AUGUSTA — Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, turned 115 years old Feb. 8, and Scouts from central, western and southern Maine celebrated by doing something Scouts have done since the program began: they earned merit badges.

The Kennebec Valley District hosted its annual Merit Badge College at Augusta’s First Church of the Nazarene and welcomed Scouts from municipalities including Augusta, Winthrop, Chelsea, Windsor, Gorham, Falmouth, Wilton and Pittsfield, according to a news release from Chuck Mahaleris.

“I am very impressed by our Scouts. While other kids are sitting at home playing video games, these Scouts are learning about Graphic Arts, Architecture, and Digital Technology. The Merit Badge College could not happen without the volunteer Scouting leaders who are giving up three Saturdays to develop tomorrow’s leaders,” Program Chair Julie McKenney said in the release.

McKenney, of Belgrade, stressed that these instructors are experts in the fields they are teaching.

They include Ryan Poulin of Sidney, president of New Dimensions Credit Union, who taught Personal Management Merit Badge. Augusta Troop 603 Star Scout Elizabeth Blais of Windsor participated in the class. “Merit Badges teach you important skills you can use throughout your life,” Blais said. She hopes to be an Eagle Scout one day.

Chris Clark of Damariscotta is a Tenderfoot Scout in Troop 213, which draws in Scouts from all over Lincoln County. “I like learning things in Scouting. It’s fun,” Clark said during the Coin Collecting Merit Badge class.

Theresea Poirier of Augusta, one of the organizers, said that over the course of three Saturdays nearly 50 Scouts will earn a total of 84 merit badges.

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