EMU Today

YPSILANTI — The Michigan Crossroads Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Eastern Michigan University chapter of Alpha Phi Omega fraternity hosted Merit Badge Day on Saturday, March 9. The event welcomed more than 200 boys and girls scouts aged 11 to 17 and was a platform for skill-building and exploration.

The Boy Scouts, now known as Scouts BSA and inclusive of boys and girls, have more than 130 merit badges. Event attendees enriched their knowledge by participating in a diverse range of twenty merit badges, from art to weather. These badges are important for advancing in rank,  with some being prerequisites for achieving the esteemed Eagle Scout rank.

"The EMU Merit Badge Day has a long history, and I am glad that after the pandemic, we were once again able to bring hundreds of Scouts to campus to earn merit badges that will teach them valuable life skills and give them knowledge that will help them become well-rounded adults and leaders,” said Chris Gellasch, EMU associate professor and adult leader in Boy Scout Troop 1 in Ann Arbor. “As an Eagle Scout myself and the father of an Eagle Scout, I am proud to bring together EMU and Scouting at this event."

The event delved into various industries, emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Through engaging activities and workshops led by dedicated student and faculty volunteers, scouts were empowered to earn up to two merit badges.

Gellasch, who participated in the event last year with Hannah Blatchford and ran the geology merit badge workshop, recruited more professors because he believes it provides great exposure to EMU and hopes to get more faculty involved in teaching merit badges to scouts. In addition to student volunteers, the following professors led merit badge workshops: Steven Backues, Hannah Blatchford, Serena Poli, and Tom Kovacs.

“It is a great way to give back to the community and our great EMU people, programs, and facilities,” said Gellasch. In a few years, many of these scouts will be applying to colleges, giving them a unique way to experience EMU.” 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.