For the budding scientist, the world of scouting is rich with exploration, where a curious mind meets imagination. Is there anything more exciting for a 14 year old than to travel to the United States Naval Academy than to learn about Atomic Energy from a student merely 5 or six years older than the scouts, who will soon man one of the nuclear powered submarines credited with protecting our nation’s security.

Welcome to the Naval Academy, located in the heart of Annapolis, capital to the State of Maryland, where America’s finest - master and perfect the art of science. These vibrant, disciplined and devoted young men and women earn specialty degrees in everything scientific, ranging from aerospace engineering to oceanography, and chemistry.

Martin Luther King weekend was once again the backdrop of the United States Naval Academy Merit Badge Jamboree. The event has now been sponsored and run by the University chapter of the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) for 18 years. Current Chapter advisor, John Ertel has been with the program since its inception. "Our midshipmen Eagles were looking for a way to repay their home troops for giving them the preparation and tools necessary for succeeding in the Naval Academy. From this simple idea came the merit badge jamboree," said professor Ertel. "Midshipmen generally invite their home units to come participate. Of course it would probably surprise no one to know that we have had requests from Congressmen and Senators to accept units they recommend and they always find a place here with us," he says with a smile. "Our hope and strategy is to teach merit badges that are more technical in nature. Usually these are not required badges and they are difficult to teach without the facilities an institution like ours can provide."

"I think it’s important to clarify a common misconception. The Naval Academy Jamboree is fully funded by participant registration fees," said professor Ertel. This year’s fees were between $22-$25 for youths and $14 for adults. Registration included two nights camping at nearby YMCA camp Letts, and meals served at the Naval Academy’s own dinning hall.

Program

With 437 eagle scouts on campus, and over 100 of them participating in this year’s NESA event, it is easy to see why the Naval Academy is in a unique position to host this large scale event. More than two-thousand youth participants came for the weekend from all around the country. In addition, for every three to four youths, an adult volunteer was also in attendance.

Merit badges offered were Astronomy, Atomic Energy, Aviation, Chemistry, Computers, Electricity, Electronics, Engineering, Fire Safety, Medicine, Oceanography, Space Exploration, and Weather. Each, full-day course was taught by midshipmen, who were studying for degrees in related fields. Classes occasionally took breaks and midshipmen used the opportunity to give scouts a campus tour. Also, during the middle of the day, all scouts in attendance were compelled to attend a religious service of their choosing ranging from the very well attended Catholic mass to the Jewish discussion led by the Naval Academy Rabbi. Opening and closing ceremonies were impressive. Midshipmen Honor Guards raised and lowered the flags at the Quadrangle while wide-eyed scouts looked on. During the day, scouts were also treated to guest speakers and flashy videos all intended to promote military service and possibly application to a service academy.

When asked about the future of the event, professor Ertel said, "I hope [the event] outlives me. One of the skills we learn and teach at the Naval Academy is to document and communicate procedures and information. I think it is the sign of good Eagle Scouts and midshipmen that they be able to continue this event after I’m long gone."