STC, Boy Scouts Hold Merit Badge College

Southeast Technical College and the Sioux Council Boy Scouts of America teamed up to host the first annual Merit Badge College on Saturday, Nov. 18.

Merit Badge College is open to scouts ages 11-17 and provides the opportunity to earn merit badges in areas of the trades, like plumbing, drafting, automotive technology and welding. The event also provided badge opportunities for business careers, healthcare fields and veterinary science, as well as Eagle Scout required areas like first aid, citizenship in the nation and world.

More than 25 faculty members and several students volunteered their time to provide hands-on activities in their respective academic areas. There were 21 different merit badges offered and over 200 scouts participated in the event.   

“This was an excellent day to help scouts earn merit badges in areas where our college faculty have expertise and it exposes them to multiple career opportunities. The day was well received by participants and scout leaders as well.  The faculty feedback was very positive and we are looking forward to continuing the partnership in the future”, according to faculty member Brian Williams, coordinator of the event.