University of Mississippi Engages Area Scouts for Learning, Life Advice

Over the weekend, the University of Mississippi played host to a crowd of young minds eager to learn and grow. Yet, these were not college students but Scouts from North Mississippi who had gathered for a unique learning occasion at the university.

Engaging Scouts for Superior Education

The occasion marked the third annual Merit Badge College hosted by the Chicksa District of the Boy Scouts of America’s Natchez Trace Council. Almost 130 Scouts assembled on campus, keen to learn about an array of subjects spanning archaeology, chemistry, citizenship, orienteering, and more. Many university faculty, staff, students, and alumnus led hands-on learning sessions, offering their expertise and passion for these subjects.

Developing Future Leaders

The event is much more than just earning badges, according to University of Mississippi Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Noel Wilkin, himself an Eagle Scout. He shared reflections on how scouting had positively affected his professional life and underscored the value of these merit badges.“It is important for us as people to know that what we are doing matters and the things we are about to do matters,” articulated Wilkin. “The merit badges, experiences and personal challenges that Scouting provided me significantly contributed to my success in every job that I have held.”

Matthew Shaner, an assistant professor of marketing and one of the instructors at the event, echoed Wilkin’s sentiments. “Scouts BSA is, first and foremost, an organization that trains young people how to be leaders,” Shaner said. “Any opportunity we get to encourage these Scouts’ development as business, civic and social leaders, especially through teaching opportunities like the Merit Badge College, is an investment in the future of our society.”

Learning and Fun Beyond the Classroom

Classes weren’t just confined to typical academic buildings. The university’s facilities were utilized to the fullest with sessions held in the Olivia and Archie Manning Athletics Performance Center and the University-Oxford Airport. Scouts enrolled in the Aviation merit badge even had the thrilling opportunity to experience flights around Lafayette County with two local pilots.

Seeing the Scouts purposefully crisscrossing the campus, engaged in different learning experiences or huddled with their instructors, was a sight to behold. The event showcased the perfect blend of learning with life advantages, significantly benefiting the Scouts.

Building a Bright Future

Provost Wilkin encouraged the Scouts to do their best in Scouts and beyond, to continue their education at the University of Mississippi and to build their lives and future proactively. “I commend you for being here,” he expressed earnestly. “I commend you for investing in your future, more importantly, I commend you for being proactive in creating the life and the future you want to have.”

The whole affair served as a reminder of the impactful collaboration between educational institutions and organizations like Boy Scouts of America. It demonstrated that combined initiatives like these could inspire and shape the future leaders of our society, making them capable, responsible, and world-ready.