On Feb. 27, Hampden-Sydney hosted the fifth annual Merit Badge Day for 38 Boy Scout troops from as far away as Virginia Beach and Northern Virginia. This event offered Scouts an opportunity to earn two badges of their choosing in classes taught by students, faculty, staff and alumni. The event was organized by Randy Reed ‘82, director of planned giving. 

Hampden-Sydney students volunteered throughout the day. James Crandall ‘16, taught scouting heritage. Once a Scout himself, Crandall noted parallels between the scouting mission and that of Hampden-Sydney; both focus on making good men and good leaders. As brothers of Chi Phi guided troops through campus, Scouts were provided with a close look at the college.

Economic professors Dr. Ken Townsend and Dr. Stephen Levkoff offered expertise on the American business merit badge. This comparatively rare merit badge, taught in a four-hour session, covers the fundamentals of business organization, banking, marketing, management, production and cost.

Instructors for the day included Brothers of Alpha Chi Sigma, Brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha, Fly Fishing Living and Learning Community, Taylor Anctil ‘16, Blake Auchmoody ‘82, Larry Brandon ‘76, Crandall, Sam Forbes ‘16, Kyle Hart ‘16, Dr. Lee King ‘94, Levkoff, Noel Malave, Rucker Snead ‘81, Townsend, and Dr. Rob Wade ‘91.