Campus group offers mentoring program to Boy, Girl Scouts
By GAYLE WEBER
A new organization at Fort Hays State University will allow students to reach out to youth in the community.
The FHSU Campus Scouts formed this semester in an effort to allow college students to work with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in the Hays area.
"I want to be able to go back and apply the things I learned and teach them to other scouts," said senior Sheridan Thompson, the group's president.
The group's initial goal is to start a mentoring program. Thompson and other group leaders hope the college students participating will go through the registration process with both Boy and Girl Scouts of America to be able to volunteer with local troops.
"I firmly believe in what scouting has to offer," said freshman Adam Rusk, the group's vice president. "The scout skills definitely are important ... but there's the motto, the oath that are very good to live by."
Rusk spent 11 years in Boy Scouts, advancing to Eagle Scout at age 18.
"I believe it teaches the right things, the right skills, and it brings you closer to other Boy Scouts from around the country and around the world," Rusk said.
Jennifer Amrein, volunteer services manager with Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland, said she hopes the connections the college students make with the younger scouts will be the greatest benefit to having the college group.
"We always have troops in Hays and the surrounding communities that maybe have a leader but still need someone else to help with the troop," Amrein said. "I think the girls and boys can connect with college students at an easier level."
Along with starting its mentoring program, the Campus Scouts will be helping with the Thin Mint Sprint, a fundraiser for Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland on Dec. 5.
The group also hopes to eventually expand its offerings. Rusk said they've discussed hosting a Campus Camporee that would help local scouts get their merit badges.
"We're also thinking about turning the Campus Scouts into a venturing crew," Rusk said.