 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 do not 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 do not 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.

Registration and Cost

When does registration open and close?

Registration is now open! It closes July 31, 2027 at 5 PM Eastern, or earlier if the event fills up. Space Jam 20 sold out early, so do not 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?

Either the scout themselves, a parent/guardian, or a scoutmaster / unit leader can register a scout. If a Scout is under 13, a parent/guardian must fill it out.

What if my Scout is under 13?

Scouts under 13 must have a parent or guardian fill out the registration form.

Can I register a bunch of Scouts at once?

Sure - get in touch with us at [email protected] and we can work with you to register your group en masse rather than manually entering their data one at a time.

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.

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, probably not so much. Every session will have a published AI usage level so everyone knows what to expect.

Not sure which level applies? Ask your counselor before you start.

Community

Is there anything outside of the August 7 event?

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.