January Service Dates You Need to Know About
- Michael D
- Dec 17, 2025
- 4 min read
January is a great month to focus on learning new skills and completing important merit badges. Whether you are a Scout looking to advance or a parent supporting your Scout’s journey, knowing the service dates for January can help you plan ahead. This post highlights key merit badge sessions available in January, including Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the Community, and Cooking. Each offers unique opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute to your community.
Citizenship in Society by Dr. Dadez
One of the standout sessions this January is the Citizenship in Society merit badge, taught by Dr. Dadez, a former University President. This class is offered on three dates: December 28th, January 11th, and January 25th. Each session lasts 2 hours and is designed to help Scouts understand important social concepts like diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership.
What You Will Learn
This merit badge focuses on how Scouts can be leaders and upstanders in their communities. You will explore terms such as:
Identities
Inclusion
Diversity
Discrimination
Equity
Ethical Leadership
Equality
Upstander
Before attending, Scouts should research these terms to be ready for discussions during the session. The class includes breakout rooms where requirements 4, 5, and 9 are completed together. Other requirements are done before or after the session.
Why This Merit Badge Matters
Understanding these social concepts is essential for Scouts who want to make a positive impact. The badge encourages Scouts to think about how they can help others and lead with fairness and respect. It’s a chance to build skills that go beyond Scouting and into everyday life.
Important Details
Scouts must discuss participation with their unit leader before registering.
Upon completion, Scouts receive a digital blue card signed by the merit badge counselor.
More sessions will be posted in February on January 16th.
For more information and to register, visit the Citizenship in Society by Dr. Dadez page.
Citizenship in the Community
Another valuable session this January is the Citizenship in the Community merit badge. This class is available on January 11th and January 31st, also lasting 2 hours. It focuses on what it means to be a good citizen in your local community.
What You Need to Do Before the Class
Some requirements must be completed before attending:
Requirement #1: Be ready to discuss what citizenship means to you and how you can be a good citizen.
Requirement #5: Watch one of three movies with a parent’s permission: It’s a Wonderful Life, Remember the Titans, or Robin Hood. Be prepared to share what you learned about community values.
Requirement #7: Complete eight hours of volunteer service and be ready to talk about your experience.
What Happens During the Session
During the class, Scouts will work on requirements 1, 5, and 7. Other requirements can be completed before or up to three months after the session.
Why This Badge Is Important
This merit badge helps Scouts connect with their community and understand their role in making it better. Volunteering and reflecting on citizenship help build responsibility and leadership skills.
Key Points to Remember
Scouts need approval from their unit leader before registering.
After completing all requirements, Scouts receive a digital blue card.
Additional sessions will be announced in February on January 16th.
Learn more and sign up at the Citizenship in the Community page.
Cooking Merit Badge on January 25th
For Scouts interested in practical skills, the Cooking merit badge session on January 25th is a great choice. This 2-hour class requires Scouts to complete cooking activities before attending.
What You Need to Do Before the Class
Scouts must cook meals during camp or hikes and have their Scoutmaster sign off on the work.
Upload a screenshot or file signed by the Scoutmaster to confirm the cooking was done.
Complete the online prework available through a special form.
Why Prework Matters
The Cooking merit badge focuses on real-life skills. Scouts must show they can plan and prepare meals safely and effectively. The session itself will cover important cooking knowledge and answer questions.
Important Notes
Participation during the session is required to receive the blue card.
The Zoom link for the session will be sent to the email used for registration. Check spam or junk folders if you don’t see it.
For full details and registration, visit the Cooking merit badge page.
Planning for February and Beyond
If you miss a January session or want to take more badges, keep an eye out for February dates. New sessions for Citizenship in Society and Citizenship in the Community will be posted on January 16th. Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss out on these valuable learning opportunities.
Final Thoughts
January offers a variety of merit badge sessions that help Scouts grow in leadership, community awareness, and practical skills. Whether you choose Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the Community, or Cooking, each class provides a chance to learn, serve, and earn recognition.
Make sure to prepare for the sessions by completing the required prework and discussing participation with your unit leader. This will help you get the most out of the experience and earn your blue card smoothly.
Start planning your January merit badge journey today by visiting the official pages:
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