Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) recently hosted its inaugural Merit Badge College, welcoming over 100 enthusiastic participants from Scouting America, Daniel Webster Council, on October 26th. Ranging in age from 11 to 17, these young leaders traveled from as far as Rhode Island and Vermont to take part. This all-day event provided an opportunity for attendees to earn merit badges through hands-on learning experiences with LRCC faculty and merit badge counselors.
The program featured a diverse array of sessions aligned with LRCC’s academic offerings, including Graphic Arts, Robotics, Digital Technology, First Aid, and Automotive. This collaboration not only inspired future leaders but also showcased the LRCC campus, highlighting the valuable skills and opportunities available at community college.
Participants kicked off the day with check-in and a warm welcome before diving into morning and afternoon sessions. A lunch break allowed them to recharge and connect with fellow attendees, while the day wrapped up with a session to finalize badge requirements.
“We are excited to partner with Scouting America to provide this hands-on learning experience,” said Shawna Young, Director of Admissions & Enrollment at LRCC. “This event not only highlights our academic programs and facilities but also fosters community engagement, inspiring young minds to explore the possibilities that community college has to offer.”
To ensure robust participation, the Scouting America Council actively promoted the event to families. The success of this inaugural gathering, marked by the earning of 170 merit badges, paves the way for an even larger event planned for summer 2025.
