SCALE K-12 Brings Microelectronics Learning to Nation’s Largest Scouting Event
Scouts and Scout leaders from 26 states fill Purdue’s Elliott Hall of Music during the opening ceremony of the nation’s largest University of Scouting event on Dec. 6. More than 1,700 participants took part in the daylong program across campus.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — More than 1,700 Scouts and Scout leaders from 26 states gathered December 6 across Purdue University’s campus and the Greater Lafayette community for the nation’s largest “University of Scouting” event, delivered through a partnership between Scouting America’s Sagamore Council and Purdue’s Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, with financial support from IU Health and several additional sponsors.
The event transformed Purdue into a full day of hands-on learning, leadership training and STEM exploration. Youth participants engaged in more than 100 merit-badge courses spanning business, nature, STEM, hobbies, physical fitness, citizenship, personal development, aquatics and personal and community safety. With 116 merit badges offered, University of Scouting remains the largest merit-badge-based event of its kind in the country.
This year’s program showcased deep involvement from Purdue students, staff and faculty. Academic departments and campus groups hosted tables in the Purdue Armory vendor midway, while dozens of Purdue-led sessions took place in classrooms, labs and makerspaces in more than 30 campus buildings. Purdue volunteers helped lead merit-badge classes, STEM sessions, demonstrations and leader trainings, contributing to the efforts of the more than 300 volunteers who made the day possible.
Purdue Pete gives a thumbs-up while visiting the SCALE K-12 table in the Purdue Armory during the University of Scouting event. SCALE K-12 staff and students supported the day with STEM activities, merit badge instruction, and leader training sessions.
“In Scouting, our mission is to prepare young people for their futures,” said Bryon Haverstick, Assistant Scout Executive and Chief Operating Officer for the Sagamore Council. “Partnering with Purdue University and the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering allows us to create life-changing educational opportunities for youth from across the nation. Whether Scouts choose STEM-focused badges like Engineering, Aviation, Digital Technology, and AI, or pursue Citizenship, Skilled Trades, or Aquatics, they learn directly from Purdue faculty, staff, students, industry professionals, and community leaders in high-quality, hands-on environments.”
Purdue’s SCALE K-12 program played a significant role in the day’s educational offerings. The team hosted an information table, led an Electronics Merit Badge class and facilitated a troop-leader workshop focused on integrating engineering habits of mind into youth programming. Their involvement provided Scouts and leaders with opportunities to engage directly with Purdue’s nationally recognized STEM-education initiatives.
“It was a great opportunity for SCALE K-12 to participate in this national scouting event and share information about microelectronics and the semiconductor industry,” said Dr. Greg Strimel, Associate Professor of Engineering/Technology Teacher Education. “Scouts and their leaders were highly engaged and eager to learn. Using the microelectronics instructional materials developed through SCALE K-12 to support the Electronics Merit Badge was especially meaningful. We were inspired by the Scouts’ capabilities and hope this experience not only introduced them to potential careers in semiconductors but also provided leaders with new ideas for future activities.”
Community partners also contributed essential hands-on opportunities. Nearly 30 classes were held off-campus with subject-matter experts teaching at their places of work, ranging from horsemanship at Wild About Horses in West Point, to dentistry at Klondike Dental Care, to Truck Transportation supported by Old Dominion Freight Line and Subaru of Indiana Automotive. The event also featured an Online Auction powered by Geswein Farm & Land Realty and Auction, which offered Scouts a fully immersive learning environment for completing the Auctioneering Merit Badge. Local indoor facilities supported aquatics merit badges that included scuba, lifesaving, kayaking and canoeing.
University of Scouting has grown dramatically, 375% since 2023 and 31% over last year, which itself was the largest event to date. The program is now the largest single-day youth event hosted at Purdue and generated the largest single-day order in the country from Jimmy John’s. Organizers credit the rapid expansion to strategic partnerships with Purdue, local businesses and regional industries, which together create meaningful, real-world learning experiences for Scouts.
In the spirit of the Scout Oath’s commitment to “help other people at all times,” the event also included a community toy drive benefiting Lafayette Urban Ministry’s Jubilee Christmas and a blood drive supporting the American Red Cross amid ongoing national shortages.
Scouts, leaders, Purdue partners and volunteers departed the event having strengthened skills, explored new interests, and connected with experts across fields, embodying both the mission of Scouting and Purdue’s land-grant commitment to educational access and community impact.