Over the course of the day, Scouts had the opportunity to take classes in topics such as sustainability, weather, forestry, emergency preparedness, electronics, and chemistry to earn up to two merit badges. With sessions being taught all over the Hill, Scouts and adult leaders were able to explore the historic 1330-acre campus and learn from students, faculty, and members of the Hampden-Sydney community.
“Merit Badge Day was a huge success,” says biology and environmental studies major William Gardner ’25, who taught environmental science. “The Scouts were so excited, so I taught the material by matching their energy. I paced around the room while teaching about recycling and pollution and incorporated corny jokes throughout to keep their attention.”
Being a Boy Scout himself, William understood the challenges of engaging everyone and making the class fun. Soon after settling in, William took the Scouts outside for an experiment. “They started to ask great questions, write down notes, and show big smiles,” William says. “It was great seeing the Scouts go from being shy to leaving loud and happy with new friends.” William noted that the College provided an excellent environment for the session and looks forward to the next Merit Badge College Day.
The day was organized by Director of High Adventure Scott Schmolesky. “Overall, we had a really good day,” Schmolesky says. “Outside of the event, it provides Scouts with their first visit to campus.”
And for many Scouts, it isn’t their last visit to Hampden-Sydney. The qualities that enable Scouts to earn scouting’s highest rank of Eagle Scout are many of the same qualities that enable young men to be successful at Hampden-Sydney. So it is no surprise that Hampden-Sydney boasts one of the highest percentages of Eagle Scouts of any college or university. Any Eagle Scout that matriculates at Hampden-Sydney earns a yearly scholarship of $20,000, giving Scouts a chance to continue honing leadership skills and building character on a campus that is tailor-made for outdoorsmen.