Teaching Boy Scouts with Alpha Phi Omega

Note: This event happened last week on Sep 20th.

Even though I have joined Alpha Phi Omega, a fraternity that promotes the spirit of "Be Of Service, Be A Friend and Be A Leader", which resembles Scout Spirit, I had never seen a boy scout in my life until last week at Clemson University. 

American boy scouts

It was a service called Merit Badge University in which APO members provided essential knowledge for boy scouts through whole-day lectures. At 7 AM, member of Alpha Eta Nu chapter of Furman University started heading to Clemson. There were hundreds of boy scouts in tens of lines - most of whom were high school freshmen.

I was the teaching assistant of the Citizenship in the World class. The lecture was delivered by two Clemson APO juniors. Most of the boys in my class were freshmen; the oldest one was a junior. We mostly talked about current events like Whether Scotland should gain independence over UK; Whether the US should treat Ebola-positive American citizens in the home country with top-notch researchers and doctors; and Whether the US should intervene in the Syrian Civil War. The boys were super energetic - they raised their hand for every single question that we brought up for discussion!

I could see the courtesy and honesty in every act inside and outside the classroom. After the courses, the boys gained Merit Badges as certifications. I'm sure that each of them learned something from the classes and therefore, they truly deserved the badges.

Samples of Merit Badges for Scouts

Overall, I loved the experience with my brothers and would love to go more! Isn't it a worthwhile experience being under the heat, waiting in an endless line for pizzas and talking to your brothers about your meaningful work?

Photos of the event in Furman APO closed group - All brothers at Furman!

Love doing service? Join Alpha Phi Omega - Be a rushee by attending our meeting any Wednesday 7:00 PM at Johns Hall 101!!