Concordia hosts inaugural Merit Badge University

Almost two hundred boy scouts aged 11-17 gathered in Seward as Concordia hosted its inaugural Merit Badge University and Adult Training Day on Saturday, Oct. 22, in cooperation with the Boy Scouts of America. The event allowed scouts to work on merit badges they wouldn’t normally have a chance to obtain.

The event was the brain child of Troop 256 Scoutmaster Kevin Potratz, who works with technology at Concordia, and Jared Reimers, district executive for the Cornhusker Council.

“The goal was to get the boys to begin badges Concordia had unique experience or facilities to provide,” said Potratz. “Where else are they going to be able to throw a pot on a potter’s wheel in the morning and blow stuff up in chemistry in the afternoon? Concordia’s resources, both human and physical are unique. They were able to provide exposure to a wide range of topics that most scouts cannot find in their home town.”

Most of the instruction offered to the scouts was provided by Concordia faculty. Troops were given the opportunity to work on badges in 25 different skill areas such as citizenship, nuclear science, graphic arts, geocaching and public speaking.

Training sessions for the 74 adults who attended also were available. These included CPR and AED training, outdoor skills, youth protection and scout-specific leader training.

Building on this year's success, plans are in the works for next year’s Merit Badge University.