Boy Scouts attend 2nd annual merit badge unversity
Friday, October 24, 2008
On Saturday, Oct. 18, Flint Hills Technical College hosted nearly 200 Boy Scouts and volunteer leaders attending a Merit Badge University. The 2008 program followed up on the successes of the 2007 FHTC Merit Badge University by showcasing larger attendance and new course offerings. Another of the major changes from 2007 to 2008 includes the introduction of a scholarship program for Eagle Scouts from the Sojadi District of the Jayhawk Area Council to attend Flint Hills Technical College. The Sojadi District covers the counties of Lyon, Coffey, Osage, Greenwood, and Wabaunsee. This scholarship is funded through the event’s registration fees.
Troop 157, chartered by First Christian Church of Emporia, planned this year’s Merit Badge University with the assistance of the Jayhawk Area Council. Boy Scout troops from Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka, and the Emporia area earned Merit Badges that aren’t traditionally offered at this type of event. The facilities of FHTC proved valuable in offering merit badges such as Auto Mechanics, Horsemanship, Plumbing, Truck Transportation, Electricity, and other technical education-related badges.
In addition to being exposed to the world of technical education, many attending Scouts enrolled in merit badges that are required for them to earn the coveted rank of Eagle Scout. Many community leaders assisted with teaching these merit badges, including City Manager Matt Zimmerman, who taught a Citizenship in the Community class and Rep. Don Hill, who taught a Citizenship in the Nation class.
Troop 157 and the Jayhawk Area Council would like to thank everyone who helped make this event a success for both the Boy Scouts and Flint Hills Technical College. We would also like to encourage local Scouts who are interested in attending FHTC to apply for the scholarship(s) that have been funded by the 2008 FHTC Merit Badge University. Any questions can be directed to Erik McGuire at (620) 481-0910 or Erik.McGuire@scouting.org.