# Scoutingevent.com (Black Pug) feature request / proof of concept **URL:** \ **Category:** Technology Strategy and Plans\ **Tags:** merit-badges, black-pug, summer-camp\ **Created:** [April 7, 2026, 6:24am UTC](https://discussions.scouting.org/t/scoutingevent-com-black-pug-feature-request-proof-of-concept/510102 "2026-04-07T06:24:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ScottHiemstra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@ScottHiemstra](https://discussions.scouting.org/u/ScottHiemstra)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2026, 6:24am UTC](https://discussions.scouting.org/t/scoutingevent-com-black-pug-feature-request-proof-of-concept/510102/1 "2026-04-07T06:24:21Z")
## Rethinking Merit Badge Scheduling — Proof of Concept If you’ve ever been a unit leader staring at your screen at 6:00 AM on merit badge selection morning, frantically clicking through Scoutingevent trying to grab Swimming before it fills up — while also trying to schedule 30 other scouts without creating time conflicts — you know the pain. The current approach works, and Scoutingevent does a great job with camp registration overall. But the merit badge scheduling piece has always felt like a free-for-all. Larger units are at a real disadvantage, and by the time you get one scout’s schedule sorted out, three activities you needed for the next scout are already full. **Possibly a better way.** I built a proof of concept that takes a different approach: **preference-based auto-scheduling**. Instead of leaders competing for slots in real time: - Each scout submits ranked preferences _“I want Swimming 1st, Rifle Shooting 2nd, Robotics 3rd”_ - An algorithm assigns everyone at once (respecting capacity limits, time conflicts, and preference priority) - A buddy system keeps scouts from the same unit together at the same program area and time block - Leaders can review results, lock schedules, make adjustments, or re-run as needed The app also includes: - Visual schedule grids - A “Where Are My Scouts?” roster report - A fill option for scouts who want a full schedule but don’t have strong preferences for every block This is not meant to replace Scoutingevent — it doesn’t touch authentication, registration, payments, or anything else that platform already handles well. This is focused entirely on showing that the scheduling piece might work better with an algorithm-driven approach. The whole thing is open source and runs with Docker (one command to start). It’s pre-loaded with the 2026 camp schedule from my Council Summer Camp at Heritage Reservation in the Laurel Highlands Council, and includes sample data so you can try it out immediately: [https://github.com/scott-hiemstra/ScoutCampScheduler](https://scout%20camp%20scheduler%20-%20proof%20of%20concept%20on%20github) Feedback is welcome. ---
**Author:** ![Stephen\_Hornak](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/scouting/user_avatar/discussions.scouting.org/stephen_hornak/32/16282_2.png) [@Stephen\_Hornak](https://discussions.scouting.org/u/Stephen_Hornak)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2026, 7:50am UTC](https://discussions.scouting.org/t/scoutingevent-com-black-pug-feature-request-proof-of-concept/510102/2 "2026-04-07T07:50:18Z")
@ScottHiemstra - you do realize that black pug is NOT scoutbook nor a scouting america product. If you want black pug enhanced pitch this to them > **[Black Pug Software | Scouting America Solutions](https://247scouting.com/Contact)** > > Black Pug Software - Scouting America Solutions ---
**Author:** ![Stephen\_Hornak](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/scouting/user_avatar/discussions.scouting.org/stephen_hornak/32/16282_2.png) [@Stephen\_Hornak](https://discussions.scouting.org/u/Stephen_Hornak)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2026, 9:03am UTC](https://discussions.scouting.org/t/scoutingevent-com-black-pug-feature-request-proof-of-concept/510102/3 "2026-04-07T09:03:24Z")
@ScottHiemstra - here is their main page > **[Black Pug Software | Scouting America Solutions](https://247scouting.com/)** > > Black Pug Software - Scouting America Solutions They provide services to councils just like Tentaroo, and DoubleKnot ---
**Author:** ![ScottHiemstra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@ScottHiemstra](https://discussions.scouting.org/u/ScottHiemstra)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2026, 1:02pm UTC](https://discussions.scouting.org/t/scoutingevent-com-black-pug-feature-request-proof-of-concept/510102/4 "2026-04-07T13:02:44Z")
I was not aware that it was not a scouting america product, I’ll share it with them. Thank you, Scott