Boy Scouts Set for Merit Badge University at York High School Feb. 23

Attaining rank of Eagle Scout at least 21 merit badges in the time it takes a scout to complete all Boy Scout ranks, from Tenderfoot to Life Scout. With busy schedules, this number can sometimes seem rather difficult to reach.

Scouts in fifth grade through high school looking to get a leg up on their merit badge count are invited to participate in Merit Badge University, hosted by the Potowatomi District, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, York High School, 355 W. St. Charles Road.

The all-day event, which began as an Elmhurst-only event 16 years ago, now attracts some 1,300 Scouts from all over the Chicago area—and even from other states.

The idea is to get the kids interested in careers.

Scouts can choose to work on up to four badges from a selection of more than 90 topics including astronomy, chess, computers, electronics, engineering, geocaching, inventing and more. These topics are also the driver to the Boy Scouts of America’s Nova Awards program, its new STEM-related initiative. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.

Scouts are able to work with more than 300 merit badge counselors, receive the official MBU 2013 patch, enjoy a hot lunch and continue on a path of lifelong learning.   

Contact Keith Miller at MeritBadgeU@aol.com for more information.