Wonder is we could do anything like this here?

Full Story> http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.d.../802110327/1002
Scouts spend a Saturday in class

DEERFIELD -- If strong character builds a strong community and vice versa, it could certainly be said that the Boy Scouts of America is doing its part to make sure Cumberland County's future is bright.
About 275 Scouts and volunteers involved with the Southern New Jersey Council of the Boy Scouts of America came together Saturday at Cumberland County Technical Education Center for Scouting University. The program, which has been running in this area for 12 years, is designed to educate Scouts and solidify both their standings in the Scouting organization and their sense of purpose as citizens.

"Scouting is a game with a purpose," said Stephen Walters Jr., the organization's Cumberland District chairman. "We want these boys to be on track and teach them about their responsibilities to themselves as well as their responsibilities as citizens. Duty to self, duty to others, duty to God."

Various volunteers and professionals were on hand to teach courses throughout the day. Boy Scouts -- from sixth through 12th grades -- had the chance to learn about a wide range of subjects, such as public speaking, emergency preparation, first aid and aviation. Cub Scouts -- those in first to fifth grades -- took courses in computers, chess, basketball, wildlife conservation, physical fitness and other areas.
"A high percentage of these kids find vocations or hobbies through these programs," Walters said. "They're earning merit badges, but it's also not uncommon for them to learn lifelong hobbies from these professionals and teachers."

Saturday's courses were the first of two days' worth of learning, with the second day scheduled for March 1. Between now and then, Scouts are expected to complete assignments, go on field trips and finish up other related activities in their courses of study. For their achievements, Scouts are awarded merit badges and other commendations, allowing them to advance in the Scouting ranks.

Cub Academy Chairwoman Cathy Malone said that Cub Scout attendance for this year's Scouting University was up by about 30.

"We have a lot of kids who came last year," she said, "and they had a great time, so they invited their friends. We have a lot of new registration, and we're always contacting units to tell them about these events. It's very exciting."

This is Scouting University's third year at the tech school, and Walters said the facilities are perfect for the function. "The school's administrators have had open arms to the Scouting community," he said.

Andres Lezcano, 13, who has attended Scouting University in the past, said it's the kind of event he'd love to keep coming back to.

"I want to get merit badges," he said. "I was just in Citizenship of the Nation. We learned a lot about government and stuff like that."

Lezcano, who said he has been involved with the Scouts since around age of 11, is a native of Cape May. A few of his friends also were in attendance.

"Our goal is to make sure these boys all do the right thing when everybody's looking," Walters said, "but, more importantly, we want them to do the right thing when nobody's looking."