For over 65 years, the Alpha Rho chapter of Alpha Phi Omega has continued its commitment to the Boy Scouts of America and the principles they maintain. Originally founded in 1925 on these ever-important principles, Alpha Phi Omega has long valued its scouting tradition.

Alpha Rho’s Merit Badge program began in Spring 2001 by then Service Vice President Tim Francis. Our first Merit Badge University was a great success – 47 scouts attended and many earned their badges. After Tim graduated, the Merit Badge Program was passed down to Billy Russell. Our second year had over 600 scouts and 60 volunteers. The third year the event was put on in February of 2003 we had over 1000 scouts and 100 volunteers. In the fourth year of the program, Aerospace Engineer John VanOverloop ran the program, over 1300 scouts, 100 Ventures, and over 200 Adults. In 2004 the Merit Badge University was featured in Scouting Magazine. And Merit Badge University has continued to serve the scouts of Texas and surrounding areas since.

Other than the obvious benefit of being THAT much closer to an eagle rank, Merit Badge Universities are a great opportunity for scouts around the United States to visit a neighboring college campus and interact with professionals from around the community. Thank you for helping make this one a great success!

All proceeds of the Merit Badge University go to support the scouts of the Capitol Area Council. This year 33 percent of our proceeds went to develop a scholarship for eagle scouts attending the University of Texas. Another 33 percent went to pay for Eagle Scout Award Medals in the Council. 11 percent went to the Tonkawa Lodge for their support of MBU to help with Lost Pines. 5 percent went to the Capitol Area Council Friends of Scouting Campaign. Another 5 percent went to helping the Spanish Scouting Organization. And 2 percent went to funding local programs of In School Scouting.