The event was coordinated by Debbie Backes, Troop 17, Linn coordinator; Sheila Luebbert, LSTC Administrative Support Assistant-Curriculum; and Zak Wardell, LSTC Physics Instructor and Eagle Scout Alumnus (1986) Troop 35, Baltimore, Maryland.

Jerry Backes, Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 17 began Saturday by welcoming everyone and thanking LSTC employees, Merit Badge class instructors and Scout Leaders. Troop 17 Scouts assisted in the opening ceremonies. Jordan Backes, Troop 17 Assistant Patrol Leader, led the flag ceremony as Zach Backes, Zeb Hoffman and Sam Neuner raised the flag. Then participants recited the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Prior to the scouts heading to their classrooms for hands-on experience Dr. Donald Claycomb, LSTC President, welcomed everyone to the LSTC campus. In his speech Claycomb stated it was a pleasure and honor to work with Troop 17 in coordinating the Merit Badge College.

Vince Geiger, LSTC instructor, teaches Electronics while Sergeant Robert Relford teaches scouts about Fingerprinting.

“The things learned at Merit Badge College both broaden horizons and provide life skills for young men,” said Claycomb.

Emergency Preparedness and First Aid are both Eagle Rank required classes taught at Merit Badge College.

“The Merit Badge College went very well again this year. The boy scouts learned a lot and had a good time,” said Debbie Backes. “Linn State Technical College has an excellent facility for us to host this event and we hope to do it again next year.”